How can we ensure we approach the Lord’s Table with reverence and respect? A Sobering Warning: 1 Corinthians 11:30 “That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.” Paul states plainly that careless participation in the Lord’s Supper has real, physical consequences. The bread and cup are never mere symbols; they connect us to the living realities of Christ’s body and blood. What Went Wrong in Corinth • Self-centered feasting that ignored the needy (11:21) • Divisions and party-spirit brought to the gathering (11:18–19) • Eating and drinking “in an unworthy manner,” failing to “discern the body of the Lord.” (11:27–29) • Casual treatment of a holy ordinance, leading to weakness, sickness, even death (11:30) Guarding Our Hearts: Essentials for Reverent Communion • Self-Examination — “Let a man examine himself” (11:28). Ask the Spirit to reveal hidden sin (Psalm 139:23–24). • Confession and Repentance — “If we confessed our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive” (1 John 1:9). • Discernment — Recognize the bread and cup as participation in Christ’s sacrifice (1 Corinthians 10:16). • Unity — Value every believer as part of one body (1 Corinthians 10:17; John 13:34–35). • Gratitude and Awe — “Since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28–29) Scripture Links That Shape Our Approach • Exodus 12 — Israel prepared for Passover with consecration and the blood of the lamb; Christ is our true Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7). • Leviticus 10:1–3 — Nadab and Abihu remind us God is holy and must be approached as He commands. • Psalm 24:3–4 — “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? … He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” • Luke 22:19–20 — Jesus’ own words frame the Supper: “Do this in remembrance of Me.” • Revelation 19:9 — The Supper looks forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb; reverence now anticipates joy then. Practical Heart-Checks Before Partaking • Pause in silence; set aside distractions, phones, and hurried thoughts. • Ask: Am I harboring unforgiveness? Reconcile before you eat (Matthew 5:23–24). • Consider the cross freshly—His body given, His blood poured out for you. • Thank Him specifically: name blessings, recall answered prayers, remember deliverance. • Look around: affirm love for every brother and sister sharing the table. Carrying Communion Into Everyday Life • Live crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20); let the meal fuel daily obedience. • Walk in holiness, knowing you bear the mark of His sacrifice (1 Peter 1:15–19). • Serve others with the same self-giving love you received (Philippians 2:1–8). • Await His return: “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26) |
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