The Lord's Supper - Matt 26:26-29; 1 Cor 11:20-29 - Outline

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Gain a firm understanding of the purpose and manner of the Lord's Supper.  Text: Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:20-29. 

Introduction.

I. There are many areas in which the change agents are trying to change the worship of the church.

II. In doing this they have created much confusion about the worship of the church.

III. One topic in which many people seem to be in doubt on is that of the Lord's Table.

IV. Many don't understand why we partake of it every Sunday and what's its purpose is.

V. Let us examine:

A. Scriptural Designations.

B. Emblems.

C. Time and Duration.

D. Purpose.

E. Who is to Partake.

F. Manner in which to be taken.

Discussion.

I.   Scriptural Designations.

A. The Lord's Table.

1. Luke.

2. 1 Corinthians 10:21.

B. Communion (1 Corinthians 10:16).

C. Breaking Bread (Acts; 20:7).  This is a synecdoche.

D. The Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:20).

E. Unscriptural Designations.

1. Eucharist (to give thanks).

2. Mass.

3. Sacrament.

II.  The Emblems.

A. Unleavened Bread.

1. Represented Christ's body.

2. Why unleavened?

3. Jesus used unleavened bread (Matthew).

B. The Fruit of the Vine.

1. Represented Christ's blood.

2. The fruit of the vine was grape juice.

C. Transubstantiation is false.

1. This would be cannibalism.

2. Matthew; Jesus said the cup was his blood and later called it the fruit of the vine.

3. Jesus was using a metaphor.

a. Like John 10:7,11.

b. Like John 15.

D. Consubstantiation is false.

1. Makes the Lord's body a sandwich.

2. Just as ridiculous as transubstantiation.

III. Time and Duration.

A. First, we know that it was to take place in the kingdom (Luke).

B. Second, we should look at Acts 20:7.

1. Notice that they assembled together (1 Corinthians 11:20).

2. They assembled on the first day of the week.

a. Evidently, Paul knew that he had to take it on the first day of the week because he stayed seven days even when he was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem (Acts).

b. Every week has a first day.

C. Therefore, the Lord's Supper is to be taken on every first day of every week.

1. Some like to say that this diminishes its meaning.

2. Yet they take up the offering and preach and sing every week.

D. Duration: till he comes (1 Corinthians 11:26).

IV.  Purpose.

A. Memorial of Jesus' death.

1. A memorial is used to remember someone.  "This do in remembrance of me."

2. It is not a celebration of his resurrection but his death (1 Corinthians 11:26).

3. Yet, some choose to observe it on a day in which they remember his death; i.e. "Easter."

4. The Lord knows us well enough to know that we need reminded of things often or we forget.

B. To declare Christ's death (1 Corinthians 11:26).

C. To declare his second coming (1 Corinthians 11:26).

D. To declare that there is a new covenant (1 Corinthians 11:25).

V. Who is to Partake?

A. Members of the Lord's church (Acts).

B. The disciples (Acts).

C. Those in the kingdom (Luke).

VI.  Manner.

A. Worthily (1 Corinthians 11:27-30).

B. With reverence.

C. With a focused and thoughtful mind.

1. Sometimes those serving on the table are not thoughtful.

2. They may not say the correct prayer.

3. The correct prayer is to give thanks.  Many never do this.

D. With sorrow.  This is like a funeral.

Conclusion.

I. It is a privilege to be able to partake of the Lord's Table every week.

II. Hopefully, this lesson has helped you to understand a little more about the Lord's Table.

III. If you're not a Christian, you can't take the Lord's Supper.

IV. Offer Invitation.  Please See Plan of Salvation.

-- Ralph Price, February 2000 --