Sermon Study Guide

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Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

Insights on The Lord’s Supper - Pastor Daniel Batarseh

Pastor Daniel Batarseh|Monday, July 19, 2021

Scripture References

1 Corinthians 11:23-322 Peter 1:12-13Luke 22:15Luke 22:18Ezekiel 45:21Isaiah 2:31 Corinthians 10:16-171 Corinthians 11:18-20

Sermon Summary

Pastor Daniel Batarseh explores the profound significance of the Lord’s Supper as a threefold ordinance: a reminder of Christ's past sacrifice, a hope for His future kingdom, and a present call to holiness and unity. This sermon challenges believers to move beyond mechanical participation toward heartfelt meditation and reconciliation within the body of Christ.

Key Takeaways

1Communion is a tool to stir the heart and refocus the mind on Christ amidst the distractions of daily life.
2Partaking in the Lord's Supper is a proclamation of faith that looks backward to the cross and forward to the Second Coming.
3'Discerning the body' requires believers to value the unity of the local church and resolve conflicts before partaking.
4Participation in Communion without active meditation or a desire for holiness is a violation of the ordinance.
5Divine discipline is a real consequence for those who persistently approach the Lord's table with a careless or hypocritical attitude.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

1Why do you think we are prone to 'forgetting' Christ or becoming dull toward the Gospel over time?
2Pastor Daniel mentioned that 'participation without meditation is a violation.' How can we practically avoid 'mechanical' participation during church ordinances?
3What does it mean to you that Jesus is 'earnestly desiring' to feast with us in the future? How does that change your perspective on the Second Coming?
4How does the concept of 'discerning the body' apply to our specific relationships within this small group or congregation?
5Why is the warning of divine discipline (weakness or sickness) actually an expression of God's love for His church?
6If you realized you weren't 'right' with someone right before taking the bread, what would be the most honoring way to respond in that moment?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

Before partaking in Communion, spend time in silent meditation specifically on Christ’s physical suffering and its spiritual meaning for your life.
Identify any unresolved bitterness or conflict with a fellow church member and seek reconciliation before the next Communion service.
Use the physical act of eating and drinking to engage your senses in worship, thanking God for the 'abundant life' His death provided.
Evaluate your level of commitment to the local body; move away from 'individualistic Christianity' by actively serving and receiving from others.
Pray for a 'jolt of joy' by reflecting on the promise that Christ is waiting to feast with His people in His coming kingdom.

Personal Reflection

Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.

How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?

What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?

Who can I share this truth with this week?

What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?

Prayer Points

Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.

Notes

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