The Lord’s Supper: The The Lord’s Supper: The death our Lord Jesus death our Lord Jesus

Christ observedChrist observed

Tim Bench Tim Bench

False Doctrines of ManFalse Doctrines of Man

January 13, 2015. January 13, 2015.

The Lord’s SupperThe Lord’s Supper

Also known as…Also known as… The Communion (see 1 Corinthians 10:16).The Communion (see 1 Corinthians 10:16). The Breaking Of Bread (Acts 2:42, 20:7).The Breaking Of Bread (Acts 2:42, 20:7). The Eucharist, from the Greek The Eucharist, from the Greek eucharisteoeucharisteo, ,

or "giving of thanks", which Christ did at or "giving of thanks", which Christ did at the time of its institution (Matthew 26:26-the time of its institution (Matthew 26:26-27, 1 Corinthians 11:24). 27, 1 Corinthians 11:24).

Matthew 26:17-30Matthew 26:17-30; ; Mark 14:22-24Mark 14:22-24; ; Luke 13:26Luke 13:26; ; 22:19,2022:19,20; ; John 13:1-4John 13:1-4; ; Acts 2:42,46,47Acts 2:42,46,47; ; 20:720:7; ; 1 Corinthians 10:16,17,21,221 Corinthians 10:16,17,21,22; ; 11:20-3411:20-34

WhenWhen is the Lord’s Supper to is the Lord’s Supper to be taken?be taken?

Christians came together on Christians came together on the first day of the week to the first day of the week to "break bread" (see Acts "break bread" (see Acts 20:7).20:7).

"Breaking bread" is also a "Breaking bread" is also a reference to the Lord's reference to the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 10:16-Supper (1 Corinthians 10:16-17).17).

Www.lavistachurchofchrist.Www.lavistachurchofchrist.orgorg

““....concerning Acts 20:7, what do we learn from the context? ....concerning Acts 20:7, what do we learn from the context? First, it was done on Sundays when the disciples came together First, it was done on Sundays when the disciples came together for the purpose of breaking bread. Whatever the meal was, it for the purpose of breaking bread. Whatever the meal was, it was something that only occurred once a week. If it was a was something that only occurred once a week. If it was a common meal, you would not expect it to be restricted to a common meal, you would not expect it to be restricted to a single day of the week. After all, in Acts 2:46 we see that sharing single day of the week. After all, in Acts 2:46 we see that sharing meals was sometimes a daily event. But this particular meal meals was sometimes a daily event. But this particular meal made Sundays an important day of the week. Second, it required made Sundays an important day of the week. Second, it required the disciples to come together to partake of this breaking of the disciples to come together to partake of this breaking of bread. This calls to mind Paul's discussion of the Lord's Supper bread. This calls to mind Paul's discussion of the Lord's Supper in I Corthians 11. Notice how often the phrase "come together" in I Corthians 11. Notice how often the phrase "come together" appears in this discussion (I Corithians 11:17, 18, 20, 33). Third, appears in this discussion (I Corithians 11:17, 18, 20, 33). Third, while some early churches meet in a disciple's home, the group while some early churches meet in a disciple's home, the group in Troas meet in an upper room (Acts 20:8). Once again, we see in Troas meet in an upper room (Acts 20:8). Once again, we see that this is a special gathering, separate from the home.that this is a special gathering, separate from the home.

The conclusion can only be that Acts 20:7 is referring to the The conclusion can only be that Acts 20:7 is referring to the partaking of the Lord's Supper.”partaking of the Lord's Supper.”

