Introduction • The ordinances of the church are tangible pictures of the gospel. • They are visible-material signs of invisible-spiritual realities. • J.L. Dagg: “Baptism represents a believer’s dying to sin and rising to walk in newness of life. The Supper represents the believer’s continued feeding on Christ; and therefore, presupposes the change which is denoted by baptism.” • Baptism: Individual, initial sign. • Lord’s Supper: Corporate, ongoing sign. Context in Corinth • Divisions and factions fractured the church (1 Corinthians 1:10-17). • Corinthian Christians displayed selfishness and pride at the Lord’s Supper. • Paul calls them back to unity in Christ and the gospel. The Lord’s Supper Unites the Church (vv. 18–19, 33) • Problem: Divisions and self-centeredness. • Solution: Humility and unity in Christ. • “So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.” (1 Corinthians 11:33) • Gospel humility leads to selflessness, which promotes peace and unity (Philippians 2:2-3, Colossians 3:13-14). • The Supper highlights our corporate union with Christ and the church (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). The Lord’s Supper Gathers God’s People in Fellowship (vv. 20–21, 33) • The Supper reminds us that Jesus died for our sins and that we are one family. • A shared meal symbolizes our unity in Christ. • “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10) The Lord’s Supper Remembers Christ’s Sacrifice (vv. 24–25) • Jesus instituted the Supper to commemorate His body broken and His blood shed. • A call to remember His atoning work. • “Do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19) The Lord’s Supper Proclaims Christ’s Death, Resurrection, and Return (v. 26) • “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26) • A forward-looking element: Christ is coming again. The Lord’s Supper Calls for Self-Examination (vv. 28–29) • A time for personal reflection and repentance. • “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28) • The Supper is not about self-worthiness but discerning Christ's body and approaching in faith. Application: How to Prepare for the Lord’s Supper 1. Look to the Cross • Reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and give thanks. 2. Look at Your Heart • Confess sin, seek forgiveness, and come with reverence. 3. Look Around at the Body of Christ • Celebrate the unity and fellowship of the church. • Avoid cliques and divisions (C.S. Lewis’ Inner Ring concept). 4. Look to Heaven • We’re lifted up to his heavenly table where we commune with him by faith. • We await the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6–9) Conclusion: • The Lord’s Supper is a powerful act of remembrance, unity, proclamation, and self-examination. • It calls us to celebrate Christ’s finished work and anticipate His return. • May we come to the table with reverence, humility, and joy, united in Christ.