1 Corinthians 11:27-34 (New International Version)
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. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. 30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31 But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. 32 Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.

33 So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together. 34 Anyone who is hungry should eat something at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.

And when I come I will give further directions.

I. Examining Ourselves for Sin and Unworthiness in Communion (vv. 27-28)
• Righteousness is

to Christians through Jesus’ death on the cross.
• Jesus’ death on the cross to

Reveal Answer

for our sins makes Christians’ worthy.
• The Lord’s Supper

Reveal Answer

the importance of communion with Christ and His church.
• Christians should

Reveal Answer

themselves for unconfessed and unrepentant sin before taking communion.

II. Examining Ourselves Includes Discerning the Church Body. (vv. 29-30)
• Christians should

their relationship with the church body before taking communion.
• Failure to prioritize

Reveal Answer

is equivalent to sharing in the guilt of Jesus’ death.
• The Lord’s Supper displays

Reveal Answer

of the body and the love of Jesus.
• Not all sickness is the result of sin, but sinful actions

Reveal Answer

lead to sickness and death.

III. The Importance of Ongoing Examination (vv. 31-34)
• Judgment on earth is

, but the final judgment is eternal.
• Jesus

Reveal Answer

his children to help them grow and mature.
• Jesus does not

Reveal Answer

Christians but the Holy Spirit convicts.
• Fellowship is

Reveal Answer

that requires ongoing examination to attain and maintain.

TAKE OFF
1. During which season of life did you have the strongest friendships and/or experience close community? What circumstances were present that caused close community to be built?
2. How has this series caused you to think about communion and community differently?

TEXT
1. What thoughts or feelings did you have during this week’s sermon?
2. What things are we called to examine/discern in order to avoid sinning against the body and blood of the Lord? What are the consequences of taking communion without examining ourselves?
3. Based on the context, the “body of Christ” we are to discern is a reference to the local church. With that in mind, what kinds of questions should be asking ourselves before observing the Lord’s supper?
4. What practical advice does the apostle Paul give the Corinthains to fix their presenting sins mentioned in vs. 18-22? What are some ground rules the church today should implement to address issues such as divisions, loneliness, and selfishness?

TAKE AWAY
In what area do you need to grow in Christian fellowship: attendance, keeping opinions to yourself, offering hospitality, being kind, serving, vulnerability, other?