Inward Prayer

Small Group Questions:

1. 1. We just practiced communion. How was it?
   2. What does it mean when we say we “continually commune,” even after partaking in the Lord’s Supper?
   3. What is one thing you have learned through studying this series on the Sacraments?
   4. What is one thing you will do after studying this series on the Sacraments?

Outward Prayer

THE MAIN POINT

Communion reminds us.. commune with god daily.

THE BIBLE

1 Corinthians 10:14-22, 11:26 (CSB), Matthew 26:26-28 (CSB

THE CONTEXT

This week, we will be finishing up our “Sacraments” series by talking about Communion.

Communion was first introduced to us by Jesus at the “Last Supper” before He was killed. Here, He and His disciples gathered around to celebrate Passover, an important day to their faith as it was in remembrance of the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This was a traditional meal in the Jewish faith that is still celebrated today. However, on this particular day, Jesus would begin a new tradition that would also celebrate freedom from bondage, the bondage of sin.

“Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is my body.” This “breaking of the bread” represents the beating that Jesus would later face, taking on the pain of the crucifixion as punishment for our sins. He was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities. We remember this great sacrifice when we eat communion bread.

“Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, ‘Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'”

When we partake in communion, we are remembering what Jesus did for us just as the disciples were celebrating in remembrance of what God did for them through Exodus. When we practice communion, we come before God repentant of our sins. Then, we partake, thanking Jesus for what He has done by remembering His sacrifice.

THE CORE

As you prepare the core of the message using personal stories and questions keep in mind these points:

• The sacrament of communion is the remembrance of Christ’s work on the cross through the eating of bread and drinking of wine which symbolizes the breaking of his body and the spilling of his blood for our salvation.
• We commune, coming together as one body to worship God with this sacrament. Communion doesn’t end when we swallow the elements. we continually commune with one another and with God in worship.
• Because this action represents a major event in our faith, we must come to the table for communion with reverence. Meaning, a deep respect.

THE APPLICATION

As you prepare the application, challenge and/or encouragement, keep in mind these points:

• Just as baptism is done as an act of obedience, communion is an action asked of us. “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Cor. 11:26)
• We must come before God with a clean conscience, asking for forgiveness before we can celebrate the forgiveness He has given us. This is why it is important that only believers participate in communion. We can only celebrate what we have experienced.