The Lord's Supper in the Church

The Lord's Supper

I. INTRODUCTION

A.I Corinthians 11:23-32.

B.The Lord's Supper is one of the activities in which the church of Christ participates each week. In this lesson you will learn more about this memorable feast and how to observe it properly.


II.THE LORD'S SUPPER WAS INSTITUTED BY CHRIST AT THE LAST PASSOVER MEAL BEFORE HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS.

A.Take note of these facts about the Passover Feast.

    1.It was one of seven great Jewish festivals conducted each year under the Law of Moses.

    2.It lasted a full week.

    3.It started while the Israelites were in Egypt as an extension of the tenth plague (Exodus 11:1-12, 30, and 12:43-51).

B.It was during the eating of this feast that Christ established the Lord's Supper.

    1.Matthew 26:17-29.

    2.Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-30.


III. THE LORD'S SUPPER SHOULD BE OBSERVED BY CHRISTIANS ON SUNDAY.

A.The first day of the Week has been set aside as the day for eating the Lord's Supper.

    1.It should be eaten regularly (Acts 2:42).

    2.Acts 20:7.

      a.Here is an example approved by God of Christians eating the Lord's Supper on Sunday.

      b.Christians today also can eat the Lord's Supper each Sunday with the approval of God.

B.The privilege of eating the Lord's Supper is reserved for Christians.

    1.Those who repent of their sins and submit to God through baptism have the right to eat it (Acts 2:37-42).

    2.It is for disciples of Christ (Acts 20:7).

    3.Those in the kingdom (church) can eat of it 
    (Luke 22:29- 30).


IV. THE LORD'S SUPPER IS COMPOSED OF TWO ELEMENTS SYMBOLIC OF CHRIST'S DEATH.

A.The bread represents the body of Jesus.

    1.Luke 22:19.

    2.I Corinthians 11:23-24.

B.The juice represents the blood of Christ.

    1.Luke 22:20.

    2.I Corinthians 11:25.

C.By eating the bread and drinking the juice Christians participate in the body and blood of the Lord.

    1.I Corinthians 10:16.


V. THE LORD'S SUPPER SHOULD BE OBSERVED IN A PROPER MANNER.

A.There are two aspects of a "worthy manner" for eating and drinking.

    1.We should remember the Lord's death 
    (I Corinthians11: 24-25).

    2.We should examine ourselves (I Corinthians 11:28).

B.The failure to eat the Lord's Supper worthily is a serious offense against God and ourselves.

    1.I Corinthians 11:27.

    2.I Corinthians 11:3O-32.


VI. CONCLUSION

A. The Lord's Supper is a blessed privilege and sacred opportunity.

B.Let each of us enter into this feast with prayerfulness and thanksgiving.
Wasatch church of Christ