InstaStudy

The Lord's Supper: A Corporate Act of Remembrance

This Bible study explores the nature and purpose of the Lord's Supper, examining whether it is intended as a solitary act or a communal expression of faith within the body of believers.

1. The Institution and Meaning of the Lord's Supper

1.1 Jesus Instituted it with His Disciples

Verses: Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20
  • It was a shared meal among His followers.
  • It symbolizes the new covenant established through His sacrifice.
  • It is a command to remember His body and blood.

1.2 Remembering the Lord's Sacrifice

Verses: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 6:53-56
  • We proclaim His death until He comes again.
  • Partaking signifies our participation in His life and sacrifice.
  • It is a forward-looking act, anticipating His return.

1.3 The Significance of the Bread and the Cup

Verses: 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
  • The bread represents His broken body given for us.
  • The cup represents His shed blood, the new covenant.
  • Through these elements, we participate in Christ.

1.4 A Command to Be Observed

Verses: 1 Corinthians 11:24-25
  • Jesus explicitly commanded His disciples to do this in remembrance of Him.
  • It is not an optional practice but an ordinance for believers.
  • The act itself is a declaration of faith and obedience.

2. Communion as a Corporate Expression of Faith

2.1 The Context of the Assembly

Verses: 1 Corinthians 11:17-18; 1 Corinthians 11:20
  • The instruction for communion is given in the context of believers gathering together.
  • It is not presented as a private devotion.
  • The phrase 'when you come together' emphasizes its communal nature.

2.2 Discerning the Body of Christ

Verses: 1 Corinthians 11:27-29
  • Partaking unworthily involves not discerning the body.
  • This 'body' refers to the corporate body of believers, the church.
  • A lack of unity or respect for fellow believers can make one unworthy.

2.3 Fellowship and Unity in the Act

Verses: Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
  • The early church continued steadfastly in fellowship and the breaking of bread.
  • The single loaf signifies that we, though many, are one body.
  • It is a powerful symbol of our shared faith and unity in Christ.

2.4 The Purpose of Gathering Together

Verses: Hebrews 10:24-25
  • We are exhorted not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together.
  • Gathering is for mutual encouragement and stirring up love and good works.
  • Communion is a central act within this corporate gathering.

2.5 Avoiding Selfishness in Partaking

Verses: 1 Corinthians 11:21-22
  • Paul rebuked the Corinthians for selfishly eating their own supper.
  • This behavior undermined the communal nature of the Lord's Supper.
  • It highlights the importance of considering others in the assembly.

3. The Presence of the Lord in the Assembled Believers

3.1 Where Two or Three Are Gathered

Verses: Matthew 18:20
  • The Lord promises His presence when believers gather in His name.
  • This promise emphasizes the significance of corporate assembly.
  • His presence is not diminished but affirmed in the collective.

3.2 The Lord is One

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Ephesians 4:4-6
  • There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism.
  • This emphasizes the singular nature of God, who is present among His people.
  • His undivided presence unites the body of believers.

3.3 Christ in the Midst of His Churches

Verses: Revelation 1:12-13
  • Jesus is depicted walking among the seven golden lampstands, which represent the churches.
  • This imagery signifies His active presence and oversight within His gathered people.
  • He is intimately involved with the corporate body of believers.

3.4 The Spirit's Work in the Assembly

Verses: Acts 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 12:7
  • The Holy Spirit was poured out on the assembled believers.
  • Spiritual gifts are given for the profit of all in the body.
  • The Spirit's work often manifests powerfully in corporate settings.

4. The Unity of the Body of Christ in Communion

4.1 One Bread, One Body

Verses: 1 Corinthians 10:17
  • Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body.
  • This verse directly links the shared elements to the unity of believers.
  • Partaking together reinforces our identity as a single spiritual body.

4.2 Mutual Accountability and Love

Verses: Romans 12:4-5; Galatians 3:28
  • We are members of one another, each with a unique function.
  • In Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female; all are one.
  • Communion is an act that should foster love and consideration for all members.

4.3 Strengthening the Church Through Fellowship

Verses: Acts 2:42-47
  • The early church's devotion to the breaking of bread led to growth and favor.
  • Communal acts like communion strengthen the bonds within the church.
  • It is a means by which the Lord adds to the church daily.

4.4 The Importance of Corporate Worship

Verses: Psalm 133:1; Colossians 3:16
  • How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity.
  • Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another.
  • Corporate worship, including communion, fosters this unity and spiritual growth.