The Centrality of Communion | Francis Chan

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes the importance of approaching communion with a focus on loving and serving one another, rather than just participating in a ritual. The speaker encourages us to reflect on our motivations for gathering together and to prioritize honoring God by loving each other. We are reminded that Jesus' example of washing the disciples' feet is an invitation to us to serve one another in similar ways.

Key Scripture References

• John 13:12-15 - In this passage, Jesus washes his disciples' feet and teaches them that they should do the same for each other. This act of service is a demonstration of the love and humility that God desires to see in our lives.
• 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 - Paul writes about the divisions that can arise when people gather for communion, and warns against participating if we are not seeking to honor God with our actions. He encourages us to examine ourselves before taking part in the Lord's Supper.
• Acts 2:42-47 - This passage describes the early church's devotion to prayer, fellowship, and the breaking of bread (communion). It is an example for us to follow as we seek to build up one another in love.
• John 13:1-11 - Jesus' act of washing his disciples' feet is a powerful reminder of God's desire to serve and care for us. We are called to imitate this example by serving one another with humility and love.
• Matthew 26:26-30 - In the institution of the Lord's Supper, Jesus teaches that his body and blood are present in the bread and cup. This is a mysterious and powerful reality that we should approach with reverence and awe.
• 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 - Paul writes about the unity that communion represents, as believers come together to remember Christ's sacrifice on our behalf. We are called to partake of the Lord's Supper in a way that reflects this unity and love.

Main Points

• We should approach communion with a focus on loving and serving one another, rather than just participating in a ritual.
• Jesus' example of washing his disciples' feet is an invitation to us to serve one another in similar ways.
• The early church's devotion to prayer, fellowship, and the breaking of bread (communion) is an example for us to follow as we seek to build up one another in love.
• We should approach communion with reverence and awe, recognizing the mysterious presence of Christ in the bread and cup.
• Divisions among believers can arise when we gather for communion; let us strive to honor God by loving and serving one another.

Application

As we reflect on this message, let us ask ourselves:

* What are my motivations for gathering with the church? Am I seeking to love and serve others, or just participating in a ritual?

* How can I imitate Jesus' example of serving others by washing their feet (spiritually)?

* How can I prioritize building up one another in love, as described in Acts 2:42-47?

* How can I approach communion with reverence and awe, recognizing the mysterious presence of Christ in the bread and cup?

May God use this message to convict us of our need to love and serve one another more deeply, and to draw us closer to Him through the sacrament of communion.