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?