The Lord’s Supper is a very important aspect of our worship as we come together upon the first day of the week. I would like for you to consider the following six points concerning our observation of this commandment.
It Is Observed In Spirit And In Truth
Partaking of the Supper is a part of our worship, and as such falls under the direction of our Lord in John 4:24. He states there, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” In effect, we must partake in a way that is authorized by God (i.e. follow the biblical instructions), and do so with a proper spirit.
It Is Observed In Decency And In Order
In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul was addressing a problem of confusion in worship, caused by an abuse of tongue speaking. He instructed the Corinthians, “Let all things be done decently and in order” (vs. 40). Orderliness in worship is sometimes equated with lack of sincerity, while emotionalism is equated with same. I feel this perception is flawed. We indeed must have the proper spirit in our worship to God, but some of the modern appeals to the emotions actually inhibit this decent orderly worship to God.
It Is Observed In Remembrance Of Christ’s Sacrifice
“And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me’” (Luke 22:19). Might I suggest you mark one of the account’s of Christ’s crucifixion (cf. Mt. 27; Mk. 15; Lk. 23; Jn. 19), and read it during the supper. This will assist you in observing this greatest of sacrifices.
It Is Observed In Anticipation Of Christ’s Return
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). The efficacy of our Lord’s sacrifice is tied directly to His eventual return. Forgiveness of sins would be academic if not for His resurrection and promised coming. In our observance of the Supper, we keep the memory of His death alive until the time when all eyes will see Him in the air!
It Is Observed Upon Self-Examination
Only you answer for your observance of the Supper. Only you can ensure that you are eating and drinking in a worthy manner. To be flippant or hypocritical, or rebellious during the observance is to grieve the Almighty. This is to be a time of gravity and reflection, with thanksgiving for Christ’s great expression of love. “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup” (1 Corinthians 11:28).
It Is Observed To Proclaim Christ As Savior
Christ came and died for you and me. He shed his precious blood because He loves us dearly. There is power in that blood. Christ died that we might live, and the life He offers us is eternal in its nature. When he comes again, it will be to gather us to eternity! “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26).
