So then, 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. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.
So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together. Anyone who is hungry should eat something at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment. And when I come I will give further directions.
- 1 Corinthians 11:27-34
This passage continues Paul’s thoughts from the previous section, where he introduced how the Corinthian church was not properly celebrating the Lord’s Supper. They were not also having meals together in a loving manner, which Paul brings up in this passage as well to finish his thought.
Because of everything that Paul said in the previous section, he concludes in verse 27 that they are sinning against Jesus Christ. Their lack of respect and honor for this remembrance therefore dishonors Christ, the one who instituted it. Any unworthy manner of celebrating this meal is considered in the same way, as sinning against Jesus.
But what exactly is a worthy manner of partaking in this meal? Paul starts explaining this in verse 28 by instructing the believers to examine themselves before they partake of the meal. They should test the attitude of their hearts, their conduct that flows from that heart attitude, and how well they understand this remembrance they are about to consume. The implication is that no one should approach this manner if they have not done this self-examination and checked their attitudes, actions, and understanding.
Why is this important? Because if a believer fails to properly examine their heart, they may be unknowingly bringing judgment upon themselves (verse 29). It is important to note that this judgment is not God’s eternal judgment; this not an unforgiveable sin. While the Greek word for judgment is the same whether it’s eternal judgment or merely consequences here on earth, its particular usage indicates that it is not eternal judgment.
However, there still may be consequences. In verse 30, Paul implies that some of those consequences could be forms of weakness, sickness, or “falling asleep,” which is often used as a euphemism for death. The believer may experience negative worldy consequences for their disobedience to God in partaking of this holy meal if they do not fully understand what they are doing, or if they do not have the proper attitude of their heart.
Paul emphasizes the purpose of this self-examination in verse 31: “But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment.” We cannot properly prepare our hearts to receive the meal without examining our hearts. Each person needs to discern whether or not we are ready to receive the grace of Jesus Christ in this way.
The fact that a lack of proper preparation is not an indicator of God’s eternal judgment is echoed in verse 32. Instead, when we experience God’s judgment for not properly preparing our hearts, “we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.” This judgment is not eternal destruction but rather discipline that helps us learn what to do. We know from Hebrews 12:5-11 that discipline from God is a good thing. He disciplines us because He loves us. It’s not meant as punishment but rather to instruct us in the ways we should live to honor Him better.
After setting up this point, Paul then returns to the meal that the first-century Corinthians were having along with their celebration of the Lord’s Supper. The issue was that they were unequally sharing their food. The rich would often bring more food to their meal (similar to a potluck), and those who were poor would bring less. But Paul instructed them that they should all share everything with one another to develop true Christian community. They were also splitting into smaller groups like cliques, often based on social status, rather than all eating together.
In verse 33, Paul addresses the clique issue by telling them that they should all eat together. They show respect for each other by eating together. They are satisfying both their physical and spiritual needs when they gather together and eat these meals together – both the potluck food and the Lord’s Supper.
If the people were coming only for physical food, then they should eat at home before they come (verse 34). While the regular meal is part of their gathering and time to experience fellowship with one another, the point of their gatherings was not just for food but also to experience spiritual nourishment through the Lord’s Supper and the presence of other believers. If they’re only showing up for the meal, then God may judge them in some way. At the end of this passage, Paul indicates that there were additional issues he’d address when he visits next.
How does this apply to us today? First, we should examine our gatherings with other believers. Are we using that time to nourish ourselves and others both physically and spiritually? Of course, not every gathering needs to include a full meal, but meals are a great way to share our lives with one another.
Second, when we partake of the Lord’s Supper, are we adequately preparing our hearts beforehand? Are we examining our attitudes, actions, and understanding as Paul indicates? Many worship services include a time for self-reflection prior to the Lord’s Supper for this very purpose. Make sure you are taking advantage of that time, along with your personal prayer and devotional time, to examine your heart and take whatever action is needed to correct that.
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