Fellowship with God and with other believers is a vital aspect of the Christian life—especially on the Lord’s Day. This fellowship is not just a feel-good gathering; it is a source of spiritual strength to sustain believers for the week ahead. One of the central practices that fosters this fellowship is Holy Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper.

A Sacred Ordinance Instituted by Christ

Holy Communion is one of the two sacraments instituted by Jesus in the Protestant church, the other being Holy Baptism. Its deep significance lies in pointing to the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ—without which the Christian faith would lose its foundation. Jesus Himself commanded this ordinance and demonstrated it with His disciples during the Last Supper.

The Apostle Paul later addressed the early church, particularly the Corinthian believers, correcting their misuse and misunderstanding of this sacred practice. His words emphasize the need for reverence, unity, and self-examination when partaking in the Lord’s Supper.

Disunity and Selfishness in the Corinthian Church

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul rebukes the church for their disunity, selfishness, and lack of love. Their behavior during Holy Communion mocked the very essence of Christ’s sacrifice. The wealthy feasted while the poor went hungry, revealing a glaring lack of compassion and community. This not only distorted the meaning of the Lord’s Supper but also gave a poor witness to unbelievers.

Holy Communion is meant to display the unity of believers in the body of Christ. Any form of division, favoritism, or self-centeredness undermines the shared identity that this sacrament proclaims.

Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice and the New Covenant

The Lord’s Supper is, first and foremost, a remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice. When Jesus broke the bread and shared the cup, He declared, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” The bread represents His body, given for sinners, while the cup symbolizes the blood He shed to bear the wrath of God on behalf of humankind.

By partaking of the bread and cup, believers proclaim the Lord’s death until His second coming. This sacred act calls the Church to hate sin—the very thing that required Jesus’ death—and to live in joyful remembrance of the new covenant.

This new covenant, foretold in the Old Testament and fulfilled in Christ, is not based on human merit but on God’s initiative and faithfulness. He promises to write His law on the hearts of His people, offering salvation and steadfast love even when sin persists.

Unity with Fellow Christians and the Witness of the Church

Holy Communion is not just about personal reflection—it is a corporate act that unites believers. Those who are in covenant with God are also bound to one another as the body of Christ. This unity is a powerful witness to the world and a reminder that the Christian life is meant to be lived in community, not isolation.

The sacrament also serves an evangelistic purpose. As the Church proclaims Christ’s death and His return, unbelievers present may be stirred to consider their spiritual condition. The Lord’s Supper reminds all who partake—and all who observe—of the urgency to repent and believe the gospel.

At the same time, it challenges believers to set their minds on eternal things rather than being consumed by worldly pursuits. As often as it is practiced, the Lord’s Supper orients hearts toward the coming kingdom.

The Right Heart: Thanksgiving and Self-Examination

Approaching the Lord’s Table requires a heart full of thanksgiving. It is a privilege reserved for born-again believers—those who have been washed by the blood of Christ. This calls for deep gratitude, not casual participation.

Scripture commands self-examination before partaking in Communion. Believers are to reflect on their hearts, repent of any known sin, and seek reconciliation where needed. To eat and drink in an unworthy manner—harboring pride, unrepentant sin, or hatred toward fellow Christians—is to dishonor the very body and blood of Christ.

However, the goal of self-examination is not to discourage participation but to promote sincere and reverent worship. Communion should be a time to realign with God, restoring one’s spiritual focus through prayer and repentance.

Worship, Humility, and God’s Loving Discipline

At its core, Holy Communion is an act of worship. Christ is spiritually present in a unique way during this time, and His presence calls for humility. Believers are reminded of their constant need for His grace and cleansing.

This humility before God also manifests in humility toward fellow believers. A proud or divisive heart is out of step with the spirit of the sacrament. The Lord disciplines those He loves, and Christians are held to a higher standard because of the great truths they have received and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

God’s discipline is not a sign of rejection but of love. It is meant to bring believers back to their senses and prevent spiritual ruin. While God may allow temporary consequences for sin, those who belong to Christ will never face eternal condemnation—for Jesus has already borne that penalty in full.

[AI-Generated notes from this sermon]