How does 1 Corinthians 11:29 relate to self-examination in 1 Corinthians 11:28? Setting the Scene in Corinth • The Corinthians were turning the Lord’s Supper into a selfish, disorderly meal. • Some came drunk, some went hungry, and divisions were on full display (vv. 20-22). • Against that backdrop Paul calls believers to approach the table with reverence and unity. Self-Examination Commanded (v28) “Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.” • Examine = deliberate, honest testing of heart, motives, relationships. • Purpose: come to the table humbled, repentant, and reconciled. • This is a continuing discipline, not a one-time check-box. The Serious Consequence (v29) “For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.” • “For” ties v29 directly to v28—self-examination is required because neglect brings judgment. • “Recognizing the body” means discerning: – The sacred reality of Christ’s sacrificed body and blood. – The unity of His body, the church (cf. v18; 10:17). • Judgment here is God’s corrective discipline (see v30-32) that can include weakness, sickness, even death. What “Recognizing the Body” Looks Like • Awe toward Christ’s atoning death (Hebrews 10:29). • Repentance from ongoing sin (1 John 1:9). • Reconciliation with fellow believers (Matthew 5:23-24). • Unity that reflects one loaf, one body (1 Colossians 10:17). Putting Both Verses Together 1. Verse 28 gives the action: “Examine.” 2. Verse 29 gives the reason: “If you don’t, you invite God’s discipline.” 3. The logic: Self-examination protects worshipers from careless communion and preserves the holiness of the meal. Practical Steps for Today • Pause before partaking—ask the Spirit to search your heart (Psalm 139:23-24). • Confess any known sin; accept Christ’s cleansing (1 John 1:9). • Forgive and seek forgiveness where relationships are strained (Ephesians 4:32). • Remember Christ’s sacrifice with gratitude, not ritualism (Luke 22:19). • Partake in unity with the gathered church, valuing every member (Romans 12:5). Related Scriptures That Reinforce the Call • 2 Corinthians 13:5—“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” • Galatians 6:4—“Each one should test his own work.” • Hebrews 12:5-11—God’s loving discipline when we stray. Together, 1 Corinthians 11:28-29 form a safeguard: self-examination ensures we honor Christ’s body and spare ourselves divine correction, allowing the Supper to remain a joyful proclamation of the Lord’s death “until He comes” (v26). |
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