Did you watch or listen to Timothy Chin, our youth who shared the devotion yesterday? Today’s devotion is a continuation of yesterday’s thought. Paul is correcting problems in the church in Corinth. Among many churches described in the New Testament, probably the most troublesome church was the Corinthians church due to the conflict among church members. We were reminded to examine ourselves and prepare our hearts before we walk our way to receive the Lord’s supper.
It is about an unworthy manner, not an unworthy man.
I Corinthians11: 27 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. 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup
In Verse 28 Paul tells the Corinth’s, that they should examine themselves before eating the bread and drinking the cup, the Lord's Supper" (v. 28) Paul didn't say, "examine others", but "examine themselves". To set aside all pride and observe themselves in the light of God’s word.
The Corinthians neglected to examine themselves, but they were experts at examining everybody else. And, Paul did not say that they had to be worthy to partake of the Supper, but only that they should partake in a worthy manner.
As believers in Christ, we must be careful not to become “religious detectives” who watch others, but who fail to acknowledge our own sins. It should remind us that communion is not just about our relationship with Christ; it is also about my relationship with the body of Christ, the church. For, we are many but we form one body.
Delight in discipline
Next, Paul gives a warning of judgment, which is to serve as a motivation for practicing self-examination. Paul says in v.32, “when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord, so that we will not be condemned along with the world.” In other words, the purpose of this judgment is not condemnation but correction.
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one, He loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as His son." Hebrews 12:5-6
(Vs 30-31)Sometimes God lets the natural consequences of our sin inflict the pain. Sometimes He allows painful circumstances into our lives to expose our sin. Sometimes the Spirit inflicts painful conviction to make us notice our sin. However, He goes about it, disciplining always hurts.
But hardship and suffering are not God's way of getting even. God's discipline is not the sentence for our sin. The punishment for our sin was laid on Jesus at the cross, once and forever.
When God disciplines us; It leads to the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Dear Father God
Just to be able to fellowship with You and your people is such a privilege. So, help us to cherish the relationship we share with our co-believers in Christ. And treat everyone with love. Forgive me for the times I have not realized that Your is chastening to develop in me the wonderful fruit of righteousness. Give me O Lord, an obedient heart to know your disciplining and correcting ways and to follow the instructions to live a life which is eligible for the everlasting companion with God. Amen
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