The Meaning Of The Lord's Table - Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that following God's word must be done exactly as scripture dictates, using the example of the Tabernacle's completion. Regarding the Lord's Table, he stresses that participation requires a genuine, private commitment to Christ, not just attendance. Ultimately, true participation requires self-examination, acknowledging that God sees the inner life which we cannot fully reveal, and that our commitment must be rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Doing things exactly as Scripture teachesJust as Moses built the Tabernacle exactly as God commanded so that His glory filled it, we must follow God's Word precisely without bringing in our own bright ideas.
Why we look to the Epistles for instructionThe instructions in the Epistles represent Jesus continuing to speak through the apostles by the Holy Spirit, teaching things that people could not understand during His earthly ministry.
A private meeting by invitation onlyJesus did not invite everyone in town to the breaking of bread; it was a private gathering with His committed disciples, which is why the church limits the table to those committed to the local body.
Dealing with uncommitted attendeesEven in the original gathering, Judas was present as an uncommitted betrayer, showing that not everyone who breaks bread is genuinely serious about Christ.
Let a man examine himselfSince church leaders cannot see your inner thoughts and motives, scripture commands every individual to examine themselves rather than relying on others.
Remembering Jesus and taking sin seriouslyComing to the Lord's table means remembering that our sin pursued Jesus to His death, and those who take sin lightly are continuing to crucify Him.
Who is welcome to break bread?The Lord's table is for sinners, but not for sinners who want to continue in their sin; participants must sincerely desire to be free from every known sin.
How often should we break bread?Scripture does not command a rigid frequency like 'once a week'; rather, we should do it as often as it is feasible without it becoming an empty ritual.
A fellowship in the body and blood of ChristThe bread and wine do not physically change into flesh and blood, but serve as a symbolism and fellowship of our sharing in Christ and with one another.1 Corinthians 10:16–17
The significance of one breadBecause we share one bread and break it ourselves, we testify that we are one body in Christ and are committed to walking a broken, surrendered path together.
Being crushed and ground like wheatJust as wheat grains must be crushed and mixed with water to make bread, God breaks those who are willing so the Holy Spirit can unite them into one body, while uncrushed elements are rejected.
