ELEMENTS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

Matters Of Observance

Why Do We Observe As We Do?

We are New Testament pattern people If we have strong evidence for a particular

observance we follow that pattern. The easiest understanding from Scripture is

USUALLY the best.

Lots of confusion being caused in the church today over communion. Let’s examine some clear understandings.

How Often Should We Take It?

Jesus never discussed frequency.

He introduced the supper at Passover, but suggested it was a “new” meal – different from Passover.

How do we determine frequency?

Apostolic Teaching What did Paul teach? 1 Cor. 11:26 – “For as

often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”

Note: Often = HOSAKIS -- “as many times as…” Suggests frequency.

The “All the Churches” Factor

1 Cor. 4:17 – “For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church.”

2 Timothy 1:13

“Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.”

Paul taught a standard of sound words for every church.

How Often Did The First Church Take Communion?

1 Corinthians 11:20 – “Therefore when you meet together, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper….”

The WERE meeting to eat the Lord’s supper, but were abusing it. This demands frequency for Paul’s argument to have meaning.

Do We Know How Often?

Acts 20:17 – “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them….”

The first century church met on the first day of the week to break bread.

Which Is Also When They Gave

1 Cor. 16:2 – “On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper….”

Establishing a pattern

Known As The Lord’s Day

Revelation 1:10 – “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day….”

Uniqueness Of The Supper

It was NOT a common meal

1 Cor. 11:33-34 – “So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home….”

Acts 2:42,46 Confusion Unraveled

Acts 2:42 – They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…(46) Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart.”

Breaking Bread? Or Breaking Bread?

2:42 – “KLESEI TOU ARTOU” = Breaking THE Bread

2:46 – “KIONTES TE KAT OIKON ARTON METELAMBAINO” = “Breaking (besides according to home = from house to house) bread they partook of nourishment….

Further Explanation: Acts 20:7, 11

Acts 20:7 – “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread = KLESAI ARTON HO = To break bread THE – article present.

NOTE: WE Acts 20:11 – KLASAS ARTON =

no article Except in textual variation NOTE: PAUL

Further Explanation: Acts 20:7, 11

Acts 20:7 – “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread = KLESAI ARTON HO = To break bread THE – article present.

NOTE: WE Acts 20:11 – KLASAS ARTON =

no article Except in textual variation NOTE: PAUL

Elements of the Supper

False doctrine of transubstantiation – the bread does NOT miraculously become the literal flesh of Jesus. The drink does NOT miraculously become the literal blood of Jesus.

Jesus spoke in metaphor

Unleavened Bread

Deuteronomy 16:1-4 – “Observe the month of Abib and celebrate the Passover…You shall not eat leavened bread with it; seven days you shall eat with it unleavened bread….For seven days no leaven shall be seen with you in all your territory….”

Fruit Of The Vine

Matthew 26:29 – “But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

Wine or grape juice. Nothing else.

What They Represent

1 Peter 2:24 – “…and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.”

He bore our sins in His body

Hebrews 10:19-20

“Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh….”