The Lord's Supper - Part Three

(Abusing the Lord's Supper)

 

FILING INFORMATION:

98038

Subject: The Lord's Supper

Preached Originally: 07/19/98 - Rapid City, SD

 

I.  Introduction.

A.    We continue our discussion concerning the LS.  3rd and final installment of the series.  Hope you've enjoyed it.

B.    We wish to discuss how the LS can be abused.

1.    Abuse common in society around us.

a.    drug/alcohol abuse plague millions

b.    child, spousal, elderly abuse common…

2.    these abuses hurt those around us - perhaps family, friends, the community around us, and ultimately the country…

C.   In NT we find that the LS can be abused.

1.    many abuse LS and do not even know they are doing it.

2.    This hurts the church and it places individual souls at risk.

D.   Abusing LS a problem of Corinthian brethren.  Refer to 1 Cor. 11

1.    11:17 - coming together for the worse: congregation actually being harmed by the assembly rather than being edified by it.

2.    11:18 - coming together in a divided state

a.    notice also 1 Cor. 1:10

b.    refers to cliques in local church.  There were detailed accounts of schisms between brethren continually reaching Paul.

3.    11:19 - coming together w/the allegiance to a man…

4.    11:20 - coming together w/no thought as to the significance to the LS.

a.    most commentators believe/refer their actions to a love feast.

b.    Turned the LS into a common meal.  Refer to v. 21.

c.     By time rich finished meal = drunk.  Poor still hungry.  Their purpose behind the LS seemed to be recreational in nature…

d.    No way they were in the proper frame of mind to partake of the LS in a pleasing way.

5.    11:27-29 - were coming together w/no discernment of the Lord's body.

a.    11:23 - Paul reminds them that Christ expected them to correct the problem.

b.    V. 23-25 - a direct revelation from Jesus.

E.    Very clear to see from Scriptures that we are expected to partake of LS in a manner well pleasing to God!

F.    Very likely that we as Christians today would not violate the LS in the exact way the Corinthian brethren did.

1.    but, it is possible we may still abuse it.

2.    Let's be aware & make necessary correction in our lives where necessary.

 

II.  How can we abuse the Lord's Supper?

A.    When there is no anticipation of worship.

1.    Christianity a religion from the heart.  Must have Christ in our heart as we focus upon worshipping Him.

a.    term heart commonly refers to our mind - not fleshly blood pumping organ...

b.    Mt. 15:8-9 - describes attitude of Jews in days of Christ.  Notice: UNPLEASING TO GOD!

c.     Seems Jews just going through the motions.  No thought to what they were doing.  No reverence to God whatsoever!

d.    Possible for Christians to do the same today!  What about you?

1.    while worshipping is your heart on God?

2.    Some: mind centered upon paying bills; lunch; weather; whatever…

2.  worship to be meaningful part of our lives.  Does it bother you when you miss services???

a.    Psa. 122:1 - need attitude of David.

b.    Heb. 10:24-25 - do you want to come together & stir up one another to love & good works?

c.     Acts 20:7 - does it mean much to you to come together & listen to word of God?

3.  If we do not anticipate worshipping God, the LS becomes just crackers & grape juice!

a.    need to examine our hearts & make sure that we look forward to worshipping the Lord!

B.    If we think the LS is all that matters.

1.    some brethren have elevated LS to being superior to every other act of worship!

a.    drive through LS…not desired properly…want preacher to come out to car & serve LS to them personally…

b.    some:  show up for LS only & then leave!

2.    must realize there are 4 other avenues of worship & they are equally important as the LS!

a.    S, G, P, & P.  Christians expected to observe & practice these just as much as the LS!

b.    Who has the right to elevate one act of worship above the other?

3.    Yes,…Acts 20:7 tells us that one of the main purposes of the early church assembly was to observe the LS.

a.    from other NT passages we find that the 4 other acts of worship also observed when they came together. 

b.    No precedent set in any passage in NT that elevates LS over other acts of worship!  Disagree???  Find & cite scripture.

4.    Must move away from the attitude that nothing else matters as long as one partakes of the LS!  To do so is to abuse it & to cause one to partake unworthy!

C.   By sporadic attendance.

1.    sporadic attendance a growing problem by many brethren - even brethren here at Southside!  Must get out of the habit!

a.    expected by Christ to partake of the LS every Sunday!

1.    Heb. 10:25 - not to willfully forsake.  Christians expected to be here!

2.    Acts 20:7 - FC disciples were in habit of being there on Sunday.

3.    1 Cor. 11:26 - notice word often.  Should want to reflect upon Christ & His life as often as possible to help us keep our spiritual priorities straight.

2.    Not talking about sickness; emergencies; uncontrollable situations.  These arise & confront all of us from time to time.

3.    However some don't consider attending services that important & consider

a.    recreation; vacation; hobbies…

b.    all sorts of things more important than being present of worship.

4.    then,…when do assemble - partake of the LS as if everything OK.

5.    HOW DARE SOMEONE DO THIS!

6.    Only fool yourself that everything is OK w/God!

D.   By thinking that partaking of the LS will bring forgiveness of sin.

1.    LS not instituted for cleansing one from sin!

a.    Lk. 22:19 - do this in remembrance of Me!  Here is the major purpose of the LS!

b.    Remember last week's lesson: we outlined purposes for partaking & this (forgiveness of sins) not one of them!

2.    Rev. 1:5 - we are cleansed through precious blood of Jesus Christ NOT the Lord's Supper!

a.    partaking of LS doesn’t make everything all right!

b.    Doesn't make up for time spent in indifference to the cause of Christ.

3.    LS reminds us of what Jesus had to do so that the cleansing of sin would be possible.

a.    how are we forgiven?

b.    Acts 8:22-23 - by repentance & prayer!

E.    By being willfully absent Sunday AM & then showing Sunday PM.

1.    NT teaches that the church to come together & all partake of the LS.

a.    1 Cor. 11:17-18, 20 - to be done when the congregation is assembled together.

b.    1 Cor. 10:16-17 - notice precedent set forth here.

2.    again = not talking about sickness; emergencies; uncontrollable situations.

3.    Some in past had attitude that it's OK to miss one service & make it up that evening/morning.

a.    place fishing trips, vacation, family visits, etc. in from of attending.

b.    Have attitude, well, I'll just partake of the LS tonight…

1.    not proper attitude and this is an abuse of the expedient of having the LS on Sunday PM!

2.    NOTE:  one may abuse the morning service just as well and partake of the LS in unworthy manner.

c.     need to make sure our attitude is acceptable before God!

 

III.  Conclusion.

A.    Enough abuses in world w/o abusing the LS!  Need to be aware of the attitudes & motives behind our actions so that we will be pleasing to God.

B.    Goal should always be to come together for the better and not for worse.

1.    LS for faithful children of God!  Are you faithful?

2.    LS to remind us of Christ's death.

3.    LS to be remembered EVERY first day of the week.

C.   Have you partaken of the LS?

1.    Answer = "no." because you are not a Christian then OBEY!

2.    Answer = "no." because you are unfaithful then OBEY!

D.  I N V I T A T I O N