1 Corinthians 11:29–32: For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.
The Corinthians neglected to examine themselves, but they were experts at examining everybody else. When the church gathers together, we must be careful not to become “religious detectives” who watch others, but who fail to acknowledge our own sins. If we eat and drink in an unworthy manner, we eat and drink judgment (chastening) to ourselves, and that is nothing to take lightly. Chastening is God’s loving way of dealing with His sons and daughters to encourage them to mature (Heb. 12:1–11). It is not a judge condemning a criminal, but a loving Father punishing His disobedient (and perhaps stubborn) children. Chastening proves God’s love for us, and chastening can, if we cooperate, perfect God’s life in us. 1
Application
- Read Hebrews 12:7-11. How important is godly discipline?
- How does God produce the peaceable fruit of righteousness in your life? Have you ever considered that godly discipline is a means of godly training?
Thought to Share
Being trained by Jesus also implies being disciplined by Jesus. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, thank You that Your loving discipline only proves that I belong to You.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
