"The Fellowship of The Lord’s Supper"
Matthew 26:26-30
The Lord’s Supper...
1. Was Instituted In The Midst Of Fellowship - v. 26a
It should therefore remind us of the importance of the fellowship of believers.
"Be devoted to one another” - Romans 12: l0a
"Honor one another” - Romans 12: l0b
"Encourage one another” - 1 Thessalonians 5:11
"Accept one another” - Romans 15:7
"Serve one another” - Galatians 5:13b
"Instruct one another” - Romans 14:15b
"Carry one another’s burdens” - Galatians 6:2
"Be kind and compassionate to one another” - Ephesians 4:32a
"Forgiving one another” - Ephesians 4:32b
"Submit to one another” - Ephesians 5:21
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” - Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
Why is my fellowship with other believers important?
A. I need someone to stand behind me - v. 24
B. I need someone to stand beside me - v. 25a
C. I need someone who has gone before me - v. 25b
2. Reminds Us Of Our Heavenly Fellowship - v. 29
That to which Jesus refers here is what John describes in Revelation 19:1-9 as the "Marriage Supper of The Lamb." One day, Jesus is coming again and associated with His return will be the eternal celebration of the saints! The Lord’s Supper is but a reminder of that wonderful, eternal celebration that every Christian can look forward to!
As we reflect on our eternal hope, we need to be reminded that Jesus taught us to pray "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). Our focus at the Marriage Supper of The Lamb will not be on anything else or anyone else other than Jesus.
Likewise, if we would know a heavenly fellowship among ourselves while on earth, we must let nothing or no one detract from our focus on Jesus.
"Live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." - Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV)
The phrase, “Make every effort” literally could be translated, “strive like a warrior.” Note, though, that what we are to make every effort to keep is not. . .
A. Uniformity - everyone acting the same way.
Nor are we told to make every effort to keep . . .
B. Unanimity - everyone thinking the same way.
But we are told to make every effort to keep . . .
C. Unity - everyone looking the same way - to Jesus!
Those who are enjoying the fellowship of heaven above are pulling for us here on earth below to maintain the fellowship that comes from that common focus.
“Do you see what this means - all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running - and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus.”
- Hebrews 12:l-2a (the Message)
3. Teaches Us The Basis Of Christian Fellowship -
A. Our Common Sin - v. 26b
"He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree.” - 1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)
B. Our Common Savior - v. 28
“‘The truth is, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked and go wherever you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will direct you and take you where you don’t want to go.’ Jesus said this to let him know what kind of death he would die to glorify God. Then Jesus told him, ‘Follow me.’ Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them--the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, ‘Lord, who among us will betray you?’ Peter asked Jesus, ‘What about him, Lord?’ Jesus replied, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You follow me.’” - John 21:18-22 (NLT)
We are not called to conform others to our image, but we are all called to be conformed to His image.
“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” - Romans 8:29 (NIV)
NOTE: Our experience of Christian brotherhood is tied to our progress toward Christ-likeness!
"Now the work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross was not only to bring men into fellowship with God, but also into fellowship with their fellow men. Indeed it cannot do one without the other. As the spokes get nearer to the center of the wheel, they get nearer to one another. But if we have not been brought into vital fellowship with our brother, it is proof that to that extent we have not been brought into vitalfellowship with God." - Roy Hession, The Calvary Road
Conclusion; Thus, the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper reminds us of the importance of our fellowship with one another.
To partake of the Lord’s Supper:
1. I must be part of the fellowship.
2. I need to be walking in fellowship -
A. With God
B. With my brother
"If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." - Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV)
Lord’s Supper Observance
Invitation -
Christian Fellowship Is Incidental.
Christian Fellowship Is Intentional.
Christian Fellowship Is Invitational.
"We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ" -1 John 1:2 (NIV)
