1 Corinthians 11:27-34

The Proper Attitude Is Required

Paul stressed the need for the proper attitude in partaking of the Lord's Supper. Irreverence while partaking would have shown a light concern for the sacrifice being remembered. Each participant, then, needed to ask himself whether or not he was eating and drinking in thankful memory of Christ's sacrifice. Such was especially true because an improper attitude would lead to condemnation (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).

Paul declared many in Corinth were suffering spiritually because of a wrong attitude in receiving the supper. In fact, many were spiritually asleep or nearly dead. The apostle tried to encourage the brethren by assuring them that condemnation would not come upon those who kept a close watch on their attitude. The Lord only disciplined those in the wrong so they might not be lost eternally (1 Corinthians 11:30-32).

When the Lord's Supper was eaten, Paul told the Corinthian Christians to wait to have fellowship with each other. To avoid turning the Lord's Supper into a common meal, Paul instructed them to eat at home. With their appetites thus cared for, they would have been able to participate in a proper manner when they ate the Lord's Supper. Other, probably lesser, problems were to be straightened out when Paul came to visit (1 Corinthians 11:33-34).