THE LORD'S SUPPER

BIBLE STUDY: THE LORD’S SUPPER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper, he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

Supporting Texts:
Matthew 26:26-30
Mark 14:22-25
Luke 22:19-20
John 6:53-58
1 Corinthians 10:16-17

INTRODUCTION:
The Lord’s Supper, also known as Communion or the Eucharist, is one of the central ordinances in the Christian faith. It is a sacred act of remembrance, instituted by Jesus Christ on the night of His betrayal. As we partake in the Lord’s Supper, we not only reflect on Christ's sacrificial death but also anticipate His return. This study will explore the significance, meaning, and importance of the Lord’s Supper, encouraging believers to participate with reverence, understanding, and spiritual preparedness.

1. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

The Lord's Supper is deeply significant for the believer, symbolising Christ's atoning sacrifice and our communion with Him and one another.

a) A Memorial of Christ’s Sacrifice:
The Lord’s Supper serves as a reminder of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross for the sins of humanity (Luke 22:19-20). Every time we partake of the bread and the cup, we remember His body broken for us and His blood shed for the remission of our sins.

b) A Proclamation of His Death:
Partaking of the Lord's Supper is a declaration of the Lord’s death until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:26). It is a public witness to the world of our faith in Christ’s atoning work.

c) A Participation in Christ’s Body and Blood:
The Lord’s Supper signifies our union with Christ and our sharing in His body and blood (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). Through this act, we are spiritually nourished and reminded of our covenant relationship with Him.

d) A Covenant Renewal:
The cup represents the new covenant in Christ's blood (Luke 22:20). Every time we partake in the Lord's Supper, we renew our covenant relationship with God, affirming our commitment to live for Him.

e) A Call to Anticipate His Return:
The Lord’s Supper points to the future return of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:26). It reminds us to live in the light of His coming, maintaining a posture of readiness and holiness.

Biblical Example:
In Exodus 12, the Passover meal foreshadowed the Lord’s Supper. Just as the blood of the lamb spared the Israelites from judgment, the blood of Christ saves us from sin and eternal death (John 1:29).

2. THE ELEMENTS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

The bread and the cup are the two primary elements in the Lord’s Supper, each representing a deep spiritual truth.

a) The Bread – Christ’s Body:
The bread represents the body of Jesus Christ, broken for us (Matthew 26:26). His physical suffering on the cross was the means by which our sins were atoned for.

b) The Cup – Christ’s Blood:
The cup represents the blood of Jesus, which was poured out for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:27-28). His blood established the new covenant, granting us access to eternal life.

c) Symbolism of the Broken Body and Shed Blood:
The breaking of the bread and the pouring out of the wine symbolise the immense sacrifice of Christ on our behalf (Isaiah 53:5). His body was broken and His blood was shed to redeem us.

d) Spiritual Nourishment through the Elements:
Jesus taught that His body and blood are true spiritual food and drink (John 6:53-58). As we partake in the Lord’s Supper, we receive spiritual nourishment, strengthening our faith and relationship with Him.

e) Unity in the Body of Christ:
The Lord’s Supper fosters unity among believers, as we share in one bread and one cup, symbolising our oneness in Christ (1 Corinthians 10:17).

Biblical Example:
In John 6:35, Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” This underscores the spiritual sustenance provided through the Lord’s Supper.

3. THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-EXAMINATION

Before partaking in the Lord’s Supper, believers are encouraged to examine themselves to ensure they partake in a worthy manner.

a) Approaching the Table with Reverence:
Paul warns believers to approach the Lord’s Supper with reverence, recognising the gravity of what it represents (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).

b) Confessing Sin and Seeking Forgiveness:
Self-examination involves confessing sin and seeking forgiveness before participating in the Lord’s Supper (1 John 1:9). We should ensure our hearts are right with God and others.

c) Discernment of the Body of Christ:
We must discern the body of Christ, understanding the significance of the bread and cup, and also being mindful of our relationship with other believers (1 Corinthians 11:29).

d) Avoiding Partaking Unworthily:
Paul warns that partaking in an unworthy manner brings judgment (1 Corinthians 11:30). We should approach the Lord's Supper with sincerity and repentance, recognising it as a holy ordinance.

e) Maintaining a Pure Heart and Clean Hands:
Psalm 24:3-4 reminds us that those who approach God must have clean hands and a pure heart. This applies to our participation in the Lord’s Supper, which requires holiness.

Biblical Example:
In Acts 2:42-47, the early church practiced fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, demonstrating the importance of unity, reverence, and purity in the Lord’s Supper.

4. THE POWER AND BLESSINGS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

The Lord’s Supper is not just a ritual but a powerful spiritual experience that brings blessings into our lives.

a) Healing and Restoration:
In the context of the Lord’s Supper, many have experienced physical and emotional healing (1 Corinthians 11:30). The body and blood of Christ have the power to restore us.

b) Spiritual Renewal and Strength:
The Lord’s Supper renews and strengthens our faith, reminding us of Christ’s sacrifice and the promises of God (John 6:56).

c) Unity in the Body of Christ:
As we partake in the Lord’s Supper together, we are reminded of our unity in Christ. This unity transcends differences and brings us closer as the body of believers (1 Corinthians 10:17).

d) A Deeper Communion with God:
Through the Lord’s Supper, we experience deeper communion with God, drawing near to Him in faith and thanksgiving (Psalm 116:12-13).

e) Anticipating Eternal Fellowship:
The Lord’s Supper is a foretaste of the eternal fellowship we will have with Christ in His kingdom (Matthew 26:29). It fills us with hope and expectation of His return.

Biblical Example:
In Luke 24:30-31, after His resurrection, Jesus revealed Himself to the disciples through the breaking of bread, showing that the Lord’s Supper is a place of revelation and encounter with the risen Lord

CONCLUSION:
The Lord’s Supper is a profound spiritual ordinance that calls us to remember Christ’s sacrifice, examine ourselves, and experience deeper fellowship with Him and His body. As we partake, we are reminded of the power of the cross, the promise of eternal life, and the unity we share with other believers. Let us approach the table with reverence, faith, and a heart of gratitude, eager to encounter God's presence and proclaim His death until He returns.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me to approach the Lord’s Supper with reverence and gratitude.

2. Father, reveal more of Your grace and truth as I partake of the bread and cup.

3. Lord, cleanse me from all sin and help me to live a life of holiness before You.

4. Father, strengthen my faith as I remember Christ’s sacrifice.

5. Lord, bring healing and restoration into my life as I partake in the Lord’s Supper.

6. Father, renew my communion with You and deepen my walk with Christ.

7. Lord, unite me with my fellow believers as we share in Your body and blood.

8. Father, give me the grace to live in the power of the new covenant.

9. Lord, help me to proclaim Your death and resurrection through my life.

10. Father, prepare me for eternal fellowship with You in Your kingdom.