The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper

Minister:
Date: AM
Text: I Corinthians 11; Lord's Day 28, 29
Psalters: 131, 428, 393, 360
  1. The institution.
    1. For the Supper to be a sacrament Christ Himself must institute it (Mark 14:22-24).
    2. Bread and wine do not constitute the sacrament all by themselves.
      1. The elements are sacramental signs only when Jesus’ words of institution set them apart.
      2. It is Christ’s command (to partake and to do it in remembrance of Him) which makes it a sacrament.
    3. Because it is a sacrament we are to observe it precisely according to Scripture (second mark of true church).
  2. The Lord’s Supper is filled with rich symbolism.
    1. The symbolism itself: the simple and plain bread and wine, the table, broken and poured, eaten and drunk.
    2. The Supper communicates two things to us.
      1. The sadness of Christ’s death on account of our sins.
      2. The joy in that He actually accomplished forgiveness and righteousness, and provides a foretaste of heaven.
  3. The significance of the Supper centers on the idea of the covenant -- a relationship of friendship.
    1. God maintains the covenant relationship He previously established.
      1. The relationship is established through the sacrifice of God’s Son.
      2. Also the Supper is God’s engagement ring to us, pledging the full marriage feast in heaven.
    2. God uses the sacrament to strengthen our faith.
      1. Our faith is a spiritual entity which cannot sustain itself, but needs constant spiritual nourishment.
      2. Our faith is strengthened by consciously receiving the spiritual food of God’s grace in Christ.
  4. The benefit is the strengthening of faith at the Lord’s Supper.
    1. Proper partaking requires and encourages spiritual life and health.
      1. Spiritual health is sincere sorrow for sin and a fervent longing for forgiveness and grace.
      2. Faith is shown its central object (the sufferings and obedience of Christ) and embraces Him.
    2. Our faith easily becomes weary in the battle of faith.
    3. The sacrament provides faith with visible proof that Christ has obtained the victory for us.
      1. He strengthens the personal assurance and confidence that I am forgiven and eternally righteous.
      2. And the Spirit stimulates a growth in our faith, to a greater hunger and thirst after Christ.