How Faith Is Confirmed in the Lord’s Supper

Minister:
Date: AM
Text: Luke 22:1-30; Lord's Day 28
Psalters: 308, 250, 121, 365
  1. Its institution.
    1. It is essential that we see that Jesus Himself instituted it as a sacrament when celebrating the Passover feast.
    2. It is what Jesus said which set the elements apart as sacramental signs.
      1. First, Jesus’ word must be connected to the bread and wine – the elements by themselves they do not make the sacrament.
      2. Second, Jesus command to partake and to do so in remembrance of Him is what makes it a sacrament.
  2. What are the elements of our Lord’s Supper?
    1. First, there is the simple and plain bread and wine.
    2. Second, the table conveys the idea of a meal.
    3. Third, the elements are broken and poured indicating the sacrifice of Christ's life.
    4. Fourth, Jesus is the Host and He sends His appointed representative speaks His words of institution.
    5. Fifth, the elements are taken to be eaten and drunk.
  3. The Supper has significance: it focuses on the idea of the covenant – a relationship of friendship.
    1. After establishing the covenant relationship, He continues to maintain or uphold it.
    2. The sacrament strengthens our faith (the consciousness of the covenant relationship).
    3. Jesus’ presence in the Supper is not physical, but spiritual, which is seen and received only by faith.
  4. The benefit is the strengthening of faith at the Lord's Supper.
    1. Proper partaking requires a measure of spiritual life (so our spiritual health is encouraged).
    2. Our faith often becomes weary in the spiritual warfare.
    3. The sacrament provides faith with visible proof that Christ has obtained the victory for us.