HONOURING CHRIST AT THE COMMUNION TABLE

HONOURING CHRIST AT THE COMMUNION TABLE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 11:27-32

Key Verse: “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” — 1 Corinthians 11:28 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Matthew 26:26-28; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; Psalm 139:23-24; 1 John 1:9; Hebrews 10:19-22

Description: Honouring Christ at the Communion Table means approaching the Lord's Supper with faith, reverence, gratitude, self-examination, repentance, love, and proper understanding of Christ's sacrifice. The Communion Table is not a place for careless participation but an opportunity to remember Christ, proclaim His death, and renew our commitment to Him.

INTRODUCTION

The Communion Table is one of the most sacred moments in Christian worship. It points directly to the death of Jesus Christ, whose body was given and whose blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins. When believers gather around the Table, they are reminded of the immeasurable price of their redemption and the covenant established through Christ's sacrifice.

Paul's words to the Corinthian church reveal that it is possible to participate in Communion while failing to honour Christ. The Corinthians had allowed selfishness, divisions, and improper attitudes to enter their gatherings. Consequently, Paul instructed them to examine themselves before eating the bread and drinking the cup. Their problem was not simply their method of eating; it was their failure to recognise the spiritual significance of what they were doing.

Today, the same warning remains relevant. Communion should never become a routine religious ceremony. Every believer should approach the Table with gratitude for Calvary, reverence for Christ, repentance from sin, love for fellow believers, and faith in the finished work of Jesus. When we honour Christ at the Table, we demonstrate that His sacrifice remains precious to us.

1. RECOGNISE THE SACREDNESS OF THE COMMUNION TABLE

The Communion Table points us to Christ and His sacrifice.

a) Remember Christ's Body (1 Corinthians 11:24)
The bread directs our attention to the body of Jesus given for us.

b) Remember His Blood (1 Corinthians 11:25)
The cup reminds us of His blood shed for the New Covenant.

c) Remember His Sacrifice (Luke 22:19)
Communion keeps the cross central to Christian faith.

d) Honour What Christ Has Done (1 Peter 1:18-19)
Our redemption came at an immeasurable cost.

Biblical Example: Jesus Himself instituted the Communion on the night before His crucifixion (Matthew 26:26-28).

2. EXAMINE YOURSELF BEFORE PARTAKING

Self-examination is an essential part of approaching the Table properly.

a) Examine Yourself (1 Corinthians 11:28)
Every believer should honestly consider his or her spiritual condition.

b) Search Your Heart (Psalm 139:23-24)
Ask God to reveal hidden attitudes and sins.

c) Confess Your Sins (1 John 1:9)
Sincere confession opens the way for forgiveness and restoration.

d) Forsake Sin (Proverbs 28:13)
True repentance involves turning away from wrongdoing.

Biblical Example: David invited God to search his heart and reveal anything that needed correction (Psalm 139:23-24).

3. APPROACH WITH REVERENCE AND GODLY FEAR

The Table should never be approached carelessly.

a) Discern The Lord's Body (1 Corinthians 11:29)
Recognise the spiritual significance of the Communion.

b) Worship With Reverence (Hebrews 12:28)
Grace should produce holy awe rather than careless familiarity.

c) Honour God's Presence (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2)
Approach God's presence thoughtfully and humbly.

d) Remember God's Holiness (Isaiah 6:3-5)
A revelation of God's holiness produces humility.

Biblical Example: Moses removed his shoes when God appeared to him because he recognised the sacredness of the place (Exodus 3:5).

4. REMEMBER CHRIST'S SACRIFICIAL LOVE

The Table is a continual reminder of divine love.

a) Christ Loved Us (Romans 5:8)
Jesus died for us while we were still sinners.

b) Christ Gave Himself For Us (Ephesians 5:2)
His sacrifice was voluntary and motivated by love.

c) His Blood Purchased Our Redemption (Acts 20:28)
Our salvation was purchased through Christ's sacrifice.

d) Respond With Love (1 John 4:19)
Those who understand Christ's love should love Him in return.

Biblical Example: Jesus willingly accepted the cross because of His commitment to the Father's redemptive purpose (John 10:17-18).

5. MAINTAIN UNITY WITH THE BODY OF CHRIST

The Communion Table also reminds us that believers belong to one body.

a) We Are One Body (1 Corinthians 10:16-17)
Sharing in Christ should promote unity among His people.

b) Reject Division (1 Corinthians 11:18)
Division contradicts the fellowship represented by Communion.

c) Honour Fellow Believers (Romans 12:10)
Every member of Christ's body should be treated with dignity.

d) Pursue Peace (Ephesians 4:3)
We must work intentionally to preserve unity.

