Discussion Guide: The Lords Supper

Opening Prayer

Pray that God would open your hearts and minds to what He has to say in His Word, through this study today. 

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Key Takeaways from the Sermon

- The Lord's Supper reveals our heart toward unity - Division and selfishness in the Corinthian church turned an act of worship into judgment.

- The gospel story flows through the table - From Passover (foreshadowing) to the Last Supper (fulfillment) to the Lord's Supper (proclamation).

- Communion means "common sharing in spirit" - This is about deep fellowship (koinonia), not just a ritual to check off.

- Self-examination is required - Participating in an "unworthy manner" means approaching with wrong motives, unresolved conflict, or treating it casually.

- God disciplines those He loves - Divine discipline protects us from eternal judgment by calling us to repentance now.

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Discussion Questions

Understanding the Problem 

1. Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-22. What specific behaviors were the Corinthians displaying that caused Paul to rebuke them so strongly?

2. The sermon compared the Corinthian approach to "an airplane dinner" rather than "a potluck." What does this illustration reveal about how they were treating one another?

3. Paul says in verse 22, "Do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing?" How can our actions during worship, even today, either honor or shame fellow believers?

4. Reflection: Have you ever witnessed or experienced division in the church that affected corporate worship? How did it impact the body?

The Gospel Foundation

5. The Three-Part Gospel Story:

Passover (Exodus 12) - Foreshadows

Last Supper (Matthew 26) - Fulfills

Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11) - Proclaims

6. How does understanding this progression deepen your appreciation for communion?

7. Read 1 Corinthians 5:7 - "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." How does viewing Jesus as our Passover Lamb change the way you approach the Lord's Supper?

8. The sermon defined communion as "a common sharing in spirit" (koinonia). How is this different from just individually reflecting during communion?

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Self-Examination and Warning

9. Read 1 Corinthians 11:27-29. What does it mean to partake in an "unworthy manner"? (Hint: It's about attitude and approach, not about being sinless.)

10. Read Matthew 5:23-24. Jesus teaches that we should reconcile with others before bringing our gift to the altar. How does this apply to taking communion?

11. Personal Reflection: The sermon asked, "What kind of heart should we have when coming to the Lord's table?" Take a moment of silence for everyone to honestly examine:

Is there unresolved conflict with another believer?

Am I treating this as a casual ritual or as sacred worship?

Do I truly understand what Jesus' body and blood represent?

12. Read verses 30-32. Paul mentions that some were weak, sick, or had even died because of dishonoring the Lord's Supper. This seems harsh. But verse 32 explains the purpose: discipline now prevents condemnation later. How does this show God's love rather than just His judgment?

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Practical Application

Choose ONE of the following to practice this week:

Individual Actions:

This Week:

- Examine yourself before the next time you take communion. Use these questions:

Am I harboring unforgiveness toward anyone?

Do I understand the significance of Christ's sacrifice?

Am I approaching this with reverence and gratitude?

- Reconcile if needed. If the Holy Spirit brings someone to mind with whom you have unresolved conflict, reach out this week.

- Study the Passover connection. Read Exodus 12 and reflect on how Jesus fulfilled this as our Passover Lamb.

Group Actions:

For Next Time:

- Consider having a time of communion together as a small group (if your church practices allow), taking time to prepare hearts through prayer and confession.

- Share testimonies: Has there been a time when the Lord's Supper was particularly meaningful to you? What made it significant?

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Closing Prayer 

Pray together for:

- Unity in our church body and in our small group

- Reverence in our approach to worship and the Lord's Supper

- Reconciliation where there is broken fellowship

- Gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus—His body broken and blood shed for us

- Discernment to recognize when we're treating sacred things casually

Closing Prayer:

"Father, thank You for the cross. Thank You for the body and blood of Jesus that brings us together as one. Help us never to take this gift lightly. Show us where we need to reconcile with others. Give us hearts that hunger and thirst for righteousness. May we approach Your table with reverence, unity, and deep gratitude. In Jesus' name, Amen."