Here’s a simple outline, from Rick Warren, that you might use in preparing your group to partake in communion.
THE MEANING OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
Jesus never asked His disciples to remember His birth. But He did instruct them to remember His death and resurrection. He gave the church two visible symbols (called “ordinances”) as reminders of His death. These two ordinances are: Baptism and The Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is an object lesson that represents a great spiritual truth for believers.
WHAT IS THE LORD’S SUPPER? (1 COR. 11:23-26)
1. IT IS A SIMPLE ACT
“The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread…” (vs. 23)
2. IT IS A REMINDER
“…and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; eat it in remembrance of me.’” (vs. 24)
3. IT IS A SYMBOL
“In the same way, He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; drink it to remember me.’” (vs. 25)
4. IT IS A STATEMENT OF FAITH
“For whenever you eat the bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes back.” (vs. 26)
WHO SHOULD TAKE THE LORD’S SUPPER?
Only those who are already BELIEVERS. (Mark 14:22-26)
“For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment upon himself.” 2 Cor. 11:29
HOW DO I PREPARE MYSELF FOR THE LORD’S SUPPER?
“Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A person ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.” 1 Cor. 11:27-28
By…
1. Self-Examination 1 Cor. 11:27
2. Confessing My Sins 1 John 1:9
3. Recommitment Rom. 12:1
4. Restoring Relationships Matt. 5:23-24
