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.

 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

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. 1 Corinthians 11:31-32

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians, moving on to an assisted review of 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary volume for this book.  From the commentary for this text:

Main idea: "Examine yourself when taking the Lord’s Supper, repenting of all sin and selfishness and uniting with believers around the work of Christ."

Key excerpts from the introduction:

• The Lord’s Supper (Communion) is so important to the Christian faith that the Bible addresses it five times. It appears in Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20; 1 Corinthians 10:16-22; and 1 Corinthians 11:17-34.
• Along with baptism, it constitutes the two ordinances of the church.
• Evangelicals and Baptists limit the number of ordinances to two because only baptism and the Lord’s Supper meet five important criteria: (a) They were prescribed by the Lord. (b) They were proclaimed among the saints. (c) They were practiced by the churches. (d) They were participated in only by the saved. (e) They picture the atoning sacrifice and bodily resurrection of Jesus.
• The Lord’s Supper is a holy and sacred practice in which believers come together as a body to remember, meditate on, and celebrate the atoning death of the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. It is not something to be trifled with or handled flippantly. To do so invites the severe reprimand of the apostle and the judgment of our God.
  

Divisions per the commentary:

1. We Must Deal with Problems When We Come (11:17-22): Divisions reflected “haves” and the “have nots.”  "The Corinthians were operating in self-deception when they came together to observe this sacred communal meal.  The Corinthians were guilty of letting their rich take precedence over their poor and of gluttony. Perhaps being influenced by the pagan festivals they once indulged in, the wealthy gorged themselves. All the while the poor (many of whom were probably slaves) went hungry, receiving little or nothing to eat and drink because it was soon gone. A sacred meal that should have been building up the church had become a means of tearing it down. Selfish and narcissistic behavior insults God and embarrasses brothers and sisters in Christ. There is no place for it in the faith family."
   
2. We Must Honor the Meal’s Purposes When We Come (11:23-26): "Paul provides clear and careful instructions on the purpose and significance of Communion. It shares nothing in common with a pagan feast or wild party. It is a solemn act of worship that has historical roots in the Last Supper our Lord had with his disciples on the night he was betrayed. It is a commemoration of the Lord’s death.  [T]here is power in the blood of the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of sin. We remember this truth every time we celebrate the Lord’s Supper.  It is a proclamation that anticipates the Lord’s return.  The Lord’s Supper should certainly be a time of careful meditation and reflection. But it should also be a time of joyful anticipation and celebration! Yes, Jesus died. But he rose from the dead, and he is coming again! Sorrow and joy are partners in this meal."    
   
3. We Must Make Preparation When We Come (11:27-34): "Paul has told us to look backward and forward. Now he teaches us to look inward and outward.  Examine yourself. Look at your life and take inventory of your heart. If you are not right with God and others, then it would be better for you not to draw near the table of Communion.  God’s judgment was quite severe for those who desecrated his table. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who is full of grace and compassion - taking on physical life, suffering and dying for me - despite a sinless and perfect life - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the sacrifice You made for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, apply, and be obedient to, Your message for me today and every day.