Holiness in Worship: The Lord's Supper

Warm Up:

Which is your favorite meal? Breakfast, lunch, or dinner? What is the most memorable place you’ve ever eaten? What is your favorite restaurant?

Do you have a memorable moment regarding taking communion, the Lord’s Supper?

Exploring 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Based on verses 17-22, what was going on in the Corinthian gatherings where the Lord’s Supper was observed? How were they abusing the observance? (Remember the cultural setting of the city.)

What are Paul’s directions for observing the Lord’s Supper in verses 23-26? What does Paul mean when he says he “received this from the Lord?”

What does Paul mean when he speaks of observing the Lord’s supper in an unworthy manner (verse 27)? Does this mean one has to be “perfect” before partaking?

Paul points out that we should approach partaking of the Lord’s Supper seriously. How can one best prepare to take the Lord’s Supper to avoid being disrespectful or careless?

Application:

Discuss these elements of the Lord’s Supper: participation, remembrance, and proclamation. How are each of these essential for every believer?

Think:

Individually, take a moment to prepare your heart to remember and proclaim the Lord’s death.

As a group, read this passage aloud, in unison together, then observe the Lord’s Supper.

When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Luke 22:14-20

Prayer:

List one or two prayer concerns to share with your group.