Worship: The Lord's Supper
I. Its Place:
1. God‘s House.
a. Heb. 8:2 -- A spiritual house.
b. Heb. 3:1, 6 -- "Whose house are we."
c. I Tim. 3:15 -- God‘s house the Church.
2. The table in God's house (Lk. 22:29-30); the tabernacle a type (Heb. 9: 1-2).
3. One loaf on the Lord‘s table (I Cor. 10:17); one bread, one body, one loaf.
4. The loaf broken before eating derived title "breaking of bread" (Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7)
II. Its Origin and Authority:
1. The practice of early Church (Acts 20:7) "came together to break bread."
2. Taught by the Apostles (Matt. 28:18-20) "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you."
3. Paul received it from the Lord (I Cor. 11:23).
4. Instituted by Christ and delivered unto the Apostles (Matt. 26:26-29; Mk. 14:22-25;
Lk. 22:19-20).
III. The Time of Observance:
1. The primary purpose of the assembly of the Church on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7),
"To break bread."
2. The regularity of the observance (Acts 2:42). "They continued steadfastly in the breaking of
bread."
3. The duty of constant attendance (Heb. 10:25-26). To neglect is to sin willfully.
4. The first day of the week was a day of regular assembly (I Cor. 16:1-2).
IV. Its Design:
1. In remembrance: “In remembrance of me" a memorial of Christ (I Cor. 11:24-25).
2. Anticipation, hope, "till I come" (I Cor. 11:26).
3. Fellowship (I Cor. 10:17). “We who are many are one body,“ a communion. Obedience to the
request of Christ made in the very shadow of the cross.
4. To eat regularly and worthily is to maintain spiritual vigor (I Cor. 1 1 :29-32; Jn. 6:53)
V. Manner of Observance:
1. Must examine self (I Cor. 1 1:28). The practice of close communion wherein men undertake to
examine each other is entirely without scriptural authority.
2. Must observe worthily, that is, disceming the Lord's body and the significance of the emblems
contained in the supper (I Cor. 11327-Z9).
3. Communion with Christ must be the heart‘s thought (I Cor. 10:15-17; 11:29).
4. Must be observed in the peace and harmony of Christian fellowship (I Cor. 10:17).
Questions For Discussion:
1. Where and Why is the supper to be observed?
2. Why was it called "supper," and “breaking bread?"
3. Who instituted the supper? When?
4. From whom did Paul receive his instructions as to the supper?
5. When was the supper observed by the early Christians? Give proof.
6. Why Were the simple elements taken?
7. How does regularity in its observance strengthen the saints?
8. How should the supper be observed?
9. With whom does the participant commune?
10. How do you know it should be observed "every" first day of the week?