Lesson 3c in the Personal Bible Study Series
Helpful Hints
In this lesson, if the student agrees that it would be wrong to add elements to the Lord’s Supper (#7), this can be used to further illustrate the point of the previous lesson. It also shows a difference between the weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper and what is practiced by most denominations.
Lesson 3b: Identifying the Church: Lord’s Supper (PDF version)
Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath. For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.
REMEMBERING CHRIST’S DEATH
1. 1 Corinthians 2:2
Is the crucifixion of Christ a significant event for Christians?
Why is this so?
2. 1 Corinthians 11:23-29
What are Christians instructed to do in order to remember Christ’s death?
This must be done with what frame of mind?
Is this to be done when Christians assemble together? (cf. vs. 18, 20)
Is this a collective activity, an individual responsibility, or both?
Is this something that is to be done “often”?
HOW OFTEN?
3. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
How often did these Christians assemble together?
Note: The Greek phrase katamian sabbatôn in v. 2 literally means “every first day of the week.”
4. Acts 20:7
What was the purpose of this Christian assembly on the first day of the week?
REASONING FROM THE SCRIPTURES
5. Exodus 20:8-10
When the Jews were commanded to keep the Sabbath day holy, did this mean annually, monthly, or every week?
Consider the following:
- The church at Corinth was instructed to observe the Lord’s Supper as often as they assembled for worship (1 Cor. 11:18-26).
- They assembled every first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1-2; cf. Acts 20:6-7).
- Other early Christians assembled on the first day of the week to observe the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7).
Therefore, how often should Christians today observe the Lord’s Supper?
THE ELEMENTS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
6. Matthew 26:17, 26-29
What kind of bread did Jesus use? (cf. Ex. 12:20)
What was in the cup? (cf. Gen. 40:9-11).
What does the bread represent?
What does the fruit of the vine represent?
PROCLAIMING THE LORD’S DEATH
7. 1 Corinthians 11:24-26
How are Christians to remember and proclaim the Lord’s death?
How long is this to be done?
8. Matthew 7:24-27
What is required to be a true follower of Jesus?
If someone fails to do what the Lord says, the way He says to do it, is this person a true follower of Jesus?
CONCLUSION
A. Does the Bible teach that the weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper is an important part of being a member of Christ’s church?
B. Do you want this to be a part of your obedient response to the Lord?
Additional Scripture References
- Rom. 5:6-11; 1 Cor. 1:23; 15:1-4; Gal. 6:14; 1 Peter 2:21-24; 3:18
- Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
- Mark 16:9 (cf. 1 Cor. 15:17-20); John 20:1, 19; Acts 20:7
- Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:20, 24-26
- John 4:23-24; Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 14: 33, 40; Hebrews 10:23-25
- 1 Cor. 5:7-8; 10:16; 11:24-25; Gen. 49:11; Lev. 25:5; Num. 13:20; Song 2:13, 15; Isa. 5:1-4; Jer. 6:9; Rev. 14:18
- Matthew 26:26-29; John 8:31; 14:15; Galatians 2:20
- Matthew 7:21-23; 12:50; 15:8-9; 1 John 2:3-6
“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).