Acts 20:7 as per JW McGarveyActs 20:7 as per JW McGarveySee 8-1-1963 “Gospel Guardian” at See 8-1-1963 “Gospel Guardian” at

www.wordsfitlyspoken.orgwww.wordsfitlyspoken.org

““The disciples came together on that day, even though Paul The disciples came together on that day, even though Paul and Luke and Timothy, and all the brethren who had and Luke and Timothy, and all the brethren who had come from Greece, were present, not primarily to hear come from Greece, were present, not primarily to hear one or more of them discourse, but "to break bread." one or more of them discourse, but "to break bread." Such is the distinct statement of the historian. That such Such is the distinct statement of the historian. That such was an established custom in the Churches is implied in a was an established custom in the Churches is implied in a rebuke administered by Paul to the Church at Corinth, in rebuke administered by Paul to the Church at Corinth, in which he says: "When you come together into one place, which he says: "When you come together into one place, it is not to eat the Lord's Supper." (I Cor. 11:20) Now, for it is not to eat the Lord's Supper." (I Cor. 11:20) Now, for this they would not have deserved censure, had it not this they would not have deserved censure, had it not been that to eat the Lord's supper was the proper object been that to eat the Lord's supper was the proper object of their assemblage. These facts are sufficient to of their assemblage. These facts are sufficient to establish the conclusion that the main object of the establish the conclusion that the main object of the Lord's-day meetings was to break the loaf.”Lord's-day meetings was to break the loaf.”

1 Corinthians 11:23-341 Corinthians 11:23-34 23 For I have received of the Lord that which 23 For I have received of the Lord that which

also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:bread:

24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

25 After the same manner also he took the cup, 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.come.

27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 11:23-341 Corinthians 11:23-34 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat

of that bread, and drink of that cup.of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily,

eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.discerning the Lord's body.

30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.you, and many sleep.

31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.judged.

32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.world.

33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together 33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.to eat, tarry one for another.

34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that 34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.rest will I set in order when I come.

UpwardUpward

Luke 22:19…”And he took bread, and Luke 22:19…”And he took bread, and gave gave thanksthanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, , and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.”you: this do in remembrance of me.”

Matthew 26:27…And he took the cup, and Matthew 26:27…And he took the cup, and gave thanksgave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, , and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it..”.Drink ye all of it..”.

We should express gratitude and thanks via We should express gratitude and thanks via prayer for sacrificing himself for all of us. It prayer for sacrificing himself for all of us. It was the death of Jesus which made the new was the death of Jesus which made the new covenant possible (Hebrews 10:10), and it covenant possible (Hebrews 10:10), and it was the blood of Jesus shed for the was the blood of Jesus shed for the remission of our sins (Ephesians 1:7).remission of our sins (Ephesians 1:7).

BackwardBackward

1 Corinthians 11:24-25, “And when he 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, “And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: is broken for you: this do in this do in remembrance of me.remembrance of me.

After the same manner also he took After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my this cup is the new testament in my blood: blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of mein remembrance of me.”.”

The Lord’s Supper is a memorial to The Lord’s Supper is a memorial to keep the memory, sacrifice, and keep the memory, sacrifice, and death of Jesus in our hearts. death of Jesus in our hearts.

OutwardOutward

1 Corinthians 11:26, “For as often as ye 1 Corinthians 11:26, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shewshew the Lord's death till he come.” the Lord's death till he come.”

““Shew” is derived from the Greek Shew” is derived from the Greek “kataggello” and is defined as “to announce, “kataggello” and is defined as “to announce, declare, promulgate, make known, to declare, promulgate, make known, to proclaim publicly…” proclaim publicly…” (see The New Testament Greek (see The New Testament Greek Lexicon, Strong’s Number 2605). Lexicon, Strong’s Number 2605).

As we partake of Communion, we are As we partake of Communion, we are proclaiming to a largely-apathetic world proclaiming to a largely-apathetic world that Christ died. that Christ died.

ForwardForward

1 Corinthians 11:26, “For as 1 Corinthians 11:26, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew drink this cup, ye do shew the the Lord's death till he comeLord's death till he come.”.”

The Lord’s Supper The Lord’s Supper demonstrates that we as demonstrates that we as Christians look longingly Christians look longingly forward to the return of Jesus forward to the return of Jesus ChristChrist (see also Titus 2:13 and 2 Peter 3:12). (see also Titus 2:13 and 2 Peter 3:12).

