27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. 34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come. (1 Corinthians 11:27-34 KJV)
Examine Yourself before taking the Lord’s supper
Here, the apostle Paul warns of the danger of receiving unworthily. Those who profane this sacred meal are “guilty of the body and blood of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 11:27), treating His sacrifice with contempt. They act as though His blood were a common thing (Hebrews 10:29). Such irreverence provokes God’s judgment—“they eat and drink judgment to themselves” (1 Corinthians 11:29). Many in Corinth had done so, not discerning the Lord’s body, and as a result, “many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep” (v. 30).
Yet even these judgments were merciful, intended to correct and save them from final condemnation: “When we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world” (v. 32). Divine discipline, though painful, is a mark of God’s love (Hebrews 12:6). It is better to suffer correction in this life than to perish eternally.
Therefore, believers are called to examine themselves before partaking (1 Corinthians 11:28). They should consider the meaning of the ordinance, their motives in attending, and the state of their hearts toward Christ. Only those who can approve themselves before God should approach the table. Those unrepentant or without faith are unfit to partake. All who come should have “the wedding garment” of grace, both inwardly and outwardly.
Paul adds that if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged (1 Corinthians 11:31). Self-examination and repentance prevent divine chastisement. We must be strict with ourselves but charitable toward others (Matthew 7:1).
Finally, he cautions against the indecencies that had crept into their assemblies (1 Corinthians 11:33-34). They were to eat ordinary meals at home and not turn the Lord’s Supper into a common feast or an occasion for division and selfishness. Holy things must be used in a holy manner, or else they are profaned. Our worship can become condemnation if done carelessly or selfishly. Therefore, Paul resolves to correct any remaining irregularities when he comes to them.