Worship – Lord’s Supper

I. Introduction

A. Continue study of Acts of Worship

1. Worship in General

2. Prayer as Worship

B. Today, we want to consider one of the acts of worship that

1. Despite the seriousness of the actions there are those who misuse.

2. Despite the Fellowship that is enjoyed there are those who neglect it

3. Despite the plainness of the instructions there are those who continue to change it

C. This important Act of worship is referred to by various terms in the Bible

1. Breaking of Bread Acts 2:42, 20:7

2. Communion 1 Cor. 10:16

3. Lord’s Table 1 Cor. 10:21

4. Lord’s Supper 1 Cor. 11:20

II. Before considering what it is or even how it is to be properly observed, I want to show you the origin of this spiritual feast.

A. For this we go to Matt 26

1. At the final days of Christ those plotting to Kill Jesus – v 1-5

2. v – 6-13 the anointing of Jesus in Bethany

3. v – 14-16 Agreement to betray by one of his own

B. Read Matt 26: 17-25

1. Remind Jesus lived under the Old Testament law.

2. Recall the Passover feast as instructed in Ex. 12

a) While making ready to depart from Egypt the Israelites

b) Instructions given to remember this day with unleavened bread – Ex 13:3, 7 (See also Ex 12:19-20)

C. Christ used the elements of the Passover feast when he established the Lord’s Supper

1. Matt 26:26 – Bread (unleavened)

2. Matt 26:27-28 – Cup (fruit of the vine)

III. Having seen the institution or beginning of the communion one might ask, “What does it mean to those who partake?”

A. To better see the purpose of the supper let me remind you of what the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth regarding the event.

B. The Lord’s Supper is a Memorial – 1 Cor 11:23-25

1. We know what memorials are

a) War memorials, Statues, tombstones

b) Physical things to remind us of something or someone in the past

2. This do in remembrance of me

a) We eat the unleavened bread in memory of his body

b) We drink the fruit of the vine remembering his blood

3. Just as the Passover was to remind the Israelites of their deliverance from Egypt by God, the supper is a memorial of our Lord’s death that delivers us from the bondage of sin.

C. The Lord’s Supper is a proclamation 1 Cor. 11:26

1. NKJV, ASV, NRSV all use the word proclaim for “shew” in KJV.

2. With the observance of the LS we declare the death of Christ until he comes

3. Thus it points backward as well as forward

D. The Lord’s Supper is a Communion – 1 Cor. 10:16-17

1. Communion – fellowship, we are partakers or sharing in the blood and body of Christ

2. As part of the church, his body we are made part of Christ

a) Col 1:18-21

b) Those outside do not enjoy the fellowship or the blessings of his body and blood.

IV. The Bible also teaches that the observance of the memorial is also very important in our worship to God and should not be taken lightly.

A. The observance is to be done with reverence – 1 Cor 11:27,29

1. It is to be observed “in a worthy manner”

2. Our of respect for the supreme price Jesus paid for our sins

a) The cruel torture and humiliation of His physical body

b) The spiritual anguish suffered as He bore the punishment for our sins

3. To make light of this memorial is to put one in the same category as those who mocked Him as He hung on the cross

B. The observance is a time for self-examination – 1 Cor 11:28

1. Are we living in a manner that shows appreciation for His sacrifice?

2. Or are we by willful sinning, guilty of having:

a) “trampled the Son of God underfoot”?

b) “counted the blood by which we were sanctified a common thing”?

c) “insulted the spirit of grace”? cf. Heb 10:26-29

3. Do we, by refusing to repent of our sins, “crucify again for them selves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame”? cf. Heb 6:4-6

4. In one very important way the supper of the Lord is a private matter between a child of God and the Father, a time to reflect the past and to resolve for the future.

C. It is to be observed with other Christians

1. There are many verses that indicate the Supper is designed to be taken with others

2. The disciples “came together” to break bread – Acts 20:7

3. When they came together, they were to “wait for one another” – 1 Cor 11:33

D. It is to be observed often

1. The bible gives us authoritative examples that it was done weekly

a) First day of the week Acts 20:7

b) How many weeks have a first day?

2. Some believe that a weekly observance diminishes the importance of the Supper

a) Which is why some do it monthly, or annually, etc.

b) But does the frequent practice of

(1) Assembly diminish its value and importance

(2) Singing praises and offering prayers devalue their worth

(3) Preaching and studying the Word of God decrease the significance to our lives?

V. Conclusion

A. The act of worship we commonly call the Lord’s Supper is a special memorial of the death of our Lord.

1. Jesus instituted it himself

2. Asked his disciples to do in memory

B. The Bible gives plain instructions for what elements to use and when it should occur

1. Every first day of the week

2. Eat unleavened bread

3. Drink of the fruit of the vine

4. Remembering the death of Christ

5. Looking forward to His return

C. The partaking of the LS is a vital part of our worship to God

1. Yes the physical action of worship involved here occurs only once a week

2. But the mental preparation involves every waking hour

D. Remember also that only those who are part of the church that Christ purchased with His blood have the blessed privilege of communing with Him around His table.

1. If you are not a child of God, you do not enjoy this blessing plus have eternity in hell to look forward to.

2. If you are an erring child remember what Paul says in
1 Cor 11:29