WEBVTT 00:00:00.660 --> 00:00:17.280 Tonight, we are on what seems like holy ground as we consider together the centrality, significance and purpose of the Lord's Supper, communion, the Eucharist, the breaking of bread. 00:00:17.280 --> 00:00:33.859 This central ordinance handed down by the Lord Jesus himself as a means of grace to his church is not just a gracious provision from our God, but also the flashpoint of dispute. 00:00:33.859 --> 00:00:48.519 It is certainly true that the four words, this is my body, are the most controversial and divisive within the history of the church. 00:00:49.320 --> 00:01:00.039 It is the interpretation of that phrase that sees the core difference in doctrine and practice between the Catholic and the Protestant church. 00:01:00.039 --> 00:01:22.560 The Catholics literally interpret the phrase, this is my body, as that of transubstantiation, that during the elevation of the bread and the wine, the substances are miraculously transformed into the actual body and actual blood of Jesus Christ. 00:01:22.879 --> 00:01:28.480 This became their practice in 1215 at the Lateran Council. 00:01:28.480 --> 00:01:34.659 Thus, in the Mass, Christ is really physically present. 00:01:35.820 --> 00:01:39.820 The result being that grace is imparted to those present. 00:01:40.960 --> 00:01:50.960 In Roman Catholic theology, every time the Mass is celebrated, the sacrifice of Christ is repeated in a real sense. 00:01:50.959 --> 00:02:04.639 The Protestants, on the other hand, believe that the bread and wine of the Lord's Supper do not change into the body and blood of Christ. 00:02:04.639 --> 00:02:12.959 Rather, the bread and the wine symbolize the body and blood of Christ. 00:02:12.960 --> 00:02:24.620 Christ, therefore, is spiritually present in a special way as we partake of the bread and wine together in faith. 00:02:24.840 --> 00:02:33.260 It is a remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice once for all for us on the cross of Calvary. 00:02:33.259 --> 00:02:41.859 It is a looking back to the past, a celebrating in the present and a hope for the future. 00:02:41.860 --> 00:02:54.980 However, even within the Protestant tradition, the frequency, focus and meaning, means of celebrating communion is multifarious. 00:02:54.979 --> 00:03:02.639 And our purpose this evening is not to catalogue, not to comment on the rights and wrongs of each, 00:03:02.639 --> 00:03:12.859 but to dig into the Bible's teaching and see how it informs our thoughts as to this fundamental privilege we have been given in Jesus Christ. 00:03:13.899 --> 00:03:16.219 In Acts 2, they write this. 00:03:16.219 --> 00:03:21.080 They, that is, the early church devoted themselves. 00:03:21.080 --> 00:03:22.919 They devoted to themselves. 00:03:23.259 --> 00:03:24.680 This was their focus. 00:03:26.139 --> 00:03:30.439 This was the things that they were passionate about doing together. 00:03:30.979 --> 00:03:38.439 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 00:03:38.439 --> 00:03:45.840 So whatever conclusions we draw, if we are to follow the pattern of the fledgling church at the beginning of Acts, 00:03:45.960 --> 00:03:48.400 we must be devoted to this. 00:03:49.400 --> 00:03:52.579 The Lord's Supper is not an optional extra. 00:03:52.919 --> 00:03:54.800 It is not a peripheral affair. 00:03:55.079 --> 00:03:58.439 It is not a sideshow event for the church of Jesus Christ. 00:03:58.439 --> 00:04:10.219 It is absolutely integral to the health, worship, and communal life of the congregation, 00:04:10.219 --> 00:04:13.819 as it is locally expressed in the local church. 00:04:15.099 --> 00:04:21.899 In his large book, Peter Leinhart, Blessed are the Hungry, is the title of the book, writes this. 00:04:22.480 --> 00:04:25.459 The Lord's Supper is the world in miniature. 00:04:25.459 --> 00:04:28.620 It has cosmic significance. 00:04:29.099 --> 00:04:32.699 Within it, we find clues to the meaning of all creation and all history, 00:04:33.000 --> 00:04:35.620 to the nature of God and the nature of man, 00:04:36.180 --> 00:04:38.639 to the mystery of the world, which is Christ. 00:04:39.299 --> 00:04:43.000 It is not confined to the first day for its powerful seven. 00:04:44.240 --> 00:04:49.919 Though the table stands at the center, it stretches out to the four corners of the earth. 00:04:49.920 --> 00:04:55.860 That book that Leinhart writes is about 370 pages long. 00:04:56.259 --> 00:04:58.920 And the last paragraph says, 00:04:59.300 --> 00:05:04.600 I have only managed to write a short treatise on the depth of significance there is present in the Lord's Supper. 00:05:04.600 --> 00:05:09.260 And we have about 25 minutes. 00:05:10.439 --> 00:05:17.060 So all I want us to do is to go through 1 Corinthians 11 verses 17 to 34. 00:05:18.420 --> 00:05:26.580 And I have five perspectives, five views that I think the Lord's Supper gives us. 00:05:26.939 --> 00:05:31.640 Five things that we see as we celebrate this together. 00:05:31.639 --> 00:05:38.459 So let me read 1 Corinthians 11 verses 17 to 34. 00:05:40.259 --> 00:05:41.240 Paul writes this. 00:05:41.300 --> 00:05:47.839 In the following directives, I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. 00:05:48.560 --> 00:05:53.439 In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you. 00:05:53.680 --> 00:05:56.079 And to some extent, I believe it. 00:05:56.079 --> 00:06:01.519 No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval. 00:06:02.240 --> 00:06:06.479 So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper you eat. 00:06:06.959 --> 00:06:10.680 For when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. 00:06:11.039 --> 00:06:15.259 As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk. 00:06:15.860 --> 00:06:17.819 Don't you have homes to eat and drink in? 00:06:17.819 --> 00:06:22.279 Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? 00:06:22.659 --> 00:06:23.839 What shall I say to you? 00:06:23.860 --> 00:06:24.860 Shall I praise you? 00:06:25.360 --> 00:06:28.079 Certainly not in this matter. 00:06:29.120 --> 00:06:32.240 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you. 00:06:32.600 --> 00:06:35.980 The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread. 00:06:36.319 --> 00:06:38.519 And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 00:06:38.639 --> 00:06:40.339 This is my body, which is for you. 00:06:40.879 --> 00:06:43.480 Do this in remembrance of me. 00:06:43.480 --> 00:06:46.939 In the same way, after supper, he took the cup, saying, 00:06:47.340 --> 00:06:50.960 This cup is the new covenant in my blood. 00:06:51.340 --> 00:06:54.259 Do this whenever you drink it in remembrance of me. 00:06:55.100 --> 00:06:57.800 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, 00:06:58.040 --> 00:07:00.780 you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 00:07:01.560 --> 00:07:06.540 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner 00:07:06.540 --> 00:07:10.160 will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 00:07:10.160 --> 00:07:17.180 But everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 00:07:17.780 --> 00:07:21.680 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ, 00:07:22.080 --> 00:07:24.140 eat and drink judgment on themselves. 00:07:25.240 --> 00:07:28.160 That is why many among you are weak and ill, 00:07:28.379 --> 00:07:30.720 and a number of you have fallen asleep. 00:07:31.620 --> 00:07:34.700 But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, 00:07:34.900 --> 00:07:37.020 we would not come under such judgment. 00:07:37.019 --> 00:07:41.479 Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, 00:07:41.539 --> 00:07:42.759 we are being disciplined, 00:07:43.639 --> 00:07:46.819 so that we will not be finally condemned with the world. 00:07:48.000 --> 00:07:50.079 So then, my brothers and sisters, 00:07:50.680 --> 00:07:54.699 when you gather to eat, you should all eat together. 00:07:56.139 --> 00:07:59.359 Anyone who is hungry should eat something at home, 00:07:59.479 --> 00:08:02.599 so that when you meet together, it may not result in judgment. 00:08:02.600 --> 00:08:08.140 And when I come, I will give further instructions. 00:08:09.960 --> 00:08:14.439 The Corinthian church, when Paul writes, is about 10 years old. 00:08:15.939 --> 00:08:19.080 It is a church of great giftedness. 00:08:19.580 --> 00:08:22.500 If you've ever read 1 Corinthians, they are very gifted. 00:08:23.580 --> 00:08:28.379 Paul says that you have been gifted spiritually in every way in his introduction. 00:08:28.379 --> 00:08:34.539 It is a greatly gifted church, but it is also a church in grave danger. 00:08:35.200 --> 00:08:39.000 It is suffering from factionalism, gross immorality, 00:08:39.360 --> 00:08:43.299 and serious confusion on certain issues. 00:08:44.200 --> 00:08:47.580 This teaching on the Lord's Supper in chapter 11 00:08:47.580 --> 00:08:50.519 is part of the central block of the letter 00:08:50.519 --> 00:08:53.799 where Paul is correcting and arbitrating 00:08:53.799 --> 00:08:56.620 between various factions within the church 00:08:56.620 --> 00:08:58.899 who see differently on various matters. 00:09:00.379 --> 00:09:03.539 These issues are seemingly prompted by a letter 00:09:03.539 --> 00:09:05.299 written to Paul by the Corinthians 00:09:05.299 --> 00:09:08.299 asking for his clarification. 