Sketches of Sermons 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened… I. THAT CHRIST CRUCIFIED IS THE TRUE PASSOVER, OF WHICH THE JEWISH WAS A TYPE. 1. The passover was of Divine appointment. It did not originate with Moses and Aaron, or any of the elders or people of Israel. It was not the offspring of human policy, but of God. 2. The passover was appointed for the deliverance of the Israelites from bondage and death. 3. The passover would benefit none unless the blood were applied. 4. The passover was not only to be slain, and its blood sprinkled, but it was also to be eaten. II. THAT AS THE FEAST OF THE PASSOVER WAS TO BE CELEBRATED BY THE JEWS SO THE EUCHARIST OR LORD'S SUPPER IS TO BE CELEBRATED BY CHRISTIANS. The Jews were to celebrate it — all the Jews and proselytes (Exodus 12:47, 48) — but none else (ver. 43); it was to be celebrated as long as their dispensation should continue (ver. 24); as a memorial of their deliverance from Egypt (ver. 27). So the Lord's Supper is to be celebrated by all Christians. All Christians ought to celebrate it. 1. Because Christ has commanded it (Luke 22:19). Whatever He has commanded must be implicitly obeyed. 2. Because it keeps alive the important doctrine of salvation through the death of Christ. 3. Because it eminently tends to excite holy affections. Godly sorrow, arising from a conviction, that our sins, in common with those of others, occasioned the sufferings and death of Christ. Ardent love to Christ. Grateful obedience. III. THAT IN ORDER TO ITS ACCEPTABLE CELEBRATION SEVERAL THINGS DEMAND ATTENTION. 1. We should have correct views of its nature. 2. We should not ascribe an efficiency to it which it does not possess. Many substitute it in the place of regeneration. 3. We should celebrate it with suitable dispositions. Not with malice. Not with wickedness. But with sincerity and truth, with purity of intention, and with an agreement between our principles and outward profession.Conclude by answering a few objections. 1. I dare not keep the feast, for it is a solemn ordinance. For the same reason you should neither pray, read the Scriptures, sing God's praises, nor hear His gospel preached; for they are solemn. 2. I am not prepared to receive it. 3. I have kept the feast formerly, but since then I have relapsed into sin. (Sketches of Sermons.) Parallel Verses KJV: Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: |
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