The Sacrament of Participation 1. “Breaking of the Bread” Emphasizes encounter with the resurrected Christ. Re-enacts the post- Resurrection meal at Emmaus.

2. “Lord’s Supper” Emphasizes solemn remembrance of Christ’s death. Re-enacts the Last Supper. Paul connects this remembrance with recognition of the “body” of Christ (the church).

3.“Communion” Emphasizes shared participation (koinonia). Vertically, in the salvation and ultimate victory over evil that is ours in Christ (the Cup).Vertically, in the salvation and ultimate victory over evil that is ours in Christ (the Cup). Horizontally, in the saved people who will share together the Messianic Banquet (the Bread).Horizontally, in the saved people who will share together the Messianic Banquet (the Bread).

1 Corinthians The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation (koinonia) in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation (koinonia) in the body of Christ?

1 Corinthians 10 (King James) 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

1 Corinthians Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. We are united and unified by participation in Jesus Christ. Our participation in Christ makes us participants in one another’s lives.

1 Corinthians Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? By analogy, Israelites who offered sacrifices to God were participants in God and His people through that act.

1 Corinthians 10 1 Corinthians what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons.

Paul’s concern was that some at Corinth thought they could participate with both Christ and pagan deities, who were in fact demons. C.f., verse 14: “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”

1 Cor 10:1-13 immediately precedes our passage. Israel had been “baptized” into Moses (Red Sea). Israel had “Communion” with God in the desert (manna). But Israel also worshiped idols, and God overthrew them in the desert.

1 Corinthians 10: Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

1 Corinthians 10: No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.

1 Corinthians Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?

God’s Jealousy and Communion Participation in Communion is an expression of an exclusive and precious relationship. With God through Christ With others through Christ Stubborn participation in relationships contrary to Christ (i.e., “stiff-necked” sin) mocks our communion with Christ and one another.

The Sacrament of Communion, therefore, emphasizes our: loyal relationship with Christ, forsaking participation with “other lovers” loyal relationship with one another

Colossians 3:12-13 Put on: Compassion Kindness Humility Meekness Patience Bear with one another If one has a complaint against another, forgive each other Above all put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

What does all this mean in practice? When we participate in Communion, we are expressing exclusive devotion to Jesus Christ. We are also expressing Christ-like devotion to our brothers and sisters at Harvest, and in the global Church.