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Sermon Title: "Family at the Table"

Text: 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
Preacher: Alex Hogendoorn
Date: October 20, 2024

Summary Tagline:
"At the Lord’s Table, we not only meet Jesus—we become His body, sent to the world."

Message Summary:
In 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, Paul speaks about the deep significance of communion as participation in the body and blood of Christ. Alex begins by addressing a theological discussion in the church around children’s involvement in communion, referencing how the early church likely included children in the breaking of bread as they did with Passover. He emphasizes that participation in communion is not just a personal act, but a family one—reflecting the church as one body.

Alex expands on the Greek word koinonia—fellowship, communion, and partnership—explaining that when we come to the Lord's Table, we are not only remembering Christ’s sacrifice, but we are actively participating in His life and mission. The act of communion reinforces that we are the body of Christ. Alex also highlights how, as we take the bread and the cup, Jesus’ words, "This is for you," are meant for each one of us, reminding us that His story becomes our story. This deep connection to Christ and one another empowers us to go out and be the hands and feet of Jesus in our world.

The decision to include children at the table was made by the elders of the church based on the connection of communion to Passover, the nature of communion in the New Testament as a "daily meal", and the spiritual supervision of parents (1 Cor 7:14).

Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker Question:
What is a family tradition you’ve always enjoyed participating in, and why does it matter to you?

“These next discussion questions are intended to give us each a chance to engage in the message personally and hear what Jesus is doing in each of our lives too. In this, we all become preachers to one another as we learn to follow Jesus together.”

Discussion Questions:

  1. Alex explained that when we come to the communion table, we participate in the body and blood of Christ. What does it mean to you to be a "participant" in what Jesus has done for us?
  2. The word koinonia has a broad meaning, including fellowship, communion, and partnership. How do these aspects of koinonia shape the way you approach your relationship with Jesus and the church?
  3. In what ways can the Lord’s Table be used as a tool to disciple and nurture children in their faith, preparing them for a deeper relationship with Jesus as they grow?
  4. The sermon mentioned Jesus’ words, "This is for you." How does this personal connection to Jesus' sacrifice impact your sense of belonging and purpose?
  5. In 1 Corinthians 10:17, Paul speaks about being "one body" because we partake of the "one bread." How does this idea shape the way we relate to others in the church, especially in how we serve one another?

For Further Study:

  1. 1 Corinthians 7:14 – "The faith of the believing parent..." makes the children "clean" and "holy."
  2. 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 – Examining ourselves before communion.
  3. John 6:53-56 – "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you."
  4. Acts 2:42-46 – The early church devoted themselves to breaking bread together.
  5. Ephesians 4:1-6 – "There is one body and one Spirit... one Lord, one faith, one baptism."
  6. Colossians 1:18 – Christ is the head of the body, the church.
  7. Romans 12:4-5 – "We are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another."
  8. John 15:5 – Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches.
  9. Luke 22:19-20 – "This is my body, given for you."
  10. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 – "For just as the body is one and has many members..."

Gospel Connections

Let’s discuss how we can apply this message to our lives as we seek to make the following connections as we follow Jesus:

  1. How does regularly participating in communion help you deepen your relationship with God and remind you of your identity in Christ?
  2. How can our church reflect the unity and fellowship that communion symbolizes in the way we serve and care for each other?
  3. In what ways can our group live out koinonia—as a family of believers who are both united in fellowship and committed to working together for Christ’s mission?
  4. How can we bring the message of Christ’s sacrifice and invitation to the table into our broader community, offering them a glimpse of true fellowship and grace?
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