00:09:09.159 --> 00:09:13.379 The beginning of this section is chapter 7, verse 1, 00:09:13.620 --> 00:09:14.759 where Paul starts it, 00:09:14.759 --> 00:09:18.279 now for the matters you wrote about. 00:09:18.279 --> 00:09:21.199 He's seemingly going through them now 00:09:21.199 --> 00:09:23.860 and addressing their various concerns. 00:09:25.079 --> 00:09:26.399 And throughout this section, 00:09:26.879 --> 00:09:31.500 Paul is giving a good but style of argument. 00:09:32.000 --> 00:09:33.720 He wants to affirm something, 00:09:33.819 --> 00:09:37.500 but then say, but also remember this. 00:09:38.339 --> 00:09:41.799 On these issues where there is such a divergence of opinion 00:09:41.799 --> 00:09:42.779 within the church, 00:09:42.939 --> 00:09:45.299 he doesn't want to further polarize 00:09:45.299 --> 00:09:47.240 by saying you must do it this way 00:09:47.240 --> 00:09:48.679 and all these guys get the hump. 00:09:49.919 --> 00:09:52.139 So he says, it's good, 00:09:53.099 --> 00:09:56.599 but trying to bring the different sides together 00:09:56.599 --> 00:09:58.500 to a point of at least understanding. 00:10:00.059 --> 00:10:01.120 So for example, 00:10:01.219 --> 00:10:03.379 on the matter of celibacy in chapter 7, 00:10:03.379 --> 00:10:06.919 he says, it is good for a man 00:10:06.919 --> 00:10:09.099 not to have sexual relations with a woman. 00:10:09.399 --> 00:10:11.899 He is promoting celibacy. 00:10:11.899 --> 00:10:14.720 And then he says, 00:10:15.559 --> 00:10:19.860 but since sexual immorality is occurring, 00:10:20.000 --> 00:10:21.639 each man should have sexual relations 00:10:21.639 --> 00:10:23.100 with his own wife 00:10:23.100 --> 00:10:25.319 and each woman her own husband. 00:10:25.779 --> 00:10:28.039 He is therefore affirming marriage. 00:10:29.100 --> 00:10:31.679 He says, yes to celibacy, 00:10:32.620 --> 00:10:35.860 but also yes to marriage. 00:10:37.279 --> 00:10:40.059 Or on the gift of tongues in chapter 14, 00:10:40.059 --> 00:10:43.619 I thank God I speak in tongues more than all of you. 00:10:43.879 --> 00:10:45.179 He affirms that gifting. 00:10:47.199 --> 00:10:50.179 But in the church, 00:10:50.459 --> 00:10:52.859 I would rather speak five intelligible words 00:10:52.859 --> 00:10:53.879 to instruct others 00:10:53.879 --> 00:10:56.179 than 10,000 words in a tongue. 00:10:56.539 --> 00:10:58.339 He says it's good, 00:10:59.299 --> 00:11:02.899 but I affirm this 00:11:02.899 --> 00:11:05.039 and I affirm this. 00:11:05.519 --> 00:11:07.879 Like the Aldi advert. 00:11:07.879 --> 00:11:09.399 But I like this one 00:11:09.399 --> 00:11:11.720 and I also like this one. 00:11:11.980 --> 00:11:13.580 He's trying to bring them together. 00:11:14.600 --> 00:11:15.159 However, 00:11:15.679 --> 00:11:17.000 when we start this section 00:11:17.000 --> 00:11:18.939 in chapter 11, verse 17, 00:11:19.399 --> 00:11:21.080 he doesn't say this is good, 00:11:21.279 --> 00:11:21.860 but 00:11:21.860 --> 00:11:25.779 he says this is all a catastrophe. 00:11:26.779 --> 00:11:28.480 Look at verse 17 again. 00:11:29.019 --> 00:11:30.519 In the following directives, 00:11:30.740 --> 00:11:32.700 I have no praise for you 00:11:32.700 --> 00:11:37.300 for your meetings do more harm than good. 00:11:37.980 --> 00:11:39.420 When you come together, 00:11:39.660 --> 00:11:41.620 it is explosively wrong 00:11:41.620 --> 00:11:43.980 and there is more collateral 00:11:43.980 --> 00:11:46.540 than there is blessing. 00:11:48.120 --> 00:11:49.800 He then goes on to do 00:11:49.800 --> 00:11:53.660 what I think points out five views. 00:11:54.200 --> 00:11:55.740 He gives us five things 00:11:55.740 --> 00:11:57.420 that we should be aware of 00:11:57.420 --> 00:11:59.780 as we come to the Lord's table, 00:11:59.779 --> 00:12:01.959 as we come to take communion, 00:12:01.959 --> 00:12:04.539 as we do the Lord's supper together. 00:12:05.579 --> 00:12:06.879 And this, I think, 00:12:06.919 --> 00:12:08.439 is the first view we get. 00:12:10.199 --> 00:12:13.919 A view of the one body. 00:12:14.779 --> 00:12:15.860 The first thing I think 00:12:15.860 --> 00:12:18.059 Paul wants us to understand 00:12:18.059 --> 00:12:19.360 as we do this 00:12:19.360 --> 00:12:20.919 is the one body. 00:12:22.000 --> 00:12:23.240 This is the first place 00:12:23.240 --> 00:12:25.779 Paul goes in his critique 00:12:25.779 --> 00:12:28.259 of the practice of Corinth 00:12:28.259 --> 00:12:30.579 in the first five verses. 00:12:32.500 --> 00:12:34.339 He says some people come 00:12:34.339 --> 00:12:35.439 and they eat 00:12:35.439 --> 00:12:36.299 and they get drunk 00:12:36.299 --> 00:12:37.480 and people come later 00:12:37.480 --> 00:12:38.360 and they're hungry 00:12:38.360 --> 00:12:40.559 and they wonder what's going on. 00:12:41.179 --> 00:12:43.000 It is not the Lord's supper 00:12:43.000 --> 00:12:45.779 you are celebrating, he says. 00:12:46.720 --> 00:12:48.600 And I think a bit of cultural information 00:12:48.600 --> 00:12:49.779 helps us understand 00:12:50.379 --> 00:12:51.799 what's at the real kernel 00:12:51.799 --> 00:12:53.459 of this critique. 00:12:53.460 --> 00:12:57.360 Corinth is under Roman control. 00:12:57.480 --> 00:12:59.480 It works on a 10-day week. 00:13:00.240 --> 00:13:01.879 During that 10-day week, 00:13:02.040 --> 00:13:03.259 they have two days off, 00:13:03.340 --> 00:13:04.820 one at 5 and one at 10. 00:13:06.800 --> 00:13:08.420 The early church is running 00:13:08.420 --> 00:13:10.480 on a Hebrew 7-day week. 00:13:12.480 --> 00:13:13.160 And therefore, 00:13:13.879 --> 00:13:15.840 the days off in the Roman calendar 00:13:15.840 --> 00:13:16.860 and the days off 00:13:16.860 --> 00:13:18.000 in the Jewish calendar 00:13:18.000 --> 00:13:20.280 hardly ever align together. 00:13:20.800 --> 00:13:22.379 The normal practice is 00:13:22.379 --> 00:13:23.500 that the church is meeting 00:13:23.500 --> 00:13:24.840 on working days, 00:13:24.980 --> 00:13:26.179 which helps to explain 00:13:26.179 --> 00:13:27.139 why they normally meet 00:13:27.139 --> 00:13:28.460 either early in the morning 00:13:28.460 --> 00:13:30.120 or late at night. 00:13:33.759 --> 00:13:34.439 And so, 00:13:34.539 --> 00:13:36.340 when it comes to the breaking of bread, 00:13:39.299 --> 00:13:42.139 a thing they would normally remember 00:13:42.139 --> 00:13:43.559 late at night, 00:13:44.240 --> 00:13:45.639 people turn up for the meeting 00:13:45.639 --> 00:13:46.980 at different times. 00:13:46.980 --> 00:13:48.980 So, for example, 00:13:49.100 --> 00:13:52.840 if you're a wealthy aristocrat 00:13:52.840 --> 00:13:54.379 who doesn't go to work, 00:13:55.399 --> 00:13:55.800 you think, 00:13:55.899 --> 00:13:56.840 oh, I'll turn up to church 00:13:56.840 --> 00:13:58.259 about 2 o'clock in the afternoon. 00:13:59.300 --> 00:14:00.519 And who else turns up 00:14:00.519 --> 00:14:01.740 at 2 o'clock in the afternoon? 00:14:02.440 --> 00:14:04.580 Well, all the other wealthy aristocrats. 00:14:05.580 --> 00:14:06.580 And what do you bring 00:14:06.580 --> 00:14:07.740 at 2 o'clock in the afternoon? 00:14:07.879 --> 00:14:09.080 Well, you bring a lovely picnic. 00:14:09.899 --> 00:14:12.100 And you have a bit of table fellowship together 00:14:12.100 --> 00:14:13.399 before the Lord's Supper 00:14:13.399 --> 00:14:14.700 is celebrated in the evening. 00:14:14.700 --> 00:14:17.560 And you have a wonderful time. 00:14:18.480 --> 00:14:20.640 Bit of caviar, perhaps, 00:14:20.800 --> 00:14:21.759 some langoustine, 00:14:22.500 --> 00:14:23.820 a lovely pinot grigio 00:14:23.820 --> 00:14:25.000 to wash it all down. 00:14:25.860 --> 00:14:26.759 2 o'clock. 00:14:27.720 --> 00:14:28.920 And you're having this wonderful 00:14:28.920 --> 00:14:30.120 love feast together 00:14:30.120 --> 00:14:31.780 of table fellowship. 00:14:33.140 --> 00:14:34.640 You turned up at 2. 00:14:34.720 --> 00:14:36.160 Well, the next people to turn up 00:14:36.160 --> 00:14:37.759 are the business people. 00:14:38.720 --> 00:14:40.220 They've worked at 9 to 5, 00:14:40.320 --> 00:14:41.740 5 o'clock, clocking off time. 00:14:41.740 --> 00:14:42.740 Let's go straight 00:14:42.740 --> 00:14:45.220 to the church meeting. 00:14:46.600 --> 00:14:48.100 Well, your wealthy aristocrats 00:14:48.100 --> 00:14:48.700 have been on it 00:14:48.700 --> 00:14:49.600 since 2 o'clock. 00:14:49.820 --> 00:14:51.080 And their table fellowship 00:14:51.080 --> 00:14:52.100 is in full flow. 00:14:52.200 --> 00:14:53.220 But the business people 00:14:53.220 --> 00:14:53.899 come along. 00:14:54.299 --> 00:14:55.200 They bring a slightly 00:14:55.200 --> 00:14:56.299 smaller packed lunch, 00:14:56.519 --> 00:14:57.320 which is probably 00:14:57.320 --> 00:14:58.320 not from Waitrose. 00:14:58.379 --> 00:15:00.019 Let's go for Sainsbury's. 00:15:01.159 --> 00:15:02.100 And they're sitting down. 00:15:02.180 --> 00:15:03.539 And it's quite a cheap burlough, 00:15:03.620 --> 00:15:04.759 but there's lots of it. 00:15:04.759 --> 00:15:07.620 And so they start tucking in. 00:15:09.439 --> 00:15:10.379 Now, the last people 00:15:10.379 --> 00:15:12.120 to turn up would be the slaves. 00:15:12.500 --> 00:15:14.039 About half the Roman world 00:15:14.039 --> 00:15:15.460 is considered a slave. 00:15:15.580 --> 00:15:16.819 And there's a multitude 00:15:16.819 --> 00:15:17.899 of different slaves, 00:15:18.000 --> 00:15:19.259 from the footwashers 00:15:19.259 --> 00:15:20.679 to the private tutors 00:15:20.679 --> 00:15:21.720 and household managers 00:15:21.720 --> 00:15:23.759 in the aristocrats' houses. 