Bible Text: 1 Corinthians 11:23-27 (NIV)
“For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, This is my body, which is given for you. ; do this in memory of me. In the same way, after supper, he also took the cup, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.”
Purpose of the Outline:
The purpose of this sermon outline is to provide a clear and applicable understanding of Jesus’ instructions for celebrating Holy Communion. The importance of honoring and remembering Christ’s sacrifice will be emphasized, as will warnings about unworthily partaking of this ordinance.
Introduction:
The Lord’s Supper, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is an essential practice in the life of the Christian church. It leads us to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and to renew our commitment to Him. In the text of 1 Corinthians 11:23-27, the apostle Paul recalls Jesus’ words about the institution of the Supper and warns us about the importance of participating with dignity.
Central Theme: Celebrating Holy Communion with dignity and reverence.
I. The institution of the Lord’s Supper (verses 23-24)
- The example of Jesus in breaking bread.
- The symbolic meaning of bread as the body of Christ.
- The importance of doing this in memory of Jesus.
II. The new covenant in the blood of Jesus (verse 25)
- The chalice as a symbol of the new covenant.
- The importance of drinking the cup in memory of Jesus.
- The proclamation of the Lord’s death through the Supper.
III. Partaking of Holy Communion worthily (verses 26-27)
- The warning against unworthy participation.
- The importance of examining yourself before participating.
- Avoiding the guilt of the body and blood of the Lord.
IV. Expanding knowledge about the Holy Supper
- Luke 22:19-20 – Parallel record of the institution of the Supper.
- Matthew 26:26-28 – Another account of the Lord’s Supper.
- Hebrews 9:14 – The power of the blood of Christ to cleanse our conscience.
- John 6:53-58 – Jesus as the bread of life that we are to eat.
Conclusion:
When celebrating Holy Communion, we should do so reverently, examining ourselves and remembering Jesus’ sacrifice. Through this ordinance, we are reminded of the love and redemption offered by Christ on the cross. May each participant approach with a sincere heart, seeking a renewal of faith and commitment to the Lord.
Cult type to use this outline:
This outline is suitable for use in Holy Communion services, whether held monthly, quarterly, or on special occasions. It can also be adapted to be taught at spiritual retreats, conferences or Bible studies focused on Holy Communion and reflection on Christ’s sacrifice.
