1 Corinthians 11:27–28: Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
Paul did not say that we had to be worthy to partake of the Supper, but only that we should partake in a worthy manner. At a Communion service in Scotland, the pastor noted that a woman in the congregation did not accept the bread and cup from the elder, but instead sat weeping. The pastor left the table and went to her side and said, “Take it, my dear, it’s for sinners!” And, indeed, it is; but sinners saved by God’s grace must not treat the Supper in a sinful manner. If we are to participate in a worthy manner, we must examine our own hearts, judge our sins, and confess them to the Lord. To come to the table with unconfessed sin in our lives is to be guilty of Christ’s body and blood, for it was sin that nailed Him to the cross. If we will not judge our own sins, then God will judge us and chasten us until we do confess and forsake our sins. 1
Application
- Read Psalm 51:10-12. What prayer request did the psalmist make?
- What will it take to have a steadfast spirit in you? Repent of complaining and giving up to soon. The Christian life requires a daily exam, daily repentance, and daily renewal in the truth of His word.
Thought to Share
To be examined by Him, is to be found worthy for Him. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, teach me to keep my hope in You and not in my circumstances.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.