00:15:24.580 --> 00:15:26.500 They turn up last. 00:15:27.519 --> 00:15:28.779 They probably turn up 00:15:28.779 --> 00:15:29.519 with nothing. 00:15:31.200 --> 00:15:32.159 And so by the time, 00:15:32.279 --> 00:15:33.360 later on in the evening, 00:15:33.360 --> 00:15:34.740 it finally comes round 00:15:34.740 --> 00:15:36.580 to this pinnacle moment 00:15:36.580 --> 00:15:37.460 of celebrating 00:15:37.460 --> 00:15:38.500 the Lord's Supper. 00:15:40.159 --> 00:15:41.460 You've got the wealthy people 00:15:41.460 --> 00:15:42.620 who are well fed 00:15:42.620 --> 00:15:44.680 and full of the grigio. 00:15:45.960 --> 00:15:47.060 The business people 00:15:47.060 --> 00:15:48.180 who have tucked in, 00:15:48.700 --> 00:15:49.620 eaten their fill, 00:15:50.440 --> 00:15:51.399 and are by no means 00:15:51.399 --> 00:15:52.220 going thirsty. 00:15:53.500 --> 00:15:54.659 And then the slaves 00:15:54.659 --> 00:15:55.820 who come in last. 00:15:56.419 --> 00:15:59.680 Hungry, tired, and thirsty. 00:16:00.480 --> 00:16:01.680 And so when they come 00:16:01.679 --> 00:16:03.500 to the centrality of this meal, 00:16:03.899 --> 00:16:04.899 rather than show 00:16:04.899 --> 00:16:06.259 the oneness of the body, 00:16:06.339 --> 00:16:07.279 it really only shows 00:16:07.279 --> 00:16:08.399 the divisions there are 00:16:08.399 --> 00:16:09.099 amongst them. 00:16:09.899 --> 00:16:11.059 That they've turned something 00:16:11.059 --> 00:16:12.059 that was so central 00:16:12.059 --> 00:16:13.799 into an absolute farce. 00:16:15.079 --> 00:16:16.039 Something that's meant 00:16:16.039 --> 00:16:16.679 to celebrate 00:16:16.679 --> 00:16:17.579 how they are one 00:16:17.579 --> 00:16:18.559 in Christ Jesus 00:16:18.559 --> 00:16:21.359 has really become 00:16:21.359 --> 00:16:22.359 a place for people 00:16:22.359 --> 00:16:22.979 to exhibit 00:16:22.979 --> 00:16:24.899 their own wealth, 00:16:25.899 --> 00:16:27.059 their own selfishness, 00:16:27.059 --> 00:16:28.019 selfishness, 00:16:28.579 --> 00:16:30.959 with absolutely no regard 00:16:30.959 --> 00:16:32.339 for others. 00:16:35.099 --> 00:16:36.279 And this goes against 00:16:36.279 --> 00:16:37.359 what the Lord's Supper 00:16:37.359 --> 00:16:38.599 is meant to be. 00:16:39.179 --> 00:16:40.000 The Lord's Supper 00:16:40.000 --> 00:16:40.739 is supposed to be 00:16:40.739 --> 00:16:42.539 the centre and symbol 00:16:42.539 --> 00:16:45.679 of the church's unity together. 00:16:46.259 --> 00:16:47.099 That it is, 00:16:47.339 --> 00:16:48.799 in what we remember 00:16:48.799 --> 00:16:49.479 at this point, 00:16:49.559 --> 00:16:51.159 the cross of the Lord Jesus, 00:16:51.279 --> 00:16:52.199 that everyone finds 00:16:52.199 --> 00:16:53.019 a place together. 00:16:53.719 --> 00:16:54.459 We sing that song, 00:16:54.519 --> 00:16:55.500 I think we're going to sing it later, 00:16:55.500 --> 00:16:57.639 beneath the cross of Jesus, 00:16:58.159 --> 00:17:00.000 I find a place to stand. 00:17:01.059 --> 00:17:02.320 As everyone's humbled 00:17:02.320 --> 00:17:02.980 under grace, 00:17:03.080 --> 00:17:04.720 they're unified together. 00:17:06.019 --> 00:17:07.240 And yet when they come round 00:17:07.240 --> 00:17:08.680 to remembering the cross, 00:17:08.960 --> 00:17:10.420 because of all that's proceeded 00:17:10.420 --> 00:17:11.359 during the afternoon 00:17:11.359 --> 00:17:12.799 and later on into the evening, 00:17:13.099 --> 00:17:14.299 only goes to show 00:17:14.299 --> 00:17:16.180 just how divided they are. 00:17:17.440 --> 00:17:18.319 As those that have been 00:17:18.319 --> 00:17:19.299 on the Pinot Grigio 00:17:19.299 --> 00:17:20.440 sing Waltzing Matilda 00:17:20.440 --> 00:17:21.579 in a raucous way, 00:17:22.299 --> 00:17:23.220 and everyone else 00:17:23.220 --> 00:17:23.960 is drowned out 00:17:23.960 --> 00:17:25.720 by the rumbling stomachs 00:17:25.720 --> 00:17:26.259 of the slaves 00:17:26.259 --> 00:17:27.319 that have just wandered in. 00:17:29.940 --> 00:17:31.160 Back in chapter 10, 00:17:31.240 --> 00:17:31.900 verse 16, 00:17:32.059 --> 00:17:33.220 Paul draws this parallel 00:17:33.220 --> 00:17:34.579 even tighter. 00:17:35.680 --> 00:17:36.559 He talks about 00:17:36.559 --> 00:17:37.240 what goes on 00:17:37.240 --> 00:17:38.620 at the Lord's Supper 00:17:38.620 --> 00:17:40.259 about being a participation 00:17:40.259 --> 00:17:41.860 in the body 00:17:41.860 --> 00:17:43.299 and blood of Christ. 00:17:45.400 --> 00:17:47.100 In verse 14 onwards. 00:17:47.840 --> 00:17:49.059 That word participation 00:17:49.059 --> 00:17:50.160 could also be, 00:17:50.380 --> 00:17:52.400 is normally rendered fellowship. 00:17:52.400 --> 00:17:54.040 So what is the church? 00:17:54.100 --> 00:17:54.900 It is the fellowship 00:17:54.900 --> 00:17:55.780 of the body 00:17:55.780 --> 00:17:56.759 and blood of Christ. 00:17:57.019 --> 00:17:58.080 It is those that are brought 00:17:58.080 --> 00:17:59.460 into fellowship together 00:17:59.460 --> 00:18:02.019 by all that this represents. 00:18:03.519 --> 00:18:04.820 And yet when the Corinthians 00:18:04.820 --> 00:18:05.519 get together, 00:18:05.620 --> 00:18:06.280 it looks anything 00:18:06.280 --> 00:18:07.060 but a fellowship 00:18:07.060 --> 00:18:08.220 closely knitted together 00:18:08.220 --> 00:18:09.800 by this. 00:18:11.700 --> 00:18:13.080 So as we take communion, 00:18:13.240 --> 00:18:14.400 the first view we get 00:18:14.400 --> 00:18:16.060 is of the one body. 00:18:17.019 --> 00:18:18.840 It is of our oneness 00:18:18.839 --> 00:18:20.980 that we all come to the cross 00:18:20.980 --> 00:18:21.899 wretched, 00:18:22.439 --> 00:18:22.799 helpless, 00:18:23.000 --> 00:18:23.699 and hopeless 00:18:23.699 --> 00:18:25.359 and we stare at one 00:18:25.359 --> 00:18:26.799 who won for us. 00:18:27.519 --> 00:18:29.019 No room for boasting, 00:18:29.179 --> 00:18:30.299 no room for pride, 00:18:30.699 --> 00:18:31.799 no room for division. 00:18:32.879 --> 00:18:34.139 We all get there 00:18:34.139 --> 00:18:35.059 on the merit 00:18:35.059 --> 00:18:37.059 of someone else. 00:18:38.959 --> 00:18:39.459 And therefore, 00:18:39.639 --> 00:18:42.099 what we celebrate together 00:18:42.099 --> 00:18:43.279 is to be the centre 00:18:43.279 --> 00:18:43.980 and symbol 00:18:43.980 --> 00:18:44.879 of our unity. 00:18:44.880 --> 00:18:45.080 unity. 00:18:46.740 --> 00:18:47.460 That in this, 00:18:47.560 --> 00:18:48.380 we have fellowship 00:18:48.380 --> 00:18:48.860 with God 00:18:48.860 --> 00:18:50.220 but we also have fellowship 00:18:50.220 --> 00:18:51.000 with each other. 00:18:52.660 --> 00:18:53.560 This is to be 00:18:53.560 --> 00:18:54.960 a glorious pinnacle 00:18:54.960 --> 00:18:56.280 of our communal life 00:18:56.280 --> 00:18:56.840 together. 00:19:01.880 --> 00:19:02.960 And so as I come 00:19:02.960 --> 00:19:04.040 to the end of my time 00:19:04.040 --> 00:19:05.040 at Brunsfield, 00:19:05.380 --> 00:19:07.120 one of my biggest regrets 00:19:07.120 --> 00:19:10.060 is that we've never managed 00:19:10.060 --> 00:19:10.860 to find a way 00:19:10.860 --> 00:19:12.440 to all take communion together. 00:19:12.440 --> 00:19:17.880 As a whole church. 00:19:19.380 --> 00:19:20.220 Now I don't think 00:19:20.220 --> 00:19:20.580 our 00:19:20.580 --> 00:19:22.840 10 o'clock service 00:19:22.840 --> 00:19:24.340 and our 11.30 service 00:19:24.340 --> 00:19:25.759 is anything like 00:19:25.759 --> 00:19:27.100 what we see in Koret. 00:19:27.519 --> 00:19:28.259 I don't think 00:19:28.259 --> 00:19:28.759 I've ever seen 00:19:28.759 --> 00:19:29.539 a Pinot Grigio 00:19:29.539 --> 00:19:30.380 at 10 o'clock. 00:19:31.100 --> 00:19:31.420 I don't think 00:19:31.420 --> 00:19:32.539 it's that same thing. 00:19:33.799 --> 00:19:35.039 But if this is to be 00:19:35.039 --> 00:19:35.559 the centre 00:19:35.559 --> 00:19:36.120 and symbol 00:19:36.120 --> 00:19:37.500 of our united life 00:19:37.500 --> 00:19:38.000 together, 00:19:39.299 --> 00:19:40.380 then it is painful 00:19:40.380 --> 00:19:40.880 to think 00:19:40.880 --> 00:19:41.540 that we've never 00:19:41.540 --> 00:19:42.140 quite managed 00:19:42.140 --> 00:19:43.160 to do it all together. 00:19:46.040 --> 00:19:48.260 Whether we've 00:19:48.260 --> 00:19:49.240 managed to make 00:19:49.240 --> 00:19:49.860 communion 00:19:49.860 --> 00:19:50.620 the centre 00:19:50.620 --> 00:19:51.100 and symbol 00:19:51.100 --> 00:19:52.160 of our unity 00:19:52.160 --> 00:19:54.040 as one. 00:19:55.300 --> 00:19:56.360 So I ask you 00:19:56.360 --> 00:19:57.360 as I ask myself 00:19:57.360 --> 00:19:58.500 as I ask all of us 00:19:58.500 --> 00:19:58.960 together, 00:20:00.400 --> 00:20:01.100 do we love 00:20:01.100 --> 00:20:01.820 our traditions 00:20:01.820 --> 00:20:03.860 or our freedom 00:20:03.859 --> 00:20:06.359 more than we love 00:20:06.359 --> 00:20:06.699 Jesus 00:20:06.699 --> 00:20:07.639 and want to celebrate 00:20:07.639 --> 00:20:08.619 and put on display 00:20:08.619 --> 00:20:09.639 the unity 00:20:09.639 --> 00:20:11.219 that is all of us 00:20:11.219 --> 00:20:12.699 all together 00:20:12.699 --> 00:20:15.419 through his son 00:20:15.419 --> 00:20:17.519 centred and symbolised 00:20:17.519 --> 00:20:18.979 by the Lord's Supper. 