PM Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 11.23-26

Brent T. Willey

Back To Basics:

THE WEEKLY OBSERVANCE OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

Introduction:

1. It is often asked, “Is the church required to partake of the Lord’s Supper every Sunday?”

2. The answer must come only from God’s Word [Sola Scriptura]. (Cf., 2 Tim. 3.16-17; 1 Thess. 5.21-22; 1 Pet. 4.11; Rom. 10.17)

3. Premise: the weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week (Sunday) is the only practice that is consistent with biblical teachings.

I. THE LORD’S SUPPER IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

1. Its institution by Jesus. (Matt. 26.26-29; Luke 22.14-22)

2. The establishment of Christ’s church. (Acts 2.1-47)

   1. Pentecost on “first day of the week” (Lev. 23.15-16)

   2. Sabbath day law abrogated. (Col. 2.13-17; 2 Cor. 3)

   1. The congregation in Troas. (Acts 20.5-12)

   2. The Corinthian experience. (1 Cor. 11.23-26)

II. THE ANALOGIES

1. The weekly contribution. (1 Cor. 16.1-2)

2. Weekly versus monthly, yearly, etc.

3. The Sabbath analogy (Exod. 20.8)

4. The significance of the “first day of the week” (Sunday)

   1. The day of Jesus’ resurrection. (Mark 16.1-8)

   2. The day the church was established. (Acts 2.1-47)

   3. The day the Lord’s Supper was observed. (Acts 20.7)

   4. The day the collection was taken. (1 Cor. 16.1-2)

   5. This assembly was not to be “forsaken.” (Heb. 10.25)

Conclusion: Less frequent observances cannot be substantiated!