Renewal vs. Attending the Lord’s Table

 

Renewal vs. Attending the Lord’s Table

Matthew 26:29 – “But I say to you, I shall by no means drink of this product of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

2 Corinthians 4:16 – “Therefore we do not lose heart; though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.”

Ephesians 4:22–24 – “Put off the old man… be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man.”

1 Corinthians 11:28 – “But let a man prove himself, and in this way let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.”

Revelation 21:5 – “He who sits upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.” 

Aspect	Renewal	Attending the Lord’s Table
Meaning	Renewal is the removal of all old and negative elements, enabling us to be inwardly renewed by the Holy Spirit and the life of Christ, living in the reality of the new creation (2 Cor. 4:16).	Attending the Lord’s Table is to partake with the Lord in His redemptive feast, to remember Him, declare His death, and enjoy the fellowship of His life supply (Matt. 26:26–29; 1 Cor. 10:16–17).
Symbolism	Signifies inward freshness, softness, and sensitivity toward God—putting off the old man and putting on the new man in Christ (Eph. 4:22–24; Col. 3:10).	Symbolizes our union and fellowship with Christ and His Body—the bread and cup signify His body and blood, uniting believers in one life (1 Cor. 11:23–26).
Distinction	Focuses on the inward work of life transformation and restoration.	Is an outward testimony and fellowship expressing our being renewed in life.
Explanation	Every negative thing (sin, offense, unforgiveness, division) makes us old. Thus, we must confess, forgive, and deal with all negative things to be renewed (Eph. 4:31–32).	The Lord’s Table is a new table. He said He would not drink of the fruit of the vine “until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom” (Matt. 26:29). Hence, we must come to the Table in a new way, not the old.
Example	In marriage, family, or church life, offenses make us old. We must forgive and seek forgiveness to remain fresh and in fellowship (Matt. 18:21–22).	When the Lord established the bread and cup, He said, “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19–20)—showing the Table is a living fellowship with the resurrected Christ.
Application	Daily confessing, forgiving, and being dealt with by the cross renews us inwardly (2 Cor. 4:10–16). Thus we live in continual newness.	Before attending the Table, believers should examine themselves (1 Cor. 11:28), removing all old and negative things, to partake freshly in fellowship with the Lord and the saints.
Interrelation	Without renewal, we cannot properly attend the Lord’s Table; and the Table requires renewal, for the Lord will not feast on what is old. Renewal is the basis for attending, and the Table confirms and deepens renewal.	Renewal prepares us for the Table, and the Table strengthens our renewal—both operate in a divine cycle.
Expanded Scriptures	Renewal: 2 Cor. 4:16; Eph. 4:22–24; Col. 3:10; Rom. 12:2; Ps. 51:10. Forgiveness & Renewal: Matt. 18:21–22, 35; Eph. 4:31–32; Col. 3:13. New Creation: Rev. 21:2, 5.	Establishment of the Table: Matt. 26:26–29; Luke 22:19–20. Meaning & Attitude: 1 Cor. 10:16–17; 11:23–29. New Principle: Matt. 26:29.

 

🌿 Key Insights Summary:

• Renewal is the daily spiritual experience of removing the old and living as a new creation.
• The Lord’s Table is the expression and enjoyment of this new life in fellowship with Christ.
• Without renewal, we cannot truly partake of the Lord’s Table; and through the Table, we experience deeper renewal.
• The key to renewal: confession, forgiveness, and the cross.
• The key to the Table: newness, remembrance, love, and unity.
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✨ Conclusion:

To attend the Lord’s Table rightly, believers must live in continual renewal. Renewal removes all that is old—sin, offense, and division—so we may fellowship freshly with Christ. The Lord’s Table is not a ritual but a new and living participation in His life. Renewal prepares us for the Table, and the Table deepens our renewal until we fully become the New Jerusalem, the consummate expression of divine newness.

 

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training  General Topic: Matthew 5-7 Vital Aspects Chapter 1 The Blessing of the Poor in Spirit and the Pure in Heart, Who Are Under the Heavenly Rule of Christ the New King, and Who See God and Express Himself in His Life, and Have His Authority to Represent Him