00:20:19.619 --> 00:20:20.659 I have no answers 00:20:20.659 --> 00:20:21.240 to that. 00:20:22.519 --> 00:20:23.779 I have no agenda 00:20:23.779 --> 00:20:24.779 behind that. 00:20:24.779 --> 00:20:26.660 I just think 00:20:26.660 --> 00:20:27.440 that as I've read 00:20:27.440 --> 00:20:28.180 this this week 00:20:28.180 --> 00:20:30.000 there's been 00:20:30.000 --> 00:20:30.740 a chiming 00:20:30.740 --> 00:20:31.559 between the way 00:20:31.559 --> 00:20:32.500 that we do it 00:20:32.500 --> 00:20:33.740 and what it is 00:20:33.740 --> 00:20:35.180 meant to symbolise 00:20:35.180 --> 00:20:36.920 and to be 00:20:36.920 --> 00:20:37.500 the pinnacle 00:20:37.500 --> 00:20:38.259 of our unity 00:20:38.259 --> 00:20:39.259 together in Jesus. 00:20:41.039 --> 00:20:41.839 And as I said 00:20:41.839 --> 00:20:42.319 at the beginning 00:20:42.319 --> 00:20:42.980 I think it is 00:20:42.980 --> 00:20:43.799 for the health 00:20:43.799 --> 00:20:45.359 and flourishing 00:20:45.359 --> 00:20:46.700 and prosperity 00:20:46.700 --> 00:20:47.319 of the church 00:20:47.319 --> 00:20:47.819 because it's 00:20:47.819 --> 00:20:48.539 so important 00:20:48.539 --> 00:20:50.519 that we get it right. 00:20:50.519 --> 00:20:52.500 So the first view 00:20:52.500 --> 00:20:53.200 I think we see 00:20:53.200 --> 00:20:54.000 is of the one 00:20:54.000 --> 00:20:54.879 body. 00:20:56.799 --> 00:20:57.879 The second view 00:20:57.879 --> 00:20:58.700 I think we see 00:20:58.700 --> 00:20:59.779 is of the crucial 00:20:59.779 --> 00:21:00.799 cross 00:21:00.799 --> 00:21:03.180 verses 23 to 25. 00:21:05.740 --> 00:21:06.599 I think 00:21:06.599 --> 00:21:07.220 I discovered 00:21:07.220 --> 00:21:07.720 this week 00:21:07.720 --> 00:21:08.500 what is probably 00:21:08.500 --> 00:21:09.359 the most shocking 00:21:09.359 --> 00:21:09.859 thing 00:21:09.859 --> 00:21:11.119 I've read 00:21:11.119 --> 00:21:11.759 in the Bible. 00:21:12.779 --> 00:21:13.960 That on the night 00:21:13.960 --> 00:21:14.960 the Lord Jesus 00:21:14.960 --> 00:21:16.099 is about to suffer 00:21:16.099 --> 00:21:16.660 and die 00:21:16.660 --> 00:21:18.079 for sinful humanity. 00:21:19.160 --> 00:21:20.019 The night 00:21:20.019 --> 00:21:20.839 where he gathers 00:21:20.839 --> 00:21:21.579 his disciples 00:21:21.579 --> 00:21:22.180 together 00:21:22.180 --> 00:21:23.059 to celebrate 00:21:23.059 --> 00:21:23.740 the Passover 00:21:23.740 --> 00:21:25.059 something he says 00:21:25.059 --> 00:21:25.559 I have been 00:21:25.559 --> 00:21:26.680 eagerly waiting 00:21:26.680 --> 00:21:28.559 to eat with them. 00:21:29.639 --> 00:21:30.440 Before he 00:21:30.440 --> 00:21:31.379 is rejected 00:21:31.379 --> 00:21:32.240 by all of them 00:21:32.240 --> 00:21:33.000 walks the lonely 00:21:33.000 --> 00:21:33.819 cross all the way 00:21:33.819 --> 00:21:34.839 up Calvary alone 00:21:34.839 --> 00:21:35.819 where he's nailed 00:21:35.819 --> 00:21:36.879 to a cruel Roman 00:21:36.879 --> 00:21:37.759 cross to bleed 00:21:37.759 --> 00:21:38.639 and die for each 00:21:38.639 --> 00:21:39.319 of us 00:21:39.319 --> 00:21:40.660 as the very 00:21:40.660 --> 00:21:41.559 centre of 00:21:41.559 --> 00:21:42.819 world history. 00:21:44.000 --> 00:21:44.839 And what does 00:21:44.839 --> 00:21:45.799 Jesus say to them? 00:21:46.660 --> 00:21:47.539 Remember me. 00:21:47.539 --> 00:21:50.299 Don't forget me. 00:21:50.500 --> 00:21:51.180 Don't gloss 00:21:51.180 --> 00:21:51.779 over me. 00:21:51.879 --> 00:21:52.519 Don't take me 00:21:52.519 --> 00:21:53.279 for granted. 00:21:54.000 --> 00:21:54.980 Keep this event 00:21:54.980 --> 00:21:56.099 front and centre 00:21:56.099 --> 00:21:57.119 in your life. 00:21:58.339 --> 00:21:59.240 That seems 00:21:59.240 --> 00:22:00.480 outrageous to me 00:22:00.480 --> 00:22:01.220 that somebody's 00:22:01.220 --> 00:22:02.099 going to do this 00:22:02.099 --> 00:22:03.420 most sacrificial 00:22:03.420 --> 00:22:03.920 act 00:22:03.920 --> 00:22:04.980 for each 00:22:04.980 --> 00:22:05.859 of us. 00:22:07.139 --> 00:22:08.039 And Jesus 00:22:08.039 --> 00:22:08.440 the night 00:22:08.440 --> 00:22:08.879 before it 00:22:08.879 --> 00:22:09.180 happens 00:22:09.180 --> 00:22:09.680 says don't 00:22:09.680 --> 00:22:10.019 forget. 00:22:10.019 --> 00:22:15.500 Jesus 00:22:15.500 --> 00:22:16.599 our Passover 00:22:16.599 --> 00:22:17.079 lamb 00:22:17.079 --> 00:22:17.819 the ultimate 00:22:17.819 --> 00:22:18.480 fulfilment 00:22:18.480 --> 00:22:19.079 of all that 00:22:19.079 --> 00:22:19.599 the Passover 00:22:19.599 --> 00:22:20.619 symbolises. 00:22:21.960 --> 00:22:22.480 Jesus 00:22:22.480 --> 00:22:22.879 the one 00:22:22.879 --> 00:22:23.480 whose blood 00:22:23.480 --> 00:22:23.940 means that 00:22:23.940 --> 00:22:24.680 God's wrath 00:22:24.680 --> 00:22:25.240 against sin 00:22:25.240 --> 00:22:25.819 will pass 00:22:25.819 --> 00:22:27.000 over us. 00:22:27.799 --> 00:22:28.339 Jesus 00:22:28.339 --> 00:22:28.720 the one 00:22:28.720 --> 00:22:29.420 who ultimately 00:22:29.420 --> 00:22:30.180 redeems us 00:22:30.180 --> 00:22:30.960 from the final 00:22:30.960 --> 00:22:31.839 enemies of sin 00:22:31.839 --> 00:22:32.660 death and Satan. 00:22:33.220 --> 00:22:33.440 Jesus 00:22:33.440 --> 00:22:34.299 who leads us 00:22:34.299 --> 00:22:34.920 out of darkness 00:22:34.920 --> 00:22:35.539 and slavery 00:22:35.539 --> 00:22:36.200 into light 00:22:36.200 --> 00:22:36.599 freedom 00:22:36.599 --> 00:22:36.900 and the 00:22:36.900 --> 00:22:37.339 promised 00:22:37.339 --> 00:22:38.400 future. 00:22:38.400 --> 00:22:41.680 And Jesus 00:22:41.680 --> 00:22:42.240 before he 00:22:42.240 --> 00:22:42.820 makes all of 00:22:42.820 --> 00:22:43.660 that a reality 00:22:43.660 --> 00:22:44.300 says don't 00:22:44.300 --> 00:22:45.200 forget me. 00:22:48.360 --> 00:22:49.040 Remember. 00:22:52.540 --> 00:22:53.460 And to 00:22:53.460 --> 00:22:54.100 help you 00:22:54.100 --> 00:22:54.620 remember 00:22:54.620 --> 00:22:55.700 I've got 00:22:55.700 --> 00:22:56.720 some symbols 00:22:56.720 --> 00:22:57.660 to serve 00:22:57.660 --> 00:22:57.980 as an 00:22:57.980 --> 00:22:58.759 aide memoir 00:22:58.759 --> 00:23:00.440 which is 00:23:00.440 --> 00:23:00.980 my best 00:23:00.980 --> 00:23:01.540 French. 00:23:03.100 --> 00:23:03.940 I've got 00:23:03.940 --> 00:23:04.580 these symbols 00:23:04.580 --> 00:23:05.380 to focus 00:23:05.380 --> 00:23:06.100 your attention 00:23:06.100 --> 00:23:07.120 and bring 00:23:07.120 --> 00:23:07.519 you back 00:23:07.519 --> 00:23:08.019 to the foot 00:23:08.019 --> 00:23:08.839 of the cross. 00:23:10.480 --> 00:23:10.960 Bread 00:23:10.960 --> 00:23:11.559 is a symbol 00:23:11.559 --> 00:23:11.940 of my 00:23:11.940 --> 00:23:12.299 body 00:23:12.299 --> 00:23:12.720 broken 00:23:12.720 --> 00:23:13.400 for you. 00:23:13.779 --> 00:23:14.220 Wine 00:23:14.220 --> 00:23:14.839 is a symbol 00:23:14.839 --> 00:23:15.339 of my 00:23:15.339 --> 00:23:16.139 blood 00:23:16.139 --> 00:23:16.759 shed 00:23:16.759 --> 00:23:17.420 for you. 00:23:18.559 --> 00:23:18.920 And he 00:23:18.920 --> 00:23:19.619 says take 00:23:19.619 --> 00:23:19.980 and eat 00:23:19.980 --> 00:23:21.019 this regularly. 00:23:21.440 --> 00:23:21.799 Take 00:23:21.799 --> 00:23:22.379 and drink 00:23:22.379 --> 00:23:22.759 this 00:23:22.759 --> 00:23:23.759 regularly 00:23:23.759 --> 00:23:24.539 so that 00:23:24.539 --> 00:23:24.960 you don't 00:23:24.960 --> 00:23:25.639 forget me. 00:23:26.599 --> 00:23:27.319 So that 00:23:27.319 --> 00:23:27.639 I don't 00:23:27.639 --> 00:23:28.160 start to 00:23:28.160 --> 00:23:28.559 drift 00:23:28.559 --> 00:23:29.139 onto the 00:23:29.139 --> 00:23:29.980 periphery. 00:23:30.440 --> 00:23:30.960 So that 00:23:30.960 --> 00:23:31.440 I don't 00:23:31.440 --> 00:23:31.819 start to 00:23:31.819 --> 00:23:32.079 become 00:23:32.079 --> 00:23:32.519 something 00:23:32.519 --> 00:23:32.819 that you 00:23:32.819 --> 00:23:33.200 have a 00:23:33.200 --> 00:23:33.720 passing 00:23:33.720 --> 00:23:34.480 fascination 00:23:34.480 --> 00:23:35.039 with. 00:23:35.039 --> 00:23:37.859 in the 00:23:37.859 --> 00:23:38.319 same way 00:23:38.319 --> 00:23:38.819 Israel 00:23:38.819 --> 00:23:39.200 were to 00:23:39.200 --> 00:23:39.599 celebrate 00:23:39.599 --> 00:23:39.819 the 00:23:39.819 --> 00:23:40.200 Passover 00:23:40.200 --> 00:23:40.940 once a 00:23:40.940 --> 00:23:41.139 year 00:23:41.139 --> 00:23:41.579 to 00:23:41.579 --> 00:23:41.980 remember 00:23:41.980 --> 00:23:42.539 all that 00:23:42.539 --> 00:23:42.700 they 00:23:42.700 --> 00:23:43.159 were 00:23:43.159 --> 00:23:43.519 in 00:23:43.519 --> 00:23:44.180 Egypt 00:23:44.180 --> 00:23:44.579 and 00:23:44.579 --> 00:23:44.779 all 00:23:44.779 --> 00:23:44.920 that 00:23:44.920 --> 00:23:45.079 they 00:23:45.079 --> 00:23:45.539 now 00:23:45.539 --> 00:23:45.879 are 00:23:45.879 --> 00:23:46.099 by 00:23:46.099 --> 00:23:46.480 God's 00:23:46.480 --> 00:23:47.019 grace. 00:23:48.500 --> 00:23:48.980 Jesus 00:23:48.980 --> 00:23:49.740 says remember 00:23:49.740 --> 00:23:50.079 this 00:23:50.079 --> 00:23:50.720 often 00:23:50.720 --> 00:23:52.240 so you 00:23:52.240 --> 00:23:52.740 can remember 00:23:52.740 --> 00:23:53.139 what you 00:23:53.139 --> 00:23:53.740 once were 00:23:53.740 --> 00:23:54.339 without me 00:23:54.339 --> 00:23:54.740 what you 00:23:54.740 --> 00:23:55.420 now are 00:23:55.420 --> 00:23:56.659 because of 00:23:56.659 --> 00:23:56.980 me and 00:23:56.980 --> 00:23:57.480 one day 00:23:57.480 --> 00:23:57.859 that you 00:23:57.859 --> 00:23:58.259 will be 00:23:58.259 --> 00:23:58.839 with me. 00:23:58.839 --> 00:24:01.220 he says 00:24:01.220 --> 00:24:01.619 do this 00:24:01.619 --> 00:24:02.039 regularly 00:24:02.039 --> 00:24:02.439 as a 00:24:02.439 --> 00:24:03.059 constant 00:24:03.059 --> 00:24:03.759 reminder 00:24:03.759 --> 00:24:04.259 of all 00:24:04.259 --> 00:24:04.539 that I've 00:24:04.539 --> 00:24:04.939 done for 00:24:04.939 --> 00:24:05.220 you on 00:24:05.220 --> 00:24:05.639 the cross 00:24:05.639 --> 00:24:06.179 because 00:24:06.179 --> 00:24:06.500 you'll 00:24:06.500 --> 00:24:06.799 forget. 