The reason for examining oneself is to determine that we are partaking in a worthy manner rather than in an unworthy manner. In the context this would involve behaving in a loving and unselfish way toward our fellow Christians as well as being appreciative of the significance of the Lord"s body and blood. We need to examine ourselves so the Lord will not have to examine and judge us for failing to participate worthily ( 1 Corinthians 11:31). [source][source][source]
Having conducted this brief self-examination the believer should then proceed to participate. An unusually sensitive Christian might hesitate to participate after thoughtful reflection feeling overwhelmed by his or her personal unworthiness. However no one is ever worthy to partake. If someone thinks he Isaiah , he is not. We are only worthy because Christ has made us worthy. We need to partake feeling unworthy to do so. This attitude is part of what it means to partake in a worthy manner. [source][source][source]
This simple reflection and participation lie at the very root of motivation for living a life that glorifies God. The church has invented many ways to motivate Christians to put Jesus Christ first in their lives. These include altar calls, "revival" services, campfire dedication services, and many others all of which have values. Unfortunately we have also neglected what the Lord Jesus instructed us to do that will motivate His people to live for Him better than anything else. If this observance has lost its punch, it is because those who lead it have failed to give it the preparation, attention, and priority it deserves in church life. The frequent observance of the Lord"s Supper in a way that takes us back to the Cross is one of the most powerful and effective motivators for living the Christian life. If you think a frequent observance of the Lord"s Supper tends to become tiresome, remember that your spouse never tires of your frequent expressions of love for him or her. [source][source][source]
Context Summary
1 Corinthians 11:23-34 - Observing The Lord's Supper
There was much disorder in the Corinthian church, because the love-feast, which preceded the Holy Supper, was the scene of riot and conviviality, of ostentation and jealousy. In the love-feast of the early Church each brought his own supply of food, which was put into a common stock and shared by all alike; but at Corinth each family or group retained their own provisions, and a great distinction was thus made between rich and poor. This caused much heart-burning and was unworthy of Christians.
Note that the Apostle received the words of institution by direct revelation. The Lord's Supper is intended not only to commemorate the supreme act of Calvary, but to enable us spiritually to incorporate into ourselves the very life and death of Jesus, so that we may truly be crucified with Him and nevertheless live. "That I may know Him and the fellowship of His sufferings." We are liable to condemnation if we do not recognize the Body of Christ-that is, the Church-the unity of which is disturbed and obscured when there is dissension. If we judge ourselves, we escape the judgment and chastisement of the Almighty. [source]
Chapter Summary: 1 Corinthians 11
1He reproves them, because in holy assemblies, 4their men prayed with their heads covered, 6and women with their heads uncovered; 17and because generally their meetings were not for the better, but for the worse; 21as, namely, in profaning with their own feast the Lord's supper 25Lastly, he calls them to the first institution thereof
Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 11:28
Let a man prove himself [δοκιμαζετω αντρωπος εαυτον] Test himself as he would a piece of metal to see if genuine. Such examination of one‘s motives would have made impossible the disgraceful scenes in 1 Corinthians 11:20. [source]
So [] After self-examination and consequent knowledge of his spiritual state. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 11:28
1 Corinthians 11:29Damnation [κρῖμα] See on Mark 16:16; see on John 9:39. This false and horrible rendering has destroyed the peace of more sincere and earnest souls than any other misread passage in the New Testament. It has kept hundreds from the Lord's table. Κρῖμα is a temporary judgment, and so is distinguished from κατάκριμα condemnationfrom which this temporary judgment is intended to save the participant. The distinction appears in 1 Corinthians 11:32(see note). The A.V. of the whole passage, 1 Corinthians 11:28-34, is marked by a confusion of the renderings of κρίνειν to judge and its compounds. [source]
Parse: Verb, Present Imperative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: δοκιμάζω
Sense: to test, examine, prove, scrutinise (to see whether a thing is genuine or not), as metals.
Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 11:28
Test himself as he would a piece of metal to see if genuine. Such examination of one‘s motives would have made impossible the disgraceful scenes in 1 Corinthians 11:20. [source]
After self-examination and consequent knowledge of his spiritual state. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 11:28
See on Mark 16:16; see on John 9:39. This false and horrible rendering has destroyed the peace of more sincere and earnest souls than any other misread passage in the New Testament. It has kept hundreds from the Lord's table. Κρῖμα is a temporary judgment, and so is distinguished from κατάκριμα condemnationfrom which this temporary judgment is intended to save the participant. The distinction appears in 1 Corinthians 11:32(see note). The A.V. of the whole passage, 1 Corinthians 11:28-34, is marked by a confusion of the renderings of κρίνειν to judge and its compounds. [source]
In Class. of assaying metals Comp. lxx, Proverbs 8:10; Proverbs 17:3; 1Corinthians href="/desk/?q=1co+3:13&sr=1">1 Corinthians 3:13; 1 Peter 1:7. It is the classical verb for testing money; see Plato, Tim. 65 C. Δοκιμάζειν and πυροῦσθαι toburn or try by fire occur together, Jeremiah 9:7; Psalm 11:6; Psalm 65:10. Generally, to prove or examine, as 1 Corinthians 11:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:21. To accept that which is approved, 1 Corinthians 16:3; 2 Corinthians 8:22; 1 Thessalonians 2:4. [source]