What does it mean to examine yourself (1 Corinthians 11:28)?

Response

First Corinthians is a corrective and instructive letter from Paul to the church in Corinth. One of the issues Paul addresses is the manner in which the people were taking communion. Often a “love feast,” or fellowship meal, would accompany communion, meaning communion was more of an “event” than it is in many churches today. First Corinthians 11:17–34 indicates that some were overeating at the feast while others were left hungry. Some were even becoming intoxicated. The people were not waiting for one another, nor were they appropriately sharing provisions—they ate the food they brought themselves, and, if someone couldn’t bring much, they went without. Division between the wealthy and the poor was evident.

Due to the unfairness and excess surrounding communion, Paul states that they were not truly partaking in the Lord’s Supper (verse 20). The people were not treating communion as a sacred ordinance established by Jesus. Instead of reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice, communion had turned into a way of self-indulgence, deepening the rifts among the Corinthian Christians. After outlining the situation and clarifying the significance of communion, Paul writes, “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. Each one should examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without recognizing the body of Christ bring judgment on themselves” (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).

Essentially, Paul is urging the people to evaluate their intentions before communion. Are their hearts in the right place? Are they partaking in the meal to commemorate Christ’s sacrifice and to foster community? Are they divided or united in Christ? Are they truly engaging in communion, or are they simply going through the motions?

Are they simply satisfying their own appetites selfishly?

Many churches nowadays precede the passing of the elements with two cautions: 1) Do not partake in communion unless you are a follower of Christ. It is too valuable to regard as a meaningless religious practice; and 2) Ensure you are current with God concerning any unconfessed sins or areas in your life that you have not surrendered. In essence, conduct a “heart check” on yourself. It is crucial to understand that being “current” does not mean perfection. Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 11:31–32 that we should assess ourselves correctly and allow the Lord to discipline and sanctify us. We should adopt the attitude of the psalmist when he prayed, “Forgive my hidden faults” «Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.», (Psalm 19:12).

Essentially, when pastors introduce communion by urging reflection on the significance of the ordinance and confession of personal sin, they are prompting the congregation to introspect. Do they comprehend the meaning of communion and partake for that reason? Are they truly living out their faith and maintaining an active relationship with God, allowing Him to carry out His sanctifying work in their lives? If so, communion becomes a solemn commemoration of Christ and His church. If not, we trivialize the ordinance.