00:24:10.399 --> 00:24:11.079 And as 00:24:11.079 --> 00:24:11.359 I thought 00:24:11.359 --> 00:24:11.859 this week 00:24:11.859 --> 00:24:12.459 I thought 00:24:12.459 --> 00:24:13.579 I forget 00:24:13.579 --> 00:24:14.299 all the 00:24:14.299 --> 00:24:14.720 time. 00:24:15.959 --> 00:24:16.859 The minute 00:24:16.859 --> 00:24:17.579 I leave 00:24:17.579 --> 00:24:17.980 here I 00:24:17.980 --> 00:24:18.819 start leaking 00:24:18.819 --> 00:24:20.579 gospel and 00:24:20.579 --> 00:24:21.039 the cross 00:24:21.039 --> 00:24:21.359 of the 00:24:21.359 --> 00:24:21.879 Lord Jesus 00:24:21.879 --> 00:24:22.439 moves from 00:24:22.439 --> 00:24:23.480 here to 00:24:23.480 --> 00:24:24.639 here to 00:24:24.639 --> 00:24:25.279 here as 00:24:25.279 --> 00:24:25.899 I go on 00:24:25.899 --> 00:24:26.279 through my 00:24:26.279 --> 00:24:27.159 working week. 00:24:27.160 --> 00:24:28.820 from the 00:24:28.820 --> 00:24:29.300 minute I 00:24:29.300 --> 00:24:30.460 leave church 00:24:30.460 --> 00:24:32.019 on Sunday 00:24:32.019 --> 00:24:34.860 I all 00:24:34.860 --> 00:24:35.340 too readily 00:24:35.340 --> 00:24:35.800 think that 00:24:35.800 --> 00:24:36.500 my acceptance 00:24:36.500 --> 00:24:37.259 before God 00:24:37.259 --> 00:24:37.759 depends on 00:24:37.759 --> 00:24:38.220 my own 00:24:38.220 --> 00:24:38.720 performance. 00:24:39.560 --> 00:24:40.200 I all 00:24:40.200 --> 00:24:40.800 too quickly 00:24:40.800 --> 00:24:41.380 forget my 00:24:41.380 --> 00:24:42.240 identity in 00:24:42.240 --> 00:24:42.759 Christ and 00:24:42.759 --> 00:24:43.180 start to 00:24:43.180 --> 00:24:43.600 cleave to 00:24:43.600 --> 00:24:44.500 other things. 00:24:45.420 --> 00:24:45.880 In an 00:24:45.880 --> 00:24:46.980 instant the 00:24:46.980 --> 00:24:47.640 price Jesus 00:24:47.640 --> 00:24:48.560 paid for me 00:24:48.560 --> 00:24:49.140 from the 00:24:49.140 --> 00:24:49.700 grip of sin 00:24:49.700 --> 00:24:50.640 is overlooked 00:24:50.640 --> 00:24:51.600 and the 00:24:51.600 --> 00:24:52.200 lure of sin 00:24:52.200 --> 00:24:52.620 becomes 00:24:52.620 --> 00:24:53.160 incredibly 00:24:53.160 --> 00:24:53.720 attractive. 00:24:54.640 --> 00:24:55.540 Every week 00:24:55.539 --> 00:24:57.220 every week 00:24:57.220 --> 00:24:57.619 the cross 00:24:57.619 --> 00:24:58.059 of Jesus 00:24:58.059 --> 00:24:58.619 moves from 00:24:58.619 --> 00:25:00.519 here to 00:25:00.519 --> 00:25:00.920 the long 00:25:00.920 --> 00:25:01.659 grass way 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:02.259 out left 00:25:02.259 --> 00:25:04.859 and Jesus 00:25:04.859 --> 00:25:05.460 knew I 00:25:05.460 --> 00:25:05.819 would do 00:25:05.819 --> 00:25:06.079 that. 00:25:06.180 --> 00:25:06.680 He knows 00:25:06.680 --> 00:25:07.180 you will 00:25:07.180 --> 00:25:07.700 do that 00:25:07.700 --> 00:25:08.319 and he 00:25:08.319 --> 00:25:08.700 says I've 00:25:08.700 --> 00:25:09.139 got these 00:25:09.139 --> 00:25:09.799 symbols for 00:25:09.799 --> 00:25:10.119 you to 00:25:10.119 --> 00:25:10.579 help you 00:25:10.579 --> 00:25:10.940 make the 00:25:10.940 --> 00:25:11.460 cross front 00:25:11.460 --> 00:25:11.899 and centre 00:25:11.899 --> 00:25:12.240 in your 00:25:12.240 --> 00:25:12.740 life. 00:25:15.299 --> 00:25:15.799 Jesus 00:25:15.799 --> 00:25:16.399 gives us 00:25:16.399 --> 00:25:16.980 the Lord's 00:25:16.980 --> 00:25:18.039 Supper to 00:25:18.039 --> 00:25:18.559 give us a 00:25:18.559 --> 00:25:19.619 regular view, 00:25:19.899 --> 00:25:21.420 a reorientating 00:25:21.420 --> 00:25:22.460 view of 00:25:22.460 --> 00:25:23.299 Jesus Christ 00:25:23.299 --> 00:25:23.720 and his 00:25:23.720 --> 00:25:24.359 cross. 00:25:24.359 --> 00:25:26.119 his death 00:25:26.119 --> 00:25:27.379 for us. 00:25:28.299 --> 00:25:29.000 We need 00:25:29.000 --> 00:25:29.559 the Lord's 00:25:29.559 --> 00:25:30.079 Supper to 00:25:30.079 --> 00:25:30.879 do exactly 00:25:30.879 --> 00:25:31.339 what it 00:25:31.339 --> 00:25:32.599 says in 00:25:32.599 --> 00:25:33.000 the song 00:25:33.000 --> 00:25:33.579 Abide With 00:25:33.579 --> 00:25:34.179 Me that 00:25:34.179 --> 00:25:34.719 I'm still 00:25:34.719 --> 00:25:35.299 rehearsing 00:25:35.299 --> 00:25:35.719 round and 00:25:35.719 --> 00:25:36.079 round in 00:25:36.079 --> 00:25:36.579 my mind 00:25:36.579 --> 00:25:37.099 to stop 00:25:37.099 --> 00:25:37.559 me freaking 00:25:37.559 --> 00:25:38.079 out. 00:25:39.639 --> 00:25:40.159 Last 00:25:40.159 --> 00:25:40.459 verse, 00:25:40.659 --> 00:25:41.319 hold thou 00:25:41.319 --> 00:25:41.859 thy cross 00:25:41.859 --> 00:25:42.639 before my 00:25:42.639 --> 00:25:43.619 closing eyes, 00:25:44.240 --> 00:25:44.839 shine through 00:25:44.839 --> 00:25:45.479 the gloom and 00:25:45.479 --> 00:25:46.119 point me to 00:25:46.119 --> 00:25:46.559 the skies, 00:25:46.979 --> 00:25:47.619 heaven morning 00:25:47.619 --> 00:25:48.159 breaks and 00:25:48.159 --> 00:25:48.779 earth's vain 00:25:48.779 --> 00:25:49.539 shadows flee, 00:25:50.019 --> 00:25:50.959 in life and 00:25:50.959 --> 00:25:51.339 death, 00:25:51.459 --> 00:25:51.819 O Lord, 00:25:51.899 --> 00:25:52.399 abide with 00:25:52.399 --> 00:25:52.699 me. 00:25:52.700 --> 00:25:54.340 that's what 00:25:54.340 --> 00:25:55.480 we're doing 00:25:55.480 --> 00:25:56.100 as we come 00:25:56.100 --> 00:25:56.420 here. 00:25:56.640 --> 00:25:57.180 We have a 00:25:57.180 --> 00:25:57.700 view of 00:25:57.700 --> 00:25:58.180 the one 00:25:58.180 --> 00:25:59.080 body and 00:25:59.080 --> 00:25:59.660 we have a 00:25:59.660 --> 00:26:00.200 view of 00:26:00.200 --> 00:26:01.059 the cross. 00:26:06.140 --> 00:26:06.799 And the 00:26:06.799 --> 00:26:07.240 third view 00:26:07.240 --> 00:26:07.779 we get is 00:26:07.779 --> 00:26:09.340 a view for 00:26:09.340 --> 00:26:10.299 the unbeliever. 00:26:10.400 --> 00:26:10.900 It's there in 00:26:10.900 --> 00:26:11.960 verse 26. 00:26:14.220 --> 00:26:14.720 For 00:26:14.720 --> 00:26:15.340 whenever you 00:26:15.340 --> 00:26:16.000 eat this 00:26:16.000 --> 00:26:17.580 bread and 00:26:17.580 --> 00:26:18.180 drink this 00:26:18.180 --> 00:26:18.799 cup, you 00:26:18.799 --> 00:26:20.279 proclaim the 00:26:20.279 --> 00:26:21.220 Lord's death 00:26:21.220 --> 00:26:21.980 until he 00:26:21.980 --> 00:26:22.680 comes. 00:26:23.480 --> 00:26:24.460 This is not 00:26:24.460 --> 00:26:25.299 an in-house 00:26:25.299 --> 00:26:26.000 ritual. 00:26:27.160 --> 00:26:27.700 The Lord's 00:26:27.700 --> 00:26:28.640 supper involves 00:26:28.640 --> 00:26:29.299 proclamation, 00:26:29.480 --> 00:26:29.900 it involves 00:26:29.900 --> 00:26:30.819 heralding, 00:26:31.200 --> 00:26:31.680 it involves 00:26:31.680 --> 00:26:32.339 the announcement 00:26:32.339 --> 00:26:32.819 of good 00:26:32.819 --> 00:26:33.079 news. 00:26:33.460 --> 00:26:34.420 This is a 00:26:34.420 --> 00:26:35.039 visible 00:26:35.039 --> 00:26:35.860 word. 00:26:39.740 --> 00:26:40.720 I think 00:26:40.720 --> 00:26:42.460 this can 00:26:42.460 --> 00:26:43.259 perform a 00:26:43.259 --> 00:26:43.980 miraculous 00:26:43.980 --> 00:26:46.180 function in 00:26:46.180 --> 00:26:46.779 the life of 00:26:46.779 --> 00:26:47.720 the unbeliever. 00:26:47.720 --> 00:26:47.819 prayer. 00:26:48.500 --> 00:26:49.140 That if you 00:26:49.140 --> 00:26:49.579 get this 00:26:49.579 --> 00:26:50.500 right, this 00:26:50.500 --> 00:26:51.620 really provokes 00:26:51.620 --> 00:26:52.259 people to 00:26:52.259 --> 00:26:53.059 consider who 00:26:53.059 --> 00:26:53.500 the Lord 00:26:53.500 --> 00:26:54.799 Jesus is and 00:26:54.799 --> 00:26:55.279 whether what 00:26:55.279 --> 00:26:56.039 he says he's 00:26:56.039 --> 00:26:56.559 done, he's 00:26:56.559 --> 00:26:56.980 done for 00:26:56.980 --> 00:26:57.380 them. 00:26:59.880 --> 00:27:00.539 That as we 00:27:00.539 --> 00:27:01.480 have this at 00:27:01.480 --> 00:27:02.299 the centre of 00:27:02.299 --> 00:27:02.920 our communal 00:27:02.920 --> 00:27:03.880 life, it 00:27:03.880 --> 00:27:05.220 shows us that 00:27:05.220 --> 00:27:06.279 central to our 00:27:06.279 --> 00:27:07.200 Christian faith 00:27:07.200 --> 00:27:08.620 is this event 00:27:08.620 --> 00:27:09.839 that Jesus 00:27:09.839 --> 00:27:11.420 lived, that 00:27:11.420 --> 00:27:12.420 Jesus died, 00:27:12.720 --> 00:27:13.480 and that Jesus 00:27:13.480 --> 00:27:14.480 has risen again. 