Let Us Carry Out the Lord's Wishes (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
Introduction:
1. In this chapter (vs.17-34) Paul was correcting the church in Corinth for improperly observing the Lord's Supper. 2. As he did so, he recorded information that the Lord had revealed to him. 3. In our lesson we are especially concerned with the Lord's statement: "this do in remembrance of me." 4. As we eat the bread and drink the fruit of the vine each Sunday, "let us carry out the Lord's wishes." 5. To help us carry out the Lord's wishes, let us first examine . . . Discussion: I. PASSAGES FROM THE GOSPELS THAT TELL ABOUT THE OCCASION WHEN JESUS ATE HIS SUPPER WITH HIS APOSTLES
A. This event is recorded in Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; and Luke 22:19-20. B. These passages reveal: 1. the elements of the Lord's Supper -- unleavened bread and fruit of the vine a. Concerning the bread: 1) Jesus said, "this is my body" 2) it is "the communion of the body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 10:16). b. Concerning the fruit of the vine: 1) Jesus said, "this is my blood of the new testament" 2) it is "the communion of the blood of Christ" (1 Corinthians 10:16). 2. the purpose for eating the Lord's Supper a. It is to be eaten in His memory. b. We "shew [proclaim] the Lord's death" (1 Corinthians 11:26). c. According to 1 Corinthians 11:27, 29, eating the Lord's Supper improperly is a serious offense. 3. that the Lord's Supper is to be eaten in the Father's kingdom [the church]. a. Eating the Lord's Supper is an act of Christian worship. b. The Lord is present when His people assemble (Matthew 18:20). C. Let us turn our attention to . . . II. PASSAGES THAT REVEAL WHEN THE LORD'S SUPPER IS TO BE EATEN
A. It is not recorded that Jesus commanded a specific time when His Supper is to be eaten, but He did say that it would be eaten in His Father's kingdom. B. Let us keep in mind that Jesus instructed the apostles to teach His followers to "observe all things that He had commanded them" (Matthew 28:19-20). C. We learn from: 1. Acts 2:42 that the members of the Jerusalem congregation were steadfast in [gave constant attention to] eating the Lord's Supper 2. Acts 20:6-7 that the Christians in Troas ate the Lord's Supper on the first day of the week [the apostle Paul was present to endorse this practice]. D. The Lord's Supper is to be eaten on the first day of the week when the church assembles for worship. Conclusion:
1. Jesus instructed His followers to eat His Supper so we would always remember His sacrifice. 2. When we eat the Supper properly we show our love and appreciation to the Lord for the death that He suffered on our behalf. 3. Let us always strive to carry out the Lord's wishes. a. He is "the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him" (Hebrews 5:9). b. Love is the motivation for obeying His commands (John 14:15). c. Those who obey Him will be blessed (Revelation 22:14).
