Why is self-examination important in 1 Corinthians 11:28 for believers? The Call to Examine Ourselves “Let a man examine himself, and after doing so, let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28) Why Paul Commands It • To protect the sanctity of the Lord’s Table. • To guard against partaking “in an unworthy manner” (v. 27), which brings judgment. • To keep fellowship with Christ pure and undistracted by unconfessed sin. Roots in the Old Testament • Passover required households to purge leaven (Exodus 12:15)—a picture of removing sin before celebrating deliverance. • Lamentations 3:40: “Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD.” Self-examination precedes repentance. Jesus’ Own Pattern • Revelation 2–3 shows Christ “walks among the lampstands,” lovingly exposing sin in His churches before inviting restored fellowship. What Self-Examination Looks Like 1. Open Heart before God ‑ Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God… see if there is any offensive way in me.” 2. Honest Comparison with Scripture ‑ James 1:23-25 likens God’s Word to a mirror. A mirror is only useful when we actually look. 3. Confession and Cleansing ‑ 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive.” 4. Re-Centering on Christ’s Sacrifice ‑ Remembering the cost of our redemption safeguards us from casual, ritualistic communion. Blessings That Flow from the Practice • Restored fellowship—no lingering guilt clouds intimacy with the Lord. • Spiritual health—“if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not come under judgment” (1 Corinthians 11:31). • Unity in the body—private repentance prevents public discipline and division. • Increased gratitude—fresh awareness of grace fuels heartfelt worship. Neglecting Self-Examination Brings Consequences • Verses 29-30 warn of weakness, sickness, and even premature death among Corinthian believers who disregarded this command. • Hebrews 12:6 reminds us the Lord disciplines those He loves; examination spares us harsher correction. Practical Steps for Today - Set aside quiet moments before the elements are passed; allow silence to do its work. - Review relationships: “If possible… live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). - Ask the Spirit to spotlight hidden motives, attitudes, or patterns. - Embrace the cleansing promised in Christ, then receive the bread and cup with joy. Self-examination is not morbid introspection; it is a hopeful act of faith, trusting the Lord to reveal and heal. When believers obey 1 Corinthians 11:28, communion becomes what God intends—a vivid celebration of forgiven sinners rejoicing in a faithful Savior. |
    |