00:27:14.480 --> 00:27:16.240 if you make 00:27:16.240 --> 00:27:17.140 it really clear 00:27:17.140 --> 00:27:17.720 at the beginning 00:27:17.720 --> 00:27:18.220 that this is 00:27:18.220 --> 00:27:18.799 what we do in 00:27:18.799 --> 00:27:19.720 remembrance of 00:27:19.720 --> 00:27:20.400 our Lord and 00:27:20.400 --> 00:27:21.839 Saviour, you 00:27:21.839 --> 00:27:22.440 point out that 00:27:22.440 --> 00:27:22.940 you can't 00:27:22.940 --> 00:27:23.920 remember someone 00:27:23.920 --> 00:27:24.500 that you do 00:27:24.500 --> 00:27:25.660 not know, so 00:27:25.660 --> 00:27:26.500 therefore communion 00:27:26.500 --> 00:27:27.460 is not for the 00:27:27.460 --> 00:27:28.259 unbeliever, but 00:27:28.259 --> 00:27:29.299 please stay. 00:27:30.660 --> 00:27:31.180 And as we 00:27:31.180 --> 00:27:31.940 take time to 00:27:31.940 --> 00:27:32.559 remember, maybe 00:27:32.559 --> 00:27:33.440 you would take 00:27:33.440 --> 00:27:34.200 time to consider 00:27:34.200 --> 00:27:35.440 who is Jesus, 00:27:35.980 --> 00:27:36.680 what has he 00:27:36.680 --> 00:27:37.839 done, and what 00:27:37.839 --> 00:27:38.500 does it mean to 00:27:38.500 --> 00:27:39.160 follow him? 00:27:40.160 --> 00:27:40.740 And I know 00:27:40.740 --> 00:27:41.620 from the experience 00:27:41.620 --> 00:27:42.660 of friends that 00:27:42.660 --> 00:27:43.460 as they come to 00:27:43.460 --> 00:27:44.079 church and they 00:27:44.079 --> 00:27:45.339 sit there and 00:27:45.339 --> 00:27:46.259 the bread and 00:27:46.259 --> 00:27:47.079 wine comes along, 00:27:47.139 --> 00:27:47.980 it provokes them 00:27:47.980 --> 00:27:48.500 to make a 00:27:48.500 --> 00:27:49.480 decision, who 00:27:49.480 --> 00:27:50.220 is Jesus? 00:27:51.879 --> 00:27:52.980 Why did he 00:27:52.980 --> 00:27:53.399 come? 00:27:53.720 --> 00:27:54.679 Is he real? 00:27:54.819 --> 00:27:55.759 Is he significant? 00:27:56.019 --> 00:27:56.980 Do I have need 00:27:56.980 --> 00:27:57.419 of him? 00:27:58.639 --> 00:27:59.460 That it can be 00:27:59.460 --> 00:28:00.539 this visible 00:28:00.539 --> 00:28:02.199 word provoking 00:28:02.199 --> 00:28:03.539 people to think 00:28:03.539 --> 00:28:05.480 about eternal 00:28:05.480 --> 00:28:06.339 things. 00:28:07.659 --> 00:28:08.759 It shows those 00:28:08.759 --> 00:28:09.919 visiting that the 00:28:09.919 --> 00:28:10.939 very core of all 00:28:10.939 --> 00:28:11.980 we believe is what 00:28:11.980 --> 00:28:12.980 happens on that 00:28:12.980 --> 00:28:13.819 hill at 00:28:13.819 --> 00:28:14.879 Calvary, on that 00:28:14.879 --> 00:28:15.639 day in history 00:28:15.639 --> 00:28:17.079 where Jesus dies 00:28:17.079 --> 00:28:17.819 for a sinful 00:28:17.819 --> 00:28:18.819 world, that 00:28:18.819 --> 00:28:19.439 everyone who 00:28:19.439 --> 00:28:19.839 puts their 00:28:19.839 --> 00:28:20.759 trust in him 00:28:20.759 --> 00:28:21.619 will be 00:28:21.619 --> 00:28:23.299 graciously gifted 00:28:23.299 --> 00:28:24.220 eternal life. 00:28:24.299 --> 00:28:24.759 That is what 00:28:24.759 --> 00:28:25.579 we're all about. 00:28:27.919 --> 00:28:28.779 And we make 00:28:28.779 --> 00:28:29.720 that so central 00:28:29.720 --> 00:28:30.379 in our lives 00:28:30.379 --> 00:28:31.200 that we celebrate 00:28:31.200 --> 00:28:32.139 it together at a 00:28:32.139 --> 00:28:32.960 feast that Jesus 00:28:32.960 --> 00:28:33.939 welcomes us to. 00:28:33.940 --> 00:28:34.200 love. 00:28:34.200 --> 00:28:39.080 It shows us that 00:28:39.080 --> 00:28:40.000 this message we 00:28:40.000 --> 00:28:41.080 remember, this 00:28:41.080 --> 00:28:41.860 cross that we 00:28:41.860 --> 00:28:43.680 gather around, is 00:28:43.680 --> 00:28:44.539 about Jesus who 00:28:44.539 --> 00:28:45.640 unites us, saves us, 00:28:45.720 --> 00:28:46.640 frees us, forgives us, 00:28:46.660 --> 00:28:47.340 and gives us hope 00:28:47.340 --> 00:28:47.700 forever. 00:28:49.759 --> 00:28:50.840 Also in this verse, 00:28:50.920 --> 00:28:51.960 even just reading it 00:28:51.960 --> 00:28:53.080 out, the unbeliever's 00:28:53.080 --> 00:28:54.039 mind is blown. 00:28:54.039 --> 00:28:56.619 For whenever you 00:28:56.619 --> 00:28:57.720 eat this bread and 00:28:57.720 --> 00:28:59.159 drink this cup, you 00:28:59.159 --> 00:29:00.299 proclaim the Lord's 00:29:00.299 --> 00:29:01.259 death until he 00:29:01.259 --> 00:29:02.059 comes. 00:29:02.680 --> 00:29:03.980 Absolutely intrinsic 00:29:03.980 --> 00:29:05.220 in that second half 00:29:05.220 --> 00:29:06.619 of the verse is the 00:29:06.619 --> 00:29:07.319 concept of 00:29:07.319 --> 00:29:07.879 resurrection. 00:29:08.980 --> 00:29:09.839 Because how can 00:29:09.839 --> 00:29:10.879 somebody who died be 00:29:10.879 --> 00:29:12.299 coming again, had he 00:29:12.299 --> 00:29:13.159 not been raised, 00:29:13.319 --> 00:29:14.379 ascended, and stands 00:29:14.379 --> 00:29:15.859 to come and welcome 00:29:15.859 --> 00:29:16.819 us into eternal 00:29:16.819 --> 00:29:17.639 things? 00:29:19.440 --> 00:29:20.039 And therefore I 00:29:20.039 --> 00:29:20.899 think it's clear from 00:29:20.899 --> 00:29:21.920 1 Corinthians 11 that 00:29:21.920 --> 00:29:22.860 this is a visible 00:29:22.860 --> 00:29:23.680 word. 00:29:24.279 --> 00:29:27.539 A visible word for 00:29:27.539 --> 00:29:28.620 the unbeliever to 00:29:28.620 --> 00:29:30.100 consider the claims, 00:29:30.900 --> 00:29:31.860 to consider the 00:29:31.860 --> 00:29:34.340 person, to consider 00:29:34.340 --> 00:29:35.440 the gospel, to 00:29:35.440 --> 00:29:36.460 consider the free 00:29:36.460 --> 00:29:38.060 invitation of eternal 00:29:38.060 --> 00:29:40.000 life that is uniquely 00:29:40.000 --> 00:29:41.600 found in Jesus 00:29:41.600 --> 00:29:42.160 Christ. 00:29:43.279 --> 00:29:44.620 And if we explain it 00:29:44.620 --> 00:29:45.140 well, we can 00:29:45.140 --> 00:29:45.980 proclaim it without 00:29:45.980 --> 00:29:46.980 saying anything. 00:29:47.640 --> 00:29:49.880 In the bread and 00:29:49.880 --> 00:29:51.880 the wine, the body 00:29:51.880 --> 00:29:53.980 and the blood, the 00:29:53.980 --> 00:29:55.680 suffering and the 00:29:55.680 --> 00:29:57.400 death of Jesus 00:29:57.400 --> 00:29:58.040 Christ. 00:29:58.560 --> 00:29:59.640 A view of the one 00:29:59.640 --> 00:30:00.580 body, a view of the 00:30:00.580 --> 00:30:02.780 cross, a view for the 00:30:02.780 --> 00:30:03.560 unbeliever. 00:30:05.360 --> 00:30:06.740 Fourthly, a view of 00:30:06.740 --> 00:30:07.280 yourself. 00:30:07.440 --> 00:30:08.540 Look at verse 28. 00:30:10.820 --> 00:30:11.940 Everyone ought to 00:30:11.940 --> 00:30:13.520 examine themselves 00:30:13.520 --> 00:30:15.000 before they eat of the 00:30:15.000 --> 00:30:17.880 bread and drink from 00:30:17.880 --> 00:30:18.380 the cup. 00:30:18.380 --> 00:30:20.320 When we come to the 00:30:20.320 --> 00:30:21.800 Lord's supper, it is a 00:30:21.800 --> 00:30:23.120 time to do business 00:30:23.120 --> 00:30:24.080 with God. 00:30:26.860 --> 00:30:27.840 It is not some 00:30:27.840 --> 00:30:28.820 empty ritual. 00:30:31.060 --> 00:30:32.240 It is not something 00:30:32.240 --> 00:30:33.640 that we just do. 00:30:34.600 --> 00:30:35.840 It is not what we use 00:30:35.840 --> 00:30:37.260 to just fill 15 minutes 00:30:37.260 --> 00:30:38.000 at the end of a 00:30:38.000 --> 00:30:39.100 service or an hour 00:30:39.100 --> 00:30:40.920 on a Sunday. 00:30:42.240 --> 00:30:43.720 It is a regular 00:30:43.720 --> 00:30:45.500 opportunity for self 00:30:45.500 --> 00:30:46.080 examination. 00:30:46.079 --> 00:30:48.539 It is a time to 00:30:48.539 --> 00:30:49.799 take an honest look 00:30:49.799 --> 00:30:51.159 at ourselves, a 00:30:51.159 --> 00:30:52.179 long look at the 00:30:52.179 --> 00:30:53.599 cross and realise 00:30:53.599 --> 00:30:54.799 afresh our absolute 00:30:54.799 --> 00:30:55.960 need of Jesus and his 00:30:55.960 --> 00:30:56.859 death for us. 00:30:58.359 --> 00:30:59.879 It is a time to 00:30:59.879 --> 00:31:00.859 assess where I am 00:31:00.859 --> 00:31:02.240 failing and faltering 00:31:02.240 --> 00:31:03.839 in my life and 00:31:03.839 --> 00:31:05.139 apply the good news 00:31:05.139 --> 00:31:05.839 of Jesus' 00:31:06.059 --> 00:31:07.339 grace to every 00:31:07.339 --> 00:31:07.799 corner. 00:31:08.859 --> 00:31:10.079 It is a time where 00:31:10.079 --> 00:31:10.960 we are confronted 00:31:10.960 --> 00:31:12.419 time and again 00:31:12.419 --> 00:31:14.339 regularly by our 00:31:14.339 --> 00:31:15.319 need of Jesus 00:31:15.319 --> 00:31:15.919 Christ. 00:31:16.159 --> 00:31:17.439 Just as food and 00:31:17.439 --> 00:31:18.460 water are to be the 00:31:18.460 --> 00:31:19.899 regular sustenance 00:31:19.899 --> 00:31:21.059 for the physical 00:31:21.059 --> 00:31:23.639 body, so for the 00:31:23.639 --> 00:31:24.700 spiritual body, our 00:31:24.700 --> 00:31:26.519 regular need is 00:31:26.519 --> 00:31:28.519 sustenance from the 00:31:28.519 --> 00:31:29.059 Lord Jesus. 00:31:31.419 --> 00:31:32.500 As I come weak and 00:31:32.500 --> 00:31:33.879 compromised by sin, 00:31:34.240 --> 00:31:34.779 the Lord's 00:31:34.779 --> 00:31:36.599 supper invites me to 00:31:36.599 --> 00:31:39.240 examine myself and 00:31:39.240 --> 00:31:40.299 to bring the sin that 00:31:40.299 --> 00:31:41.619 is lurking in the dark 00:31:41.619 --> 00:31:43.059 recesses of my heart 00:31:43.059 --> 00:31:44.319 into the healing, 00:31:44.559 --> 00:31:45.500 restoring light of 00:31:45.500 --> 00:31:46.399 Jesus Christ. 00:31:48.159 --> 00:31:49.299 The Lord's supper is 00:31:49.299 --> 00:31:50.500 a regular Rubicon 00:31:50.500 --> 00:31:51.839 moment where my 00:31:51.839 --> 00:31:52.720 confessed sin is 00:31:52.720 --> 00:31:53.559 removed as the 00:31:53.559 --> 00:31:54.539 truth of the gospel 00:31:54.539 --> 00:31:55.259 is applied. 