Discerning Disciples

Sunday, July 16, 2017
Woodstream Church
1 Corinthians 11:27-29

Discernment is a critical life skill all must develop, identifying people, places and practices.  For example, properly trained chemists perform invaluable service to society, identifying various chemical compounds and reactions.  But poorly trained individuals can be hazardous to public safety and themselves.  A person in the world can discern natural things but not spiritual things; a spirit filled Christian can discern both natural and spiritual things.  At Calvary, the crowd witnessed an execution, but the Apostle John witnessed a sacrifice.  The Chief Priests saw the blood of a condemned man, but John saw the Blood that justifies the condemned.  The Communion Service we observe today requires spiritual discernment to fully understand the sacrament.

The Disciple Must Discern What Is On The Table.

The same sacrifice on the altar that is placed into God’s hands is the same sacrifice on a plate placed in our hands.  Hebraic literal realism is different from modern symbolism because it teaches that a symbol contains what it represents.  Man was made in the image of God; therefore we are indwelt with God’s image.  The Communion bread is the body of Christ, and the wine is His blood.

Discerning Disciples Must Discern Their Readiness To Partake Of The Communion.

A disciple cannot participate in rowdy, profane and objectionable activities and then participate in the Communion.  One must make oneself ready in proper reverence through confession, repentance, restoration of stolen goods and repayment of debts.  We are to come clean before God.  Otherwise, the scriptures warn of eating and drinking judgment against us.

A Discerning Disciple Is A Devout Disciple.

As we prepare for Communion, we enter the appropriate state of anticipation of Christ’s return.  We embrace the spiritual and reject the carnal.