Sermon Notes for: 2/24/2008
 “The Christian Sacraments: Discerning the Body” - 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
-- Jeffrey C. Evans --
 

I. Introduction
a. Eating, rebellion, and disunity in the Garden
b. Wisdom and unity in 1 Corinthians
c. Unified as the Body of Christ at the Table

II. A Shameful Celebration of the Supper (vv. 17-22)
a. The early Church’s meeting in homes
b. The presence of divisions and heresies
c. Not coming together to eat the Lord’s Supper

III. The Alternative, the Right Celebration of the Supper (vv. 23-26)
a. Our celebration of the Supper comes from Jesus, is delivered to us, and comes in the context of betrayal. What’s the lesson here?
b. Jesus gives thanks and breaks the bread, even His own Body. Jesus calls the cup the New Testament in His blood. This is the ‘sacrificial meal’ that proclaims our unified fellowship with God and each other.
c. Two important actions: Remembering and proclaiming

IV. Specific Commands to Fix the Problem (vv. 27-34)
a. In context, what does this mean: “examine himself” and “not discerning the Lord’s body”
b. Paul issues a call to judgment because of the specific sin
c. Table manners and eating together

V. Application
a. In Corinth, the celebration of the Supper revealed heretics, divisiveness, and traitors. It does the same among us and in our own hearts. In such a situation, you need to discern the Body of Christ as your sacrifice for sin.
b. The Supper not only proclaims our individual unity with Jesus but also our identity as His Body. When you partake of the Supper, take note that we are all eating and drinking together. In other words, discern the Body of Christ.
c. The Supper, therefore, deals with any disunity or strife in our life. Spouses, children, friends, etc. are renewed in their relationships by their relationship with Christ.

VI. Conclusion

Download | Duration: 00:00:00