In An Unworthy Manner

In 1 Corinthians 11, the apostle Paul twice says of the brethren “I do not praise you” (vs. 17, 22).  Why?  In essence, it was due to their lack of adherence to the Lord’s will.  Much of the last half of the chapter is dedicated to discussion on division in the church and the abuse of the Lord’s Supper. It was essentially being treated as a common meal, “For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk.  What!  Do you not have houses to eat and drink in?  Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing?“ (vs. 21-22).

From that point on, Paul reminds them of the instructions he had given in regards to the Lord’s Supper (vs. 23-26), and teaches them not to take of the bread and cup “in an unworthy manner” lest they “be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord” (vs. 27).  He further teaches of “self examination,” for “he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body” (vs. 28-29).

Twice, in verses 27 and 29, we read of the possibility of taking the Lord’s Supper “in an unworthy manner.”  The phrase’s meaning points to a lack of reverence, respect or importance that was taking place in the Corinthian church in regard to the Lord’s Supper.  When we partake of the bread and cup, our thoughts should be zeroed in on the loving sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf to take away our sins.  In doing so, we show the proper respect and reverence due Him and are following His instructions to “do this in remembrance of Me” (vs. 24-25).