00:31:56.700 --> 00:31:57.480 And just as the 00:31:57.480 --> 00:31:59.259 first Passover meal 00:31:59.259 --> 00:32:01.139 was celebrated before 00:32:01.139 --> 00:32:02.359 the actual wrath of 00:32:02.359 --> 00:32:03.480 God passed over, 00:32:04.279 --> 00:32:06.759 so we eat this in 00:32:06.759 --> 00:32:07.940 confidence that the 00:32:07.940 --> 00:32:08.799 judgment God will 00:32:08.799 --> 00:32:09.759 bring on us and will 00:32:09.759 --> 00:32:10.980 be passed over us 00:32:10.980 --> 00:32:11.700 because of their 00:32:11.700 --> 00:32:12.539 sacrifice. 00:32:15.220 --> 00:32:16.339 The Lord's supper 00:32:16.339 --> 00:32:17.319 reminds me that I 00:32:17.319 --> 00:32:18.460 am more sinful than 00:32:18.460 --> 00:32:19.720 I can possibly imagine 00:32:19.720 --> 00:32:21.059 but more loved than 00:32:21.059 --> 00:32:21.920 I could ever dream. 00:32:22.559 --> 00:32:23.400 And it brings those 00:32:23.400 --> 00:32:24.660 two and superimposes 00:32:24.660 --> 00:32:26.480 them on and gives me 00:32:26.480 --> 00:32:27.740 confidence to go 00:32:27.740 --> 00:32:28.539 another week. 00:32:30.500 --> 00:32:31.460 It's a delicate 00:32:31.460 --> 00:32:32.720 balance to get right. 00:32:33.920 --> 00:32:35.360 We're not examining 00:32:35.360 --> 00:32:38.059 ourselves in endless 00:32:38.059 --> 00:32:40.140 introspection, building 00:32:40.140 --> 00:32:40.960 this feeling of 00:32:40.960 --> 00:32:42.020 disqualification, 00:32:42.500 --> 00:32:44.480 unwelcomeness, and 00:32:44.480 --> 00:32:45.640 being crushed by our 00:32:45.640 --> 00:32:46.140 sinfulness. 00:32:47.860 --> 00:32:49.020 It's not about coming 00:32:49.020 --> 00:32:50.120 in an unworthy manner, 00:32:50.120 --> 00:32:51.440 as in with sin present 00:32:51.440 --> 00:32:52.940 in our lives, because 00:32:52.940 --> 00:32:54.160 none of us would come. 00:32:55.200 --> 00:32:56.380 It's about having a 00:32:56.380 --> 00:32:57.620 right view of ourselves 00:32:57.620 --> 00:33:00.200 as sinners and coming 00:33:00.200 --> 00:33:01.140 with an absolute 00:33:01.140 --> 00:33:02.240 confidence that our 00:33:02.240 --> 00:33:03.680 greatest need in life is 00:33:03.680 --> 00:33:05.660 Jesus Christ, who is 00:33:05.660 --> 00:33:07.440 the only remedy for that 00:33:07.440 --> 00:33:07.880 sin. 00:33:10.059 --> 00:33:11.140 We're not coming to 00:33:11.140 --> 00:33:12.460 examine ourselves so as 00:33:12.460 --> 00:33:13.820 to disqualify ourselves. 00:33:13.980 --> 00:33:15.120 We're coming to examine 00:33:15.120 --> 00:33:16.140 ourselves in order to 00:33:16.140 --> 00:33:17.200 see our sin, which is the 00:33:17.200 --> 00:33:18.380 only qualification to 00:33:18.380 --> 00:33:19.920 come to this table. 00:33:21.700 --> 00:33:22.980 And so the unworthy 00:33:22.980 --> 00:33:24.000 manner is to come with 00:33:24.000 --> 00:33:25.340 unconfessed sin, to come 00:33:25.340 --> 00:33:28.019 in a blasé manner, to 00:33:28.019 --> 00:33:29.279 come unthinking or 00:33:29.279 --> 00:33:31.680 indifferent, to just go 00:33:31.680 --> 00:33:32.980 through the process as if 00:33:32.980 --> 00:33:34.240 it was just another meal 00:33:34.240 --> 00:33:35.240 with another group of 00:33:35.240 --> 00:33:35.660 people. 00:33:38.059 --> 00:33:39.279 The way we examine 00:33:39.279 --> 00:33:41.700 ourselves is to see 00:33:41.700 --> 00:33:42.920 our sin and our need of 00:33:42.920 --> 00:33:43.839 Jesus and bring those 00:33:43.839 --> 00:33:45.799 two together so that we 00:33:45.799 --> 00:33:46.660 might know cleansing. 00:33:49.000 --> 00:33:50.460 And as Paul ramps up in 00:33:50.460 --> 00:33:51.720 the rest of the chapter, 00:33:53.000 --> 00:33:54.400 there's real implications, 00:33:54.640 --> 00:33:55.880 there's a real warning if 00:33:55.880 --> 00:33:56.779 we get this wrong. 00:33:57.779 --> 00:34:01.680 If we rush in, if we don't 00:34:01.680 --> 00:34:05.019 consider, he talks about 00:34:05.019 --> 00:34:05.940 people who take it 00:34:05.940 --> 00:34:06.720 arrogantly. 00:34:06.980 --> 00:34:07.799 I don't think he's 00:34:07.799 --> 00:34:08.820 particularly applying it to 00:34:08.820 --> 00:34:09.500 those that do it 00:34:09.500 --> 00:34:10.240 ignorantly. 00:34:11.280 --> 00:34:12.340 He's doing it to those who 00:34:12.340 --> 00:34:14.059 do it arrogantly, those 00:34:14.059 --> 00:34:15.300 with unconfessed sin, 00:34:15.579 --> 00:34:16.420 those who are sitting, 00:34:16.920 --> 00:34:18.180 breaking bread with people 00:34:18.180 --> 00:34:19.260 where there's real rupture 00:34:19.260 --> 00:34:19.980 in fellowship. 00:34:24.220 --> 00:34:25.539 And he says there's a real 00:34:25.539 --> 00:34:28.200 warning that God takes 00:34:28.200 --> 00:34:30.500 this so seriously that he's 00:34:30.500 --> 00:34:32.300 ready to pour out temporal 00:34:32.300 --> 00:34:33.980 judgment on people in the 00:34:33.980 --> 00:34:35.760 form of discipline who 00:34:35.760 --> 00:34:37.579 hold this too lightly so 00:34:37.579 --> 00:34:38.519 it was not to care. 00:34:40.000 --> 00:34:41.480 A warning of weakness, 00:34:42.039 --> 00:34:44.340 illness, and some of the 00:34:44.340 --> 00:34:45.500 saints in Corinth have even 00:34:45.500 --> 00:34:46.880 died by getting this wrong. 00:34:49.219 --> 00:34:50.980 Just seeks to show how 00:34:50.980 --> 00:34:52.480 passionate God is about 00:34:52.480 --> 00:34:54.099 remembering his son together. 00:34:55.460 --> 00:34:57.039 We need to be very clear. 00:34:57.039 --> 00:35:00.579 There is not always a 00:35:00.579 --> 00:35:01.719 straight line between sin 00:35:01.719 --> 00:35:02.440 and ailment. 00:35:02.579 --> 00:35:03.699 There really isn't. 00:35:05.360 --> 00:35:07.219 A lot of it just comes as a 00:35:07.219 --> 00:35:08.699 result of being fallen people 00:35:08.699 --> 00:35:09.940 in a fallen world. 00:35:10.599 --> 00:35:11.779 And yet God is so sovereign 00:35:11.779 --> 00:35:13.099 he's able to redeem that 00:35:13.099 --> 00:35:14.440 even for his own glory. 00:35:14.739 --> 00:35:17.099 But there are times where 00:35:17.099 --> 00:35:18.219 there is a straight line. 00:35:19.119 --> 00:35:20.579 Where we get things wrong and 00:35:20.579 --> 00:35:21.980 God is so passionate about 00:35:21.980 --> 00:35:22.800 what we're getting wrong. 00:35:23.079 --> 00:35:24.500 He'll bring discipline in our 00:35:24.500 --> 00:35:25.760 lives to get it straightened 00:35:25.760 --> 00:35:26.099 out. 00:35:28.780 --> 00:35:30.179 Just ask Ananias and 00:35:30.179 --> 00:35:31.260 Sapphira back in the 00:35:31.260 --> 00:35:32.239 beginning of Acts if you 00:35:32.239 --> 00:35:33.179 don't think that's true. 00:35:39.179 --> 00:35:40.320 Scarily, sometimes the 00:35:40.320 --> 00:35:41.860 judgment is not always 00:35:41.860 --> 00:35:43.480 discipline in the form of 00:35:43.480 --> 00:35:43.880 illness. 00:35:45.460 --> 00:35:46.639 Sometimes it can be God 00:35:46.639 --> 00:35:47.940 withdrawing his hand of 00:35:47.940 --> 00:35:49.340 discipline and leaving us to 00:35:49.340 --> 00:35:51.760 our own foolishness to reap 00:35:51.760 --> 00:35:53.280 our own destruction until we'll 00:35:53.280 --> 00:35:54.040 come back. 00:35:54.820 --> 00:35:55.800 I think we see that in the 00:35:55.800 --> 00:35:57.180 life of the prodigal son he's 00:35:57.180 --> 00:35:58.640 able to sink all the way to 00:35:58.640 --> 00:35:59.080 the bottom. 00:35:59.860 --> 00:36:01.400 In order that that will be the 00:36:01.400 --> 00:36:02.560 discipline that will make him 00:36:02.560 --> 00:36:03.860 turn and come home. 00:36:06.960 --> 00:36:08.760 Paul is very clear here though 00:36:08.760 --> 00:36:11.800 that the Corinthian church has 00:36:11.800 --> 00:36:13.280 suffered God's judgment because 00:36:13.280 --> 00:36:14.660 they treated this too lightly. 00:36:15.420 --> 00:36:17.280 They didn't examine themselves. 00:36:18.500 --> 00:36:20.120 It just became another thing they 00:36:20.119 --> 00:36:20.719 went to. 00:36:22.539 --> 00:36:25.519 Another thing they did, they were 00:36:25.519 --> 00:36:26.920 more concerned about bringing 00:36:26.920 --> 00:36:28.299 their packed lunches to the 00:36:28.299 --> 00:36:29.339 feast than they were about 00:36:29.339 --> 00:36:30.859 bringing their sin to the cross. 00:36:33.539 --> 00:36:36.519 It gives us a view of ourselves 00:36:36.519 --> 00:36:39.859 and finally, it gives us a view of 00:36:39.859 --> 00:36:40.579 the future. 00:36:42.539 --> 00:36:43.859 One of the things that Peter 00:36:43.859 --> 00:36:46.259 Leinhart does in his book is he 00:36:46.259 --> 00:36:48.380 traces the idea of eating with God 00:36:48.380 --> 00:36:49.840 throughout the Bible and it's quite 00:36:49.840 --> 00:36:50.380 exciting. 00:36:52.940 --> 00:36:55.820 In Eden, before the fall, every meal 00:36:55.820 --> 00:36:56.980 was eaten with God. 00:36:57.640 --> 00:37:00.140 It's the epitome of their intimate 00:37:00.140 --> 00:37:01.280 fellowship together. 00:37:03.240 --> 00:37:05.099 A place you didn't have to say grace 00:37:05.099 --> 00:37:06.340 and give thanks to God because you 00:37:06.340 --> 00:37:07.539 could just give thanks to God because 00:37:07.539 --> 00:37:08.140 he was there. 00:37:11.599 --> 00:37:13.380 However, what happens at the fall? 00:37:13.380 --> 00:37:15.900 We get independent eating. 00:37:17.460 --> 00:37:20.079 We get Eve eating. 00:37:20.820 --> 00:37:23.220 We get Adam eating. 00:37:24.660 --> 00:37:26.960 Eve was the first woman in history 00:37:26.960 --> 00:37:29.320 who discovered that self-indulgent 00:37:29.320 --> 00:37:31.000 eating led to not having the right 00:37:31.000 --> 00:37:31.599 thing to wear. 00:37:36.320 --> 00:37:38.559 The story of the Old Testament then 00:37:38.559 --> 00:37:40.680 becomes the story of humanity 00:37:40.679 --> 00:37:41.579 eating alone. 