Five Looks At The Lord’s Supper
(I Cor. 11:23-29)
Introduction: When we observe the Lord’s Supper, we are guests at His table and should conduct ourselves appropriately.
A. What does it mean to be at the Lord’s table?
1. We are in His presence.
2. We are here at His expense.
3. We are here by His request. "This do in remembrance…"
B. How do we prepare for this event each week. Our Devos are a great help.
C. We can prepare ourselves by taking 5 looks re: The Supper.
I. Backward—to the Cross of Christ.
A. Crucifixion and its purpose (Matt. 27 & John 19).
To Jewish leaders, the purpose was to be rid of Jesus.1.
2. Fulfillment of Prophecy (Isaiah 53; John 3:14-17; Acts 3:11-18).
3. Redemption of the World (John 3:16; Heb. 9:11-14).
II. Inward—Self Examination.
A. Jesus’ statement in John 12:23-26. Do I really love the Lord? Is my life pleasing to the Lord?
B. It is a time to remember our commitment to Christ.
C. To remember his death on our behalf. The main purpose of the Lord’s supper is to bring his death and its purpose to our minds.
III. Outward—in the proclamation of the Gospel message.
A. By our message. (I Cor. 11:26 & Matt. 28:1-10). He is risen!
B. By our example (Phil. 1:27 & Matt. 5:16).
C. Proclaim that the Gospel is the only way for salvation (Rom. 1:16)
IV. Upward—in Thanksgiving.
A. II Cor. 9:15 "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift."
B. Col. 2:6,7; 4:2-6.
C. Prayer of Thanksgiving.
V. Forward—to the return of Jesus Christ.
A. Read I Thes. 3:11-13; 4:13-18. What a wonderful day that will be for every Christian.
B. Looking forward causes us to observe the Lord’s supper with great anticipation and Joy. We are reminded that He not only died, but has risen and is at the right hand of God to intercede for us (Romans 8:34).
Robert L. Brown
Great Oaks Church of Christ