Do Not Become a Gathering That Falls Under Judgment

[전승훈2]

Summary:

Paul explains that some members of the Corinthian church are weak, sick, and even have died (“sleep”) because they participated in the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner — without self-examination or reverence for Christ’s body and blood.
He emphasizes that self-judgment prevents divine judgment: if believers rightly discern themselves, they would not face God’s discipline. However, when the Lord disciplines His people, it is to correct them, so they will not be condemned with the world.

Paul concludes by giving practical guidance: when they gather to eat, they should wait for one another and show proper order and respect. Anyone who is hungry should eat at home, so that the Lord’s Supper is not turned into a common meal and bring judgment upon themselves. He adds that he will address other issues when he comes in person.

Teaching:

The phrase “examining ourselves” means to look into our own sins and faults. It is about reflecting on ourselves, repenting, and making sure we are in the right state to receive Communion. It refers to the process of judging ourselves by the Word of God. This self-examination should not happen only during Communion but also be practiced regularly in daily life.

If we take Communion, serve in church, or live our Christian lives without examining ourselves and without discerning the body of Christ, we will be rebuked by the Lord. Yet, through His rebuke, we are awakened and restored.

There are church gatherings that are beneficial and others that are harmful. A harmful gathering is one that brings judgment from the world and those around us. Such gatherings lead to God’s discipline, so that we may not be condemned together with the world.

Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, Nov 4, 2025

1 Corinthian 11:30-34