The Lord’s Supper: Part 2 – Practice (Discipleship Training)

This post is part of my series on Discipleship Training. See all Discipleship Training Plans here.

Or, read my introductory post on discipleship training here.

The Lord’s Supper: Part 2 (Practice): The doctrine of the Lord’s Supper is one of the most controversial subjects within Christian theology. Ironically, the sacrament that is meant to display our great unity has become a source of great division for Christians on many sides.

How, then, ought we to approach the Lord’s Supper? How should we prepare for receiving the Lord’s Supper, what should we do when the time comes for receiving the Lord’s Supper, and how can we reflect back on that unique act of worship? How can we grow in our union and communion with Christ, as well as with his people, by this sacrament?

Training Objective.

To learn to enjoy union and communion with Christ and his people through the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

Scripture

Read and discuss:

• 1 Corinthians 5:11: We should exclude from the Lord’s Table those who profess to be Christians, but who persist in unrepentant sin.
• 1 Corinthians 11:28–32: Right receiving of the Lord’s Supper requires us to examine ourselves first. There is a warning here of God’s judgement for those who eat and drink in an unworthy manner.

Doctrine

Read and discuss:

• Westminster Larger Catechism, #168–177
• Westminster Shorter Catechism, #96–97

Discussion Questions

• What warnings are there in the Bible for those who receive the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner?
• What does it mean to examine ourselves as we prepare to come to the Lord’s Supper?
• How should we approach the Lord’s Supper with a view toward our union and communion with Christ?
• How should we approach the Lord’s Supper with a view toward our union and communion with fellow believers?

Application

• Review Westminster Larger Catechism Questions #171–175 as you prepare to receive the Lord’s Supper. Allow those catechism questions to help you with your preparation, your enjoyment of the Lord’s Supper, and your reflection after you receive the sacrament.

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