How can we teach others the importance of self-examination before Communion? Setting the Context 1 Corinthians 11:27: “Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.” • The Lord’s Table is not a casual ritual; it proclaims Christ’s death (11:26) and anticipates His return (11:26). • A believer approaches it in an “unworthy manner” when sin is tolerated, divisions are ignored, or the gospel’s holiness is treated lightly (11:18–22, 29–30). • Because Scripture is accurate and literal, the warning is just as weighty today. Why Self-Examination Matters • 1 Corinthians 11:28 commands: “A man ought to examine himself before eating of the bread and drinking of the cup.” • Psalm 139:23–24 gives the pattern: “Search me, O God… lead me in the way everlasting.” • God disciplines unrepentant believers (11:30–32). Loving teaching alerts others to this reality rather than leaving them unaware. • Self-examination keeps communion Christ-centered, preventing the meal from becoming mere habit. Clarifying “Unworthy Manner” Not personal worthlessness, but conduct contradicting the gospel: • Cherished sin—1 John 1:6–7. • Broken fellowship—Matthew 5:23–24. • Treating sacred symbols lightly—Hebrews 10:29. Teach that repentance and faith clothe believers in Christ’s worthiness. Biblical Foundations Beyond Corinth • Lamentations 3:40: “Let us examine and test our ways and return to the LORD.” • 2 Corinthians 13:5: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” • James 1:23–24: The Word is a mirror; ignoring its reflection leads to self-deception. These passages reinforce that self-examination is a normal Christian discipline, not a special add-on. Practical Steps to Teach Self-Examination • Model: Before serving Communion, leaders pause publicly for silent confession, demonstrating the practice. • Explain: Briefly read 1 Corinthians 11:27–29 at each observance, highlighting key phrases. • Illuminate: Share short testimonies of restored relationships or renewed holiness that came through honest heart searches. • Disciple: In small groups, walk through passages like Psalm 51; discuss what genuine repentance looks like (without turning the group into a confessional). • Encourage: Remind believers of the cleansing promise—1 John 1:9—so self-examination leads to hope, not despair. Communion Prep Checklist Instead of questions, offer areas to review before the elements are distributed: • Confessed sin and received cleansing. • Forgiven others and sought forgiveness where needed. • Renewed gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice. • Reaffirmed commitment to obey the Lord’s commands. • Looked forward to His return with longing. Illustrating the Lesson • Passover parallel—Exodus 12:15 speaks of removing leaven. Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 5:7–8, linking old leaven with sin. Teaching the Passover image helps people visualize cleansing the heart’s “leaven” before the meal. • Mirror analogy—James 1:23–24: Scripture shows the smudge, confession wipes it off; approaching Communion without looking is like ignoring the smudge in public. Encouraging Repentance and Faith • Emphasize grace: Titus 2:11–12—grace both saves and teaches us to say “no” to ungodliness. • Highlight reconciliation: Colossians 1:20—through the cross, peace is made; Communion celebrates this peace and calls believers to live it. • Celebrate restoration: Hebrews 10:22—“let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean.” Takeaway Teaching self-examination before Communion safeguards the sanctity of the Lord’s Table, protects believers from discipline, fosters unity, and magnifies the finished work of Christ. |
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