Simple Studies in Christian Essentials

 

                            Lesson 5

 

              The Ordinance of Communion

 

   Introduction: As Baptism symbolizes the spiritual

birth of the believer so the Lord's Supper symbolizes

nourishment, - partaking of the Lord Jesus.

 

I. The significance of the Lord's Supper.

 

     A. It symbolizes the atoning death of Christ, -

        1 Cor 11:26.

 

     B. It symbolizes our spiritual nourishment, -

        Matt 26:26-27.

 

     C. It is a memorial of the death of Christ, -

        Lk 22:19.

 

     D. It is a type of our fellowship (communion)

        with the Lord Jesus, - 1 Cor 10:16-17.

 

     E. It is a prophecy of the "Marriage Supper

        of the Lamb," - Matt 26:29; Rev 19:7-9.

 

II. The Authority for observing the Lord's Supper.

 

     A. The example and command of Christ, -

        Matt 26:26-30.

 

     B. A special revelation to Paul, - 1 Cor 11:23-29.

 

     C. The practice of the Apostolic Church, -

        Acts 2:41-42; 1 Cor 10:16.

 

III. The qualifications for partaking of the Supper.

 

     A. Conversion, - Acts 2:41-42.

 

     B. Baptism, - Acts 2:41-42.

        Not all require this.

 

     C. A godly life, all known sin confessed

        and forsaken, - 1 Cor 11:27-32; 1 Jn 1:9.

 

   Conclusion: The Lord's Supper stands between

Christ's first coming and His return pointing

to each, - it speaks of faith in His finished

work on Calvary and hope of His coming again.

 

 

                              Questions

 

1. What relation to the death of Christ does communion

   bear?

 

2. How does it symbolize spiritual nourishment?

 

3. How is the Supper a memorial?

 

4. Of what two events is communion a type?

 

5. Name the three sources of authority for the

   observation of the Supper.

 

6. What is the first thing necessary before one

   partakes of communion?

 

7. What relation does the Supper bear to Baptism?

 

8. What kind of life should one seek to live

   who desires to partake of communion?

 

9. How may we be sure we are fit to partake?

 

10. What relation to the Lord's Return does

    the Supper hold?