THE LORD'S SUPPER

1 Cor. 11:23-26

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE TRUE MESSAGE OF THE LORD'S SUPPER

1. There is no saving power in communion. [Gal. 2:16, Titus 3:5]

-Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

-Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

2. It is not a sacrament, it is an ordinance.

1 of 2 given in the N.T. for believers only. The other is baptism by immersion.

3. It symbolizes the death of Christ. [1 Cor. 11:23-26]

It sets forth the broken body (not bones) and shed blood of Christ, just as baptism pictures the same and His resurrection.

 

II. IT POINTS IN 3 DIRECTIONS [1 Co. 11:26]

1. A past transaction

2. A present experience

3. A future event

 

III. PREPARATION FOR THE LORD'S SUPPER

1. Review & examine [1 Cor. 11:27-32, 2 Co. 13:5]

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

2. Repent & rely [1 Jn. 1:9]

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

3. Rededicate & partake [Rm. 12:1-2, 1 Co. 11:28b] "...so let him..."

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.