| 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 31 But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world. 33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another– 34 if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home–so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come. |
| [audio:http://www.calvarybaptistwindsor.com/audio/Pastor_Rick_Cowan_1_Corinthians_1_23_43_Preparing_For_The_Lords_Table_March_30_2014.mp3] |
| Outline: |
| How should we prepare for participating in the Lord’s Table? Consider the following four points. |
| 1. Remember Christ’s Sacrifice |
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As we consider the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ on our behalf, we should be reminded of: |
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a. The Depravity of Sin |
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2. Examine Ourselves |
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The book of 1 John gives us some clear tests which can help us to determine the genuineness of our faith: |
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a. Fellowship with God and Christ |
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3. Unify with Others |
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No self examination is complete without considering whether or not we have broken relationships with others. Forgiving others is a condition on which God’s forgiveness for us rests. |
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4. Anticipate Christ’s Return |
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Not only does the Lord’s table cause us to look back to His death but it should cause us to look forward to His return when He will partake in this meal with us. A hopeful anticipation of Christ’s imminent return should cause His people to purify themselves in preparation of His coming. |