The Purpose & Power of the Lord’s Supper
Introduction:
It
is difficult to overestimate the importance or significance of the LS. Thomas
Campbell: NT Worship ceases when the LS is not observed every Lord’s Day. In Matthew
26:26-30 – Jesus observed the Passover for the last time. Luke’s gospel
says this last Passover was extremely important & very special to Jesus.
After the Passover meal, the LS was instituted. It was to be done in the memory
of Jesus Christ. The importance of properly observing the LS cannot be
overemphasized. See 1 Cor.
11:20-22; 27, 29-30.
I. The
purpose of the Supper.
A.
It is a Memorial – Lk. 22:19 – This Do in Remembrance of Me.
1.
Paul’s writing: 1 Cor. 11:23-25
a)
Eat the bread in memory of His body.
b)
Drink the FOV in memory of the blood He shed.
B.
It is a communion. 1 Cor. 10:16-17
1.
It is a sharing in the blood of Christ.
2.
We pause to reflect on the blessings we enjoy through
Christ.
3.
We reinforce the blessings of our fellowship while we
break bread.
4.
The Lord’s table should prevent all bitterness &
back biting among those who share a place in the body of Christ.
II. The observance of the Supper.
A.
1 Cor. 11:27, 29 – it is to be done with
reverence. In a worthy manner.
1.
Describes HOW we partake of it. KJV problem: worthily.
2.
11:29 – discern literally means to “look through.”
a)
What we
discern serves as an anchor to our faith!
3.
Any
thoughtless, careless participation at the Lord’s Table is a failure to
discern!
B.
1 Cor. 11:28 – it is a time of self examination.
1.
Am I living
in a manner that shows appreciation for this sacrifice?
2.
Am I living
for Jesus who died for me? Gal. 2:20;
2 Cor. 5:14-15
3.
Have I
accepted His grace into my life? 2
Cor. 5:18-6:1
4.
Am I engaging
in willful sin? Heb. 10:26-29
5.
Is there sin
I am unwilling to repent of? Heb.
6:4-6
III. the Power of the Lord’s Supper
A.
1 Cor. 11:26 –we proclaim the Lord’s death.
B.
Participation in the LS proclaims:
1.
the vital fact of the gospel – 1 Cor. 15:1-4
2.
While we were
yet sinners, Christ died for us. Rom.
5:8
3.
It affirms that our faith is alive and well.
4.
It testifies that Jesus is not dead, but is alive
& well.
5.
11:26b - It declares that He is coming
6.
It states that judgment is sure – Acts 17:30-31
C.
The LS looks forward as well as backward – and
will ever be observed by those who trust in His redemption & anticipate His
return!
Conclusion:
A.
The LS is a very special memorial of His death for our
sins.
B.
Christians today should never lose sight of its
significance.
C.
Do you have fellowship with Christ?