Examine Yourselves

February 7, 2016
Pastor Jeff Lampl

"Examine your motives, test your heart, come to this meal in holy awe."
1 Corinthians 11:28 (Msg)

As you read the Apostle Paul’s instructions from Jesus regarding the Lord’s Supper, consider the meaning of what Jesus is saying. 

First, remember what God is like.   Can you imagine?  Why in the world would the Creator of the universe do this?

Second, consider the consequences of trusting God and following Jesus.  Drinking from the cup that Jesus drank from means following Him to the cross.  We can expect to suffer. 

Third, we live in hope.   No amount of suffering, nor even death itself has the last word.   As John Donne wrote in 1609, “Death be not proud, though some have called thee mighty and dreadful, thou art not so.  . .  . .one short sleep past, we wake eternally.   death, thou shalt die”

Let me go over with you again exactly what goes on in the Lord’s Supper and why it is so centrally important. I received my instructions from the Master himself and passed them on to you. The Master, Jesus, on the night of his betrayal, took bread. Having given thanks, he broke it and said,

"This is my body, broken for you.
Do this to remember me."

After supper, he did the same thing with the cup:

"This cup is my blood, my new covenant with you.
Each time you drink this cup, remember me."

"What you must solemnly realize is that every time you eat this bread and every time you drink this cup, you reenact in your words and actions the death of the Master. You will be drawn back to this meal again and again until the Master returns. You must never let familiarity breed contempt."

1 Corinthians 11:23-26