InwardInward

1 Corinthians 11:28-29, “But let 1 Corinthians 11:28-29, “But let a man examine himself, and so a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.drink of that cup.

For he that eateth and drinketh For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.”discerning the Lord's body.”

An examination of our inner An examination of our inner selvesselves

Communion is a perfect time to reflect upon one's spiritual Communion is a perfect time to reflect upon one's spiritual condition, examining our own hearts and dedication to the condition, examining our own hearts and dedication to the Lord.Lord.

Are we living in a manner that shows appreciation Are we living in a manner that shows appreciation for His sacrifice? Do we accept the infinite grace of for His sacrifice? Do we accept the infinite grace of God in our lives? (2 Corinthians 5:18). Are we living God in our lives? (2 Corinthians 5:18). Are we living for Jesus who died for us? (2 Corinthians 5:14-15, for Jesus who died for us? (2 Corinthians 5:14-15, Galatians 2:20). Galatians 2:20).

Or are we living in a manner that shows disregard Or are we living in a manner that shows disregard for His sacrifice? Do we sin willfully? (Hebrews 10:26-for His sacrifice? Do we sin willfully? (Hebrews 10:26-29). Do we refuse to repent and turn from our errant 29). Do we refuse to repent and turn from our errant ways? (Hebrews 6:4-6). ways? (Hebrews 6:4-6).

Am I partaking in an appropriate manner? Is my mind Am I partaking in an appropriate manner? Is my mind and heart focused on the Lord’s sacrifice and death? and heart focused on the Lord’s sacrifice and death? Does my mind wander off to the trivial and earthly? Does my mind wander off to the trivial and earthly? Am I focused on the presence of the Lord?Am I focused on the presence of the Lord?

The Lord’s Supper is of eternal importance…we must The Lord’s Supper is of eternal importance…we must observe it correctly or else risk our eternal salvation.observe it correctly or else risk our eternal salvation.

ConclusionsConclusions ““Why do we partake of the Lord’s Supper? Why do we partake of the Lord’s Supper? Well, it reminds us of the love of God and the price that Well, it reminds us of the love of God and the price that

Jesus so dearly paid on the cross. The Lord’s Supper Jesus so dearly paid on the cross. The Lord’s Supper humbles us as we consider sins that we’ve committed; humbles us as we consider sins that we’ve committed; and communion prompts us to confess our sins and and communion prompts us to confess our sins and repent of them. We realize that remembering the cross repent of them. We realize that remembering the cross will keep us spiritually strong and faithful. Remembering will keep us spiritually strong and faithful. Remembering the cross helps me to overcome sin. You see, I can’t look the cross helps me to overcome sin. You see, I can’t look at the cross and desire sin at the same time. The cross at the cross and desire sin at the same time. The cross strengthens our devotion and our resolve to follow Christ strengthens our devotion and our resolve to follow Christ and it makes us want to do more in His service and to and it makes us want to do more in His service and to stay away from sin. stay away from sin.

When churches observe the Lord’s Supper, they tell the When churches observe the Lord’s Supper, they tell the whole world they believe in Jesus Christ and that they whole world they believe in Jesus Christ and that they look forward to His second coming. Each time we partake look forward to His second coming. Each time we partake of the bread and the cup, we should examine ourselves of the bread and the cup, we should examine ourselves and discipline ourselves to do it with great love and and discipline ourselves to do it with great love and concentration. Worship is always a mental exercise; it’s concentration. Worship is always a mental exercise; it’s a meditation on the love and the holiness of God.”a meditation on the love and the holiness of God.”

From “The Lord's Supper” at “Search of the Lord’s Way”, Edmond, OK. From “The Lord's Supper” at “Search of the Lord’s Way”, Edmond, OK.

As we meet together upon the first As we meet together upon the first day of every week to partake of the day of every week to partake of the Lord’s Supper, let’s remember the Lord’s Supper, let’s remember the words of Christ…words of Christ…

““For whenever you eat this For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” (1 death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26).Corinthians 11:26).