[ ] 4/3/2005 #598
PREPARATION FOR THE LORD’S SUPPER
1 Corinthians 11:23-32
INTRODUCTION: The Lord Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. The Table of the Lord speaks of a new covenant with God, communion with the Savior, and celebration for the saved. We are not to approach the Table of the Lord carelessly, lightly, or with a spirit of indifference.
I. SIGNIFICANCE
A. REMINDER OF OUR REDEEMER. (v. 24-25 “remembrance of me”)
1. Christ’s sacrifice for sin.
2. Christ’s salvation for the sinner.
B. REMINDER OF OUR REDEMPTION. (v. 24 “is broken for you”)
C. REMINDER OF CHRIST’S RETURN. (v. 26)
1. Proclaim Christ’s death.
2. Prepare for Christ’s coming.
II. SACREDNESS
A. HOLY COMMANDMENT OF CHRIST. (“this do”)
B. HOLY COMMUNION WITH CHRIST. (1 Cor. 10:16)
"The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?" (1Co 10:16)
C. HOLY COVENANT WITH CHRIST.
“This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” (Lk. 22:20)
“The table truly symbolizes the holiness of the Lord and His sacred presence.”
III. SERIOUSNESS
A. PROFANING OF THE LORD. (v. 27)
B. PUNISHMENT FROM THE LORD.
1. Convicted by the Lord. (v. 29)
2. Chastised by the Lord. (v. 30)
Warren Wiersbe: “ Chastening is God’s loving way of dealing with His sons and daughters to encourage them to mature (Heb. 12:1-11).”
IV. SELF-EXAMINATION
A. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BELIEVER. (v. 28)
1. Examine one’s heart and life. (v. 28)
2. Confess one’s sin and repent. (v. 31)
B. REASON FOR GOD’S CHASTISEMENT. (v. 32)
1. Love for His children. (Heb. 12:6)
2. Protecting them from condemnation with the world.
LESSONS FOR LIFE:
1. The Lord’s Supper is His invitation for us to enter into His presence and have communion with Him. It is a divine privilege to participate in the Supper.
2. We must judge the sin in our lives. If we judge not our sin, the Lord will chastise us if we are His children.
3. The Lord desires to have fellowship with us. Sin breaks that fellowship. Confession and repentance of sin restore us to God.
4. Unconfessed sin robs us of joy and fellowship with Jesus. The Lord’s Supper is a time of celebration for the Christian.