Biblical Example: The early church demonstrated unity through fellowship, prayer, teaching, and breaking of bread (Acts 2:42-46).

6. REMOVE SELFISHNESS FROM YOUR HEART

The Corinthians' selfish behaviour dishonoured their gathering.

a) Consider Others (1 Corinthians 11:21-22)
The Communion Table is not a place for personal indulgence.

b) Put Others First (Philippians 2:3-4)
Christ-like humility considers the needs of others.

c) Serve In Love (Galatians 5:13)
Christian freedom should lead to service.

d) Follow Christ's Example (Philippians 2:5-8)
Jesus demonstrated the ultimate example of humility and selflessness.

Biblical Example: Jesus washed His disciples' feet, showing that greatness in God's kingdom is expressed through service (John 13:12-15).

7. RECEIVE GOD'S DISCIPLINE WITH HUMILITY

Paul explains that God's discipline is intended for restoration.

a) The Lord Corrects His Children (1 Corinthians 11:32)
Divine discipline is evidence of God's concern for His people.

b) Do Not Despise Correction (Proverbs 3:11-12)
God's correction should be received with humility.

c) Allow Correction To Produce Holiness (Hebrews 12:10-11)
God's discipline can produce righteousness and spiritual maturity.

d) Repent And Return (Revelation 3:19)
Correction should lead us back into fellowship with God.

Biblical Example: David accepted God's correction after his sin and responded with genuine repentance (2 Samuel 12:1-13; Psalm 51).

8. LIVE IN THE LIGHT OF CHRIST'S RETURN

Communion points both to Calvary and to the future.

a) Proclaim His Death (1 Corinthians 11:26)
The Communion declares the Gospel.

b) Remember Until He Comes (1 Corinthians 11:26)
The Table keeps the hope of Christ's return before us.

c) Live Ready (Matthew 24:44)
Believers should live in continual readiness for Christ's coming.

d) Remain Faithful (Revelation 2:10)
Our hope of Christ's return should strengthen our commitment to Him.

Biblical Example: The early church lived with expectation of Christ's return while remaining devoted to fellowship and service (Acts 2:42-47).

CONCLUSION

Honouring Christ at the Communion Table begins with recognising what the Table represents. The bread points us to His body, the cup points us to His blood, and the entire observance points us to the cross and the New Covenant. We come not merely to participate in a ceremony but to remember the Saviour who gave Himself for us.

Therefore, approach the Communion Table with reverence, gratitude, faith, repentance, love, and unity. Examine your heart, reconcile where necessary, reject selfishness, and remember the sacrifice of Christ. As you partake, let your heart declare, “Jesus, Your sacrifice is precious to me, and my life belongs to You.” May every Communion experience deepen our relationship with Christ and strengthen our commitment to live for His glory.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, give me a deeper understanding of the sacredness and significance of the Communion Table, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to examine my heart sincerely before participating in the Lord's Supper, in Jesus name.

3. Father, reveal and remove every hidden sin, wrong attitude, and ungodly motive in my heart, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, give me grace to approach the Communion Table with reverence, humility, and godly fear, in Jesus name.

5. Father, let the revelation of Christ's sacrificial love transform my heart and my life, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, remove every spirit of selfishness, division, bitterness, and unforgiveness from my life, in Jesus name.

7. Father, help me to walk in unity, love, humility, and fellowship with the body of Christ, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, give me grace to receive Your correction and discipline with humility and allow it to produce righteousness in me, in Jesus name.

9. Father, keep me faithful and spiritually prepared as I await the return of Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let every Communion experience draw me closer to Christ and strengthen my commitment to live for His glory, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Your understanding of the sacrifice of Christ shall become deeper and stronger.

2. You shall approach the Communion Table with genuine faith, reverence, and gratitude.

3. Every hidden sin and ungodly attitude shall be exposed and removed from your life.

4. The love demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice shall transform your character.

5. You shall walk in unity, love, humility, and peace with the body of Christ.

6. Every root of selfishness, bitterness, division, and unforgiveness shall be uprooted from your life.

7. You shall receive God's correction with humility and grow in righteousness.

8. The finished work of Christ shall continually strengthen your faith and confidence.

9. You shall remain spiritually alert and prepared for the return of Jesus Christ.

10. As you honour Christ at the Communion Table, your life shall continually honour Christ everywhere, and you shall finish your Christian journey faithfully, in Jesus name.