Discussion Guide: Understanding the Lord's Supper
Opening Prayer
Begin by thanking God for His sacrifice and asking the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and reveal areas where unity and remembrance need to be strengthened.
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Key Takeaways from the Sermon
1. The Lord's Supper is Christ-instituted, not man-made tradition
It's a reminder of Christ's body given for us
A proclamation of His blood shed for forgiveness
A public declaration of the gospel
2. It's a time of remembrance
His substitutionary death (Christ died for our sins)
His suffering (the just for the unjust)
His resurrection and promised return
3. It's about participation and communion (koinonia)
Not just symbolic, but a spiritual sharing
We identify with Christ's saving work
4. It protects the unity and purity of the church
We are one body, one bread
Cannot truly celebrate while holding grudges or division
5. It requires self-examination
Not to determine if we're worthy (none of us are)
To examine our relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ
To confess division, bitterness, unforgiveness, or pride
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Discussion Questions
Understanding the Lord's Supper
1. Read Matthew 26:26-29 together. What stands out to you about Jesus instituting this meal with His disciples? Why do you think He chose a meal setting?
2. The pastor emphasized that the Lord's Supper is "not a funeral but a declaration of victory." What does this mean? How does this perspective change how we approach communion?
3. Read 1 Corinthians 11:26. How is taking communion a proclamation of the gospel? Who is the audience for this proclamation?
The Unity of the Church
4. Read 1 Corinthians 10:16-17. What does it mean that "we, though many, are one bread and one body"? Why is this unity so important to God?
5. The sermon mentioned that some in the Corinthian church were "weak, sick, and some had even died" because they failed to discern the Lord's body (1 Corinthians 11:29-30). How seriously do you think God takes the unity of His church? Does this surprise you?
6. What are some common things that threaten unity in the church today? In our church specifically?
Self-Examination and Relationships
7. Read 1 Corinthians 11:27-32. The pastor clarified that self-examination isn't about determining if we're "worthy enough." What is the purpose of this examination before taking communion?
8. Honest moment: Is there anyone in the body of Christ with whom you have unresolved conflict, bitterness, or unforgiveness? (You don't need to name names, but acknowledge if this applies to you.)
9. Why do you think we often hold onto offenses rather than addressing them directly with the person involved? What fears or obstacles keep us from reconciliation?
10. The pastor mentioned that we might have offended others without knowing it. How can we create a church culture where people feel safe to address offenses directly?
Practical Application
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This Week's Challenge
Choose at least one of the following to put into practice this week:
Option 1: Reconciliation
If the Holy Spirit brought someone to mind during this discussion, reach out to that person this week. Humble yourself, seek reconciliation, and restore unity.
Pray for courage and the right words before you reach out.
Option 2: Preventive Unity
Check in with 2-3 people in the church this week just to strengthen relationships and prevent future misunderstandings.
Ask: "How are you really doing? Is there anything I can pray about for you?"
Option 3: Personal Reflection
Spend time in prayer this week asking God to reveal any pride, bitterness, or unforgiveness in your heart.
Journal about what He reveals and confess it to Him.
Option 4: Gratitude Focus
Write down specific things you're grateful for about Christ's sacrifice throughout the week.
Share these with your family or a friend to practice "proclaiming the Lord's death."
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Prayer Focus - Pray together for:
1. Gratitude - Thank God for Christ's substitutionary death, His resurrection, and the new covenant.
2. Unity - Pray for genuine unity in your church family, that divisions would be healed.
3. Courage - Ask God for courage to address offenses and pursue reconciliation.
4. Discernment - Pray that when you take communion, you would truly discern the Lord's body and honor the unity of the church.
5. Mission - Pray that your church would effectively proclaim the gospel to those living in darkness.