Breaking Of Bread - A Two Fold Testimony - Zac Poonen
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Summary
The sermon focuses on the institution of the Lord's Supper, comparing it to the Passover and emphasizing that the breaking of bread is fundamentally an expression of an earnest desire for fellowship with Christ. The speaker warns that participating in this ritual without a genuine desire to confess and give up sin is dangerous, as it amounts to crucifying Christ again by rejecting the atonement for sin. True participation requires acknowledging one's unworthiness and focusing on sin's removal, not merely a desire for heavenly reward.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Instituting the breaking of bread at the PassoverJesus replaced the Passover with bread and grape juice, using the term new covenant for the first time in His ministry.
An exclusive gathering for committed followersUnlike public evangelistic meetings, Jesus shared the breaking of bread privately with His 12 disciples, establishing a pattern for those who truly want to follow Him.
The earnest desire for fellowshipJesus expressed an earnest desire to fellowship with His disciples, and believers today should share that same heart for fellow believers.
The danger of taking communion carelesslyPartaking in the breaking of bread without a genuine desire to deal with sin can make a person guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.
Christ died to take away our sinsJesus was crucified to rid us of our sins, not merely to take us to heaven, so clinging to sin while taking communion treats His death as unimportant.
Examining oneself and judging sinA person must examine their conscience regarding sin, because failing to judge oneself can lead to divine discipline, weakness, sickness, or even death.
Fellowship in the body and blood of ChristThe elements do not physically become Christ's body and blood, but rather symbolize our intimate fellowship and joint participation in His crucified life.1 Corinthians 10:16
Being one body with fellow believersSharing a single loaf testifies that we are one body in fellowship with one another, requiring us to clear any grudges or offenses.
Setting matters right and forgiving othersBelievers must forgive others in their hearts immediately and seek to make things right at the first opportunity before breaking bread.
Willingness to serve and do dirty jobsJust as Jesus washed His disciples' feet, true believers must be willing to do humble, difficult tasks for one another without seeking recognition.
The principle of giving without taking a salaryFollowing the example of the apostles, church leaders should serve without demanding financial salaries and should care for the poor rather than take from them.
It is more blessed to give than to receiveGiving our time, energy, and words of life is more blessed than receiving, mirroring how Jesus gave Himself completely for us.Acts 20:35
Giving our bodies and minds to the LordGod does not ask for money, but rather desires our minds, bodies, and tongues to be fully surrendered and purified for His service.
Focusing on personal accountability to GodInstead of judging others, every believer must examine themselves vertically before God and horizontally with others to have a truly meaningful communion.