00:37:43.899 --> 00:37:45.259 There are glimpses. 00:37:46.500 --> 00:37:48.099 Abraham eating with the mysterious 00:37:48.099 --> 00:37:51.339 figure Melchizedek in Genesis 14. 00:37:52.559 --> 00:37:54.719 Moses, Aaron and his sons and the 00:37:54.719 --> 00:37:57.219 70 elders eating in God's presence 00:37:57.219 --> 00:37:59.480 on Mount Sinai in Exodus 24. 00:38:01.139 --> 00:38:04.219 The glimpse of consuming the tithes 00:38:04.219 --> 00:38:06.940 in celebratory thanksgiving in the 00:38:06.940 --> 00:38:08.719 presence of the Lord is a regular 00:38:08.719 --> 00:38:11.299 cycle in Deuteronomy 14. 00:38:12.619 --> 00:38:15.179 All these partial glimpses 00:38:15.179 --> 00:38:17.519 that show what they lost 00:38:17.519 --> 00:38:20.459 through their sin at the fall. 00:38:21.000 --> 00:38:22.859 Eating in fellowship with God. 00:38:24.159 --> 00:38:26.199 Eating in perfect communion. 00:38:26.759 --> 00:38:27.939 Once it was all the time. 00:38:28.019 --> 00:38:29.799 Now these are sporadic anomalies 00:38:29.799 --> 00:38:31.339 throughout the history of Israel. 00:38:31.340 --> 00:38:36.079 And then the New Testament comes. 00:38:37.220 --> 00:38:39.180 A new dawn rises. 00:38:40.480 --> 00:38:41.960 And you particularly see in Luke's 00:38:41.960 --> 00:38:43.880 gospel that God is eating with 00:38:43.880 --> 00:38:44.820 people again. 00:38:45.620 --> 00:38:47.860 In the person of Jesus Christ. 00:38:48.400 --> 00:38:50.280 The second person of the Trinity. 00:38:50.660 --> 00:38:52.519 He eats a lot in Luke. 00:38:53.280 --> 00:38:56.360 He's endlessly being criticized because 00:38:56.360 --> 00:38:58.380 he eats with sinners and tax collectors. 00:38:58.380 --> 00:39:00.680 He has fellowship with the wrong people 00:39:00.680 --> 00:39:01.480 around the table. 00:39:03.840 --> 00:39:05.760 And then the pinnacle of these meals 00:39:05.760 --> 00:39:07.539 with Jesus is in the upper room as 00:39:07.539 --> 00:39:10.180 Jesus redefines the shadow of the 00:39:10.180 --> 00:39:11.480 Passover in himself. 00:39:13.460 --> 00:39:15.240 A meal he leaves with them. 00:39:16.119 --> 00:39:18.559 And his church is a lasting reminder of 00:39:18.559 --> 00:39:21.019 the new covenant he sealed with his blood. 00:39:21.019 --> 00:39:24.699 And a continuing ordinance to celebrate 00:39:24.699 --> 00:39:26.820 Jesus' special presence with them 00:39:26.820 --> 00:39:28.420 in this sacrament. 00:39:30.940 --> 00:39:34.860 However, this is only a temporal thing. 00:39:36.159 --> 00:39:38.280 It's only a stopgap for the interim. 00:39:39.679 --> 00:39:42.920 One day the fellowship of Eden will be restored. 00:39:43.400 --> 00:39:46.179 The intimacy of a meal will once again 00:39:46.179 --> 00:39:50.079 be an unbridled reality for everyone 00:39:50.079 --> 00:39:51.419 who is in Christ Jesus. 00:39:52.879 --> 00:39:55.919 For in the very symbolism of the Lord's 00:39:55.919 --> 00:39:58.639 supper is the truth that Jesus is coming back. 00:39:58.899 --> 00:40:01.480 We do this until he comes. 00:40:03.480 --> 00:40:06.059 The certainty that Jesus will come to marry 00:40:06.059 --> 00:40:08.759 his bride and in the new creation 00:40:08.759 --> 00:40:11.199 partake of the fruit of the vine 00:40:11.199 --> 00:40:13.539 at the wedding feast of the Lamb. 00:40:13.539 --> 00:40:16.420 A place where the separation of sin 00:40:16.420 --> 00:40:19.259 will be removed and face-to-face fellowship 00:40:19.259 --> 00:40:21.400 with God will be our perpetual delight. 00:40:23.000 --> 00:40:25.000 A place where the Lord's supper will not 00:40:25.000 --> 00:40:27.179 be present because no one at that point 00:40:27.179 --> 00:40:30.219 will fall failure of the sinner 00:40:30.219 --> 00:40:31.300 forgetting the cross. 00:40:33.059 --> 00:40:34.900 This will no longer be necessary. 00:40:35.420 --> 00:40:37.279 This is sustenance for the saints 00:40:37.279 --> 00:40:38.659 for the journey home. 00:40:40.539 --> 00:40:42.960 The Lord's supper is a glorious thing. 00:40:43.539 --> 00:40:45.619 An astounding privilege. 00:40:46.079 --> 00:40:48.940 A meal of such theological depth and significance 00:40:48.940 --> 00:40:52.159 that we haven't even scratched the surface tonight. 00:40:53.440 --> 00:40:56.920 However, I hope that you have seen 00:40:56.920 --> 00:41:00.139 what this shows. 00:41:01.179 --> 00:41:02.779 These five different views. 00:41:02.780 --> 00:41:06.519 It gives a view of the oneness of the church 00:41:06.519 --> 00:41:08.460 as we eat together. 00:41:09.460 --> 00:41:13.740 It gives a view of the centrality of the cross 00:41:13.740 --> 00:41:16.320 and helps keep it front and centre in our lives 00:41:16.320 --> 00:41:18.420 and to orientate all of our lives 00:41:18.420 --> 00:41:20.000 towards the Lord Jesus. 00:41:21.900 --> 00:41:24.560 It gives the unbeliever, those outside of Christ, 00:41:24.660 --> 00:41:29.320 a view of their necessity to be inside of Christ. 00:41:29.320 --> 00:41:33.140 What does Jesus say in John 6? 00:41:33.519 --> 00:41:36.080 Unless you eat my body and drink my blood, 00:41:36.140 --> 00:41:37.780 you have no part with me. 00:41:38.820 --> 00:41:41.100 And that in a symbolic sense is what we do 00:41:41.100 --> 00:41:42.519 around this table. 00:41:43.580 --> 00:41:45.580 It offers us a view of ourselves 00:41:45.580 --> 00:41:48.320 and demands regular self-examination 00:41:48.320 --> 00:41:54.900 so that our sin can be brought to the cross. 00:41:56.660 --> 00:41:59.780 And it is something that is dangerous. 00:42:00.039 --> 00:42:02.780 We can't partake of it arrogantly or unthinkingly. 00:42:03.280 --> 00:42:05.039 And it's a view of the future 00:42:05.039 --> 00:42:07.019 where we're heading, 00:42:07.559 --> 00:42:10.120 heading back towards intimate fellowship 00:42:10.120 --> 00:42:14.580 in God's perpetual presence in the new creation. 00:42:14.579 --> 00:42:18.000 I don't think we can end in a better place 00:42:18.000 --> 00:42:19.239 than the Westminster Confession, 00:42:19.360 --> 00:42:20.880 chapter 29, article 1. 00:42:22.380 --> 00:42:24.460 I'm sure you were all going there in your minds. 00:42:26.259 --> 00:42:27.179 It writes this, 00:42:27.179 --> 00:42:28.000 Our Lord Jesus, 00:42:28.679 --> 00:42:30.719 in the night wherein he was betrayed, 00:42:31.340 --> 00:42:34.019 instituted the sacrament of his body and blood 00:42:34.019 --> 00:42:35.079 called the Lord's Supper 00:42:35.079 --> 00:42:37.319 to be observed in his church 00:42:37.319 --> 00:42:38.799 unto the end of the world 00:42:38.799 --> 00:42:40.779 for the perpetual remembrance 00:42:40.779 --> 00:42:43.279 of the sacrifice of himself in his death, 00:42:43.280 --> 00:42:45.880 the sealing of all benefits thereof 00:42:45.880 --> 00:42:47.140 unto true believers, 00:42:47.780 --> 00:42:50.060 their spiritual nourishment and growth in him, 00:42:50.480 --> 00:42:52.100 their further engagement in 00:42:52.100 --> 00:42:54.600 and to all duties which they owe unto him, 00:42:54.900 --> 00:42:56.380 and to be a bond and pledge 00:42:56.380 --> 00:42:57.800 of their communion with him 00:42:57.800 --> 00:42:59.320 and with each other 00:42:59.320 --> 00:43:02.580 as members of his mystical body. 00:43:03.220 --> 00:43:03.860 Let's pray. 00:43:05.019 --> 00:43:07.160 Father God, we're so sorry this evening 00:43:07.160 --> 00:43:09.040 that we all too readily forget 00:43:09.040 --> 00:43:10.040 about your Son 00:43:10.039 --> 00:43:12.360 and his cross 00:43:12.360 --> 00:43:14.820 and his death for us. 00:43:16.320 --> 00:43:18.739 And Lord, we thank you so much 00:43:18.739 --> 00:43:21.380 that you've given us this meal 00:43:21.380 --> 00:43:25.019 in order that we may not forget, 00:43:26.639 --> 00:43:29.519 in order that Jesus might not just fade 00:43:29.519 --> 00:43:30.579 into the background, 00:43:31.579 --> 00:43:34.159 but you've given us this meal 00:43:34.159 --> 00:43:35.320 that he might have 00:43:35.320 --> 00:43:37.740 the central significance 00:43:37.740 --> 00:43:39.100 in each of our lives. 00:43:40.980 --> 00:43:41.620 And so Lord, 00:43:41.700 --> 00:43:43.539 as in a few moments 00:43:43.539 --> 00:43:45.019 we celebrate this together, 00:43:45.160 --> 00:43:47.220 help us to examine ourselves rightly 00:43:47.220 --> 00:43:49.820 and bring our sin 00:43:49.820 --> 00:43:50.800 to the cross, 00:43:51.000 --> 00:43:51.480 knowing 00:43:51.480 --> 00:43:53.440 that it is at the cross 00:43:53.440 --> 00:43:55.920 that our sin was paid for in full. 00:43:56.980 --> 00:43:59.120 Father, help us do business with you 00:43:59.120 --> 00:43:59.920 in this time. 00:44:00.720 --> 00:44:02.780 Help us to remember you appropriately, 00:44:02.780 --> 00:44:04.720 worshipfully, 00:44:05.560 --> 00:44:06.240 thankfully, 00:44:07.519 --> 00:44:08.220 meaningfully. 00:44:09.120 --> 00:44:10.280 And as we do that, 00:44:10.400 --> 00:44:11.820 Lord, would you nourish us 00:44:11.820 --> 00:44:13.720 and meet with us afresh. 00:44:14.540 --> 00:44:15.980 Father, the only confidence 00:44:15.980 --> 00:44:17.680 we have to ask any of this 00:44:17.680 --> 00:44:19.860 is because of your Son, Jesus, 00:44:19.960 --> 00:44:20.980 who loved us 00:44:20.980 --> 00:44:23.240 and gave himself for us. 00:44:23.940 --> 00:44:25.740 Father, help us in this time, we pray. 00:44:26.480 --> 00:44:26.780 Amen.