Scripture
1 Corinthians 11:31-32 – But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world
Observation –
Paul is warning the church at Corinth to examine themselves prior to taking communion. We want to honor Christ’s sacrifice not make it centered on ourselves. If we judged ourselves correctly we would be repentant for our sin thereby honoring Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection. God judges and disciplines us because he loves his children and wants them to turn from their sin back to him and not be in condemnation like those apart from Christ Jesus.
Application –
This is a great word from Paul to the Church at Corinth of which I need to remember. Communion is in remembrance of what Christ did for me that I was unable to do for myself. Jesus sacrifice took me dead in my sin into life when I believed in Him. And as a member of the body of Christ, we must take communion together. I must be repentant and confessing of whatever sin I have in my life to accurately judge myself. God will correct any unchecked sin as he disciplines his children who he loves to put them back on path to follow him for our good.
Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for the truth in your word. Let me remember the sacrifice Jesus made to bring me from death to life in him. Have me examine myself and be repentant of my sin. May I remember when God disciplines me, it is to bring me back to him for my good.