Introduction. Before Jesus’ death He instituted a practice that He instructed His disciples to participate in in faith and obedience to Him (I Corinthians 11:23-25). New Testament Christians observed this practice on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). It is referred to as “The Lord’s Supper” (I Corinthians 11:20); “Communion” (I Corinthians 10:16); “The Cup of Blessing” and “The Cup of the Lord” and “The Lord’s Table” (I Corinthians 10:21); “Breaking of Bread” (Acts 2:42) [or as Vulgate: “Fellowship of the Breaking of Bread”]. In response to some actions on the part of the church in Corinth which led to an improper observance of the Lord’s Supper, Paul in I Corinthians 11 gives some instructions (through the Holy Spirit) which suggest to us four ways that Christians should direct their focus as they observe this memorial of Christ’s death (I Corinthians 11:26-29).
I. Looking Without - “You Proclaim the Lord’s Death” (vs. 26).
II. Looking Forward - “Till He Comes” (vs. 26).
III. Looking Within - “Let a Man Examine Himself” (vs. 28).
IV. Looking Backward - “Discerning the Lord’s body” (vs. 29).
Consider the song: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross