The Lord’s Supper: Five Pillars of the Holy Communion
Text: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
Introduction: Beyond the Ritual
The Lord’s Supper is one of the two foundational ordinances given to the Church (Matthew 28:19; Luke 22:19). It is far more than a religious tradition or a break in the service; it is a divine institution saturated with profound spiritual weight. In his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul finds a church in chaos, abusing this sacred moment. His correction serves as our definitive guide to understanding what the Table truly represents.
I. A Sacred Memorial: Remembering Christ
"Do this in remembrance of me." (1 Corinthians 11:24-25)
The Lord’s Supper demands a conscious exercise of the mind. To "remember" is not a passive thought, but a deliberate focus on the historical reality of the Gospel.
• The Content of Memory: We remember His perfect life, His sacrificial death, and His victorious resurrection.
• Fact over Feeling: This is not empty emotionalism or vague mysticism. Our faith is anchored in real history.
Application: When you take the elements, do not let your mind wander. Center your thoughts entirely on the Person and Work of Jesus Christ.
II. A Spiritual Act: Feeding the Soul
While the bread and cup are physical, the act of Communion is deeply spiritual (1 Corinthians 11:28; John 6:53-56).
• Spiritual Presence: We do not believe in a mere physical transformation of the elements, but we believe Christ is spiritually present among those who gather in His name (Matthew 18:20).
• Appropriation by Faith: The bread and wine do not save; it is the faith that "feeds" on Christ that strengthens the soul and renews our bond with Him.
Application: Approach the Table with a living faith, expecting a genuine spiritual encounter that nourishes your inner man.
III. A Proclamation of the Gospel
"For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26)
The Table is a "visual sermon." It is a multi-directional testimony:
• To the Past: It points to the finished work of the Cross.
• To the Present: It declares our current communion with the Living Lord.
• To the Future: It announces our unwavering hope in His return.
Application: Every time you participate, you are witnessing to the world and the heavens that Christ died, is alive, and is coming back.
IV. A Moral Act: The Necessity of Self-Examination
"Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup." (1 Corinthians 11:27-29)
The Table is for sinners, but it is not for those who cling to their sin with pride.
• The Nature of Examination: It requires sincere repentance, a broken heart, and reconciliation with our brothers and sisters.
• The Gravity of the Act: Paul warns that participating "unworthily"—disrespecting the sacrifice or the Body—carries heavy consequences (1 Cor 11:30-32). Weakness, sickness, and even death visited the Corinthian church as divine discipline. This discipline is not for condemnation, but for the correction of those God loves.
Application: Before the elements reach your hand, let confession reach your lips. Forgive as you have been forgiven.
V. An Expression of Church Unity
"So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together." (1 Corinthians 11:33)
The crisis in Corinth was one of egoism and division. The wealthy were feasting while the poor went hungry. Paul reminds them that the Supper is a communal act.
• The Body is One: You cannot have a "private" communion. The Table levels the ground; there is no hierarchy here, only the equality of grace.
• Visible Grace: If there is no love among the members, the ritual becomes a lie.
Application: Value and love the Body of Christ. You cannot commune with the Head (Christ) while being at war with His members.
- An Ordinance and a Real Means of Grace
- Celebrating the Memorial of the Redemptive Work
- Beyond Ritual: A Real Spiritual Experience
- +10 Sermons for Communion Service: The Lord’s Supper.
Conclusion
The Lord’s Supper is a multifaceted diamond of the Christian faith. It is:
• A Look Backward to our Redemption.
• A Look Upward to our present Savior.
• A Look Inward to our own hearts.
• A Look Around at our brothers and sisters.
• A Look Forward to the Great Banquet.
Let us partake with reverence, joy, and a renewed commitment to the one who gave His all for us. Amen.
