THE POWER OF COVENANT COMMUNION

THE POWER OF COVENANT COMMUNION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 22:14-20

Key Verse: “Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” — Luke 22:20

Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Hebrews 9:14-15, Exodus 12:13, John 6:53-56, Hebrews 10:19-22

Description: The Lord’s Supper is a powerful covenant ordinance that connects believers to the benefits of Christ’s sacrifice.

INTRODUCTION

The Lord’s Supper, also known as Holy Communion, is far more than a symbolic religious act; it is a profound covenant encounter between God and His people. It represents the body and blood of Jesus Christ, through which redemption, healing, and restoration are made available to believers.

In Luke 22:14-20, Jesus instituted the communion during the Passover, revealing its deeper spiritual meaning. He declared the bread as His body and the cup as the new covenant in His blood. This moment established a divine ordinance that would continually remind believers of His sacrifice and the power of the covenant.

Understanding the power of covenant communion transforms how believers partake in it. It becomes a moment of faith, remembrance, and spiritual empowerment, where the benefits of Christ’s finished work are activated in our lives.

1. COMMUNION IS A REMEMBRANCE OF CHRIST’S SACRIFICE

It keeps the believer constantly aware of the finished work of the cross.

a) Instituted by Jesus (Luke 22:19)
Jesus commanded His disciples to partake in remembrance of Him, showing its importance in the Christian faith.

b) Proclaiming His Death (1 Corinthians 11:26)
Each time believers partake, they declare the Lord’s death and its significance.

c) The Price of Redemption (Hebrews 9:22)
Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins, highlighting the cost of salvation.

d) A Call to Gratitude (Psalm 103:2)
Remembering Christ’s sacrifice stirs thanksgiving and appreciation in the heart of the believer.

Biblical Example: The Passover in Egypt served as a remembrance of deliverance, pointing prophetically to Christ’s sacrifice (Exodus 12:13-14).

2. COMMUNION ESTABLISHES THE NEW COVENANT

It seals the believer’s relationship with God through Christ’s blood.

a) The New Testament in His Blood (Luke 22:20)
Jesus established a new covenant, replacing the old system with grace and truth.

b) Access to God (Hebrews 10:19-20)
Through His blood, believers have bold access into God’s presence.

c) Eternal Redemption (Hebrews 9:12)
The blood of Jesus secures everlasting redemption for all who believe.

d) Covenant Relationship (Jeremiah 31:33)
God writes His laws in the hearts of His people, creating a personal relationship.

Biblical Example: Moses sprinkled blood to establish the old covenant, foreshadowing the greater covenant through Christ (Exodus 24:6-8).

3. COMMUNION RELEASES SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL BENEFITS

Partaking in faith activates the blessings of the covenant.

a) Healing and Wholeness (Isaiah 53:5)
By His stripes, we are healed, and communion connects us to that healing power.

b) Spiritual Nourishment (John 6:54-55)
Jesus declared that His body and blood are true food and drink, sustaining spiritual life.

c) Strength and Renewal (Psalm 105:37)
God’s covenant power brings strength and removes weakness.

d) Victory Over Sin (Romans 6:14)
The covenant empowers believers to live above sin and condemnation.

Biblical Example: Elijah was strengthened supernaturally by divine provision, enabling him to journey for forty days, illustrating God’s sustaining power (1 Kings 19:5-8).

4. COMMUNION REQUIRES REVERENCE AND DISCERNMENT

Approaching the table of the Lord must be done with understanding and honour.

a) Self-Examination (1 Corinthians 11:28)
Believers must examine themselves before partaking, ensuring a right heart.

b) Discerning the Lord’s Body (1 Corinthians 11:29)
Understanding the significance of communion prevents misuse and judgement.

c) Walking in Unity (1 Corinthians 10:17)
Communion reminds believers of their unity in Christ.

d) Honour and Reverence (Hebrews 12:28)
Serving God with reverence ensures that the act remains sacred and meaningful.

Biblical Example: Nadab and Abihu offered strange fire before the Lord and faced judgement, illustrating the importance of reverence in divine matters (Leviticus 10:1-2).

CONCLUSION

The power of covenant communion lies in its ability to connect believers to the finished work of Christ. It is a sacred moment of remembrance, covenant renewal, and spiritual empowerment. When approached with faith and understanding, it releases divine benefits and strengthens our relationship with God.

Do not take communion lightly. Approach it with reverence, gratitude, and faith, knowing that it is a channel through which God releases grace, healing, and victory into your life.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, give me a deeper understanding of the covenant power of communion in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to partake of the Lord’s Supper with reverence and faith in Jesus name.

3. Holy Spirit, reveal the full benefits of Christ’s sacrifice to me in Jesus name.

4. Father, let the power of the blood of Jesus work in my life in Jesus name.

5. Lord, bring healing and wholeness to my body through the covenant in Jesus name.

6. Father, strengthen my spiritual life through communion in Jesus name.

7. Lord, cleanse my heart and make me worthy to partake in Jesus name.

8. Father, let every bondage in my life be broken by the power of the covenant in Jesus name.

9. Lord, grant me victory over sin through the blood of Jesus in Jesus name.

10. Father, let communion continually renew my relationship with You in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall experience the power of the covenant through communion.

2. The blood of Jesus shall speak better things over your life.

3. You shall walk in divine health and wholeness.

4. Every bondage in your life is broken by the power of the covenant.

5. You shall enjoy bold access into God’s presence.

6. Your spiritual life shall be strengthened and renewed.

7. You shall walk in victory over sin and condemnation.

8. The covenant of God shall speak for you continually.

9. You shall partake of the Lord’s table with understanding and power.

10. From today, you shall experience the fullness of covenant blessings.