“If we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.” (v.31)
How often do we really take a good look at ourselves? I’m not talking about physically, for we do that constantly, but introspectively. Self-evaluation is what the apostle Paul calls for here in 1 Corinthians 11. Believers in Christ need to examine themselves, he said, to avoid being disciplined by the Lord.
The Corinthian church was especially in need of this. They were quarreling among themselves (v.18), going through the motions of celebrating the Lord’s Supper (v.20) and some were even drunk (v.21). So Paul said, in effect, “Look at yourselves. You’re a mess! If you don’t get your lives straightened out, the Lord will have to do it for you.” This warning, however, also carried a message of hope, for if we judge ourselves and repent of our sins, we will not be judged by God (v.31).
Even a righteous man like Job said it best when he saw himself in the light of his God, "I an unworthy - how can I reply to you?" (Job 40:4). But, righteous or unrighteous, we will all answer to God. For even Job heard God say, "Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me" (Job 40:7) Woe to all!
Therefore, take stock, see if there be any sin in our lives, and like Job, "repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:6). Better to judge ourselves now, for we will all answer to God later.
The Truth: "Jesus said, "First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly enough to remove the speck from your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:5)
How often do we really take a good look at ourselves? I’m not talking about physically, for we do that constantly, but introspectively. Self-evaluation is what the apostle Paul calls for here in 1 Corinthians 11. Believers in Christ need to examine themselves, he said, to avoid being disciplined by the Lord.
The Corinthian church was especially in need of this. They were quarreling among themselves (v.18), going through the motions of celebrating the Lord’s Supper (v.20) and some were even drunk (v.21). So Paul said, in effect, “Look at yourselves. You’re a mess! If you don’t get your lives straightened out, the Lord will have to do it for you.” This warning, however, also carried a message of hope, for if we judge ourselves and repent of our sins, we will not be judged by God (v.31).
Even a righteous man like Job said it best when he saw himself in the light of his God, "I an unworthy - how can I reply to you?" (Job 40:4). But, righteous or unrighteous, we will all answer to God. For even Job heard God say, "Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me" (Job 40:7) Woe to all!
Therefore, take stock, see if there be any sin in our lives, and like Job, "repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:6). Better to judge ourselves now, for we will all answer to God later.
The Truth: "Jesus said, "First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly enough to remove the speck from your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:5)
