Remembering the Lord
Johannes emphasizes that this morning's gathering is primarily about giving to the Lord, not just receiving. He reflects on how much the Lord has blessed us throughout the week and reminds us that this time around the Lord's table is a sacred moment to remember His suffering, agony, and the costly price He paid for our salvation. Johannes warns that many Christians may become superficial or careless if they do not understand the true cost of salvation, especially in a wealthy society where blessings come easily. He cites 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 to highlight that partaking in the Lord's Supper signifies unity with Christ and fellow believers, and warns against partaking unworthily, which brings judgment. Johannes stresses that a worthy manner of partaking involves sincere remembrance of Jesus' death, His suffering, and the price He paid. He urges believers to leave their busyness and societal distractions, to go out and meet with Christ outside the city, bearing His reproach, and offering sacrifices of praise. Drawing from Hebrews 13, he reminds us that Jesus suffered outside the camp and that we are called to do the same, seeking the heavenly city. Ultimately, Johannes emphasizes that salvation is entirely by grace, that Christ alone carried the burden of our sins, and that our response should be heartfelt worship, remembering His death and sacrifice, and offering sacrifices of praise to Him.
Main Points Outline
- The gathering is about giving, not just receiving, especially in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice.
- Understanding the cost of salvation is essential to avoid superficial faith and careless living.
- Partaking in the Lord’s Supper signifies unity with Christ and fellow believers, and must be done worthily.
- Remember Jesus’ death, suffering, and the price He paid for our salvation.
- Believers should leave worldly distractions, meet Christ outside the city, and bear His reproach.
- Salvation is by grace alone; Christ alone carried the burden of our sins.
- Our response should be heartfelt worship, sacrifices of praise, and sincere remembrance of His sacrifice.
16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.
8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. 9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. 13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
