1 Corinthians 11:31 – “But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Paul is continuing his warning to the Corinthians about the dangers of taking the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner. In the previous verses, he explained that many among them were sick, weak, or had even died because they were dishonoring Christ’s body and blood by taking communion carelessly (1 Corinthians 11:29-30).

Now, in this verse, he gives a solution: self-examination. He tells the Corinthians that if they had been more discerning about their own spiritual condition, they would have avoided God’s discipline.

The word “discerning” means to evaluate or judge something carefully. In this context, it refers to honestly examining one’s own heart, actions, and motives before taking communion. If the Corinthians had done this, they would not have faced the consequences of God’s judgment.

This verse teaches that God gives people a chance to correct themselves before He steps in to discipline them. If believers take time to repent, reflect, and approach communion with reverence, they can avoid bringing unnecessary judgment upon themselves.

Historical Context

The Corinthian church had serious problems in the way they approached the Lord’s Supper. Instead of coming together in humility and unity, they were treating communion like a social event where some indulged while others were left out (1 Corinthians 11:20-22).

In Roman society, it was common for wealthier people to eat better food and drink more than the poor, even at public gatherings. Sadly, this mindset had crept into the church, creating division instead of unity.

Paul reminds them that the Lord’s Supper is not an ordinary meal—it is a sacred act of worship. Instead of eating and drinking selfishly, they should be examining their own hearts and recognizing that communion is about Jesus’ sacrifice, not personal pleasure.

If they had taken time to do this, they would not have experienced God’s discipline in the form of sickness and even death.

Theological Implications

1. Self-examination is necessary for worship – God wants His people to approach Him with sincere and humble hearts.
2. God’s discipline is avoidable – If believers reflect on their actions and correct their ways, they can avoid God’s correction.
3. God gives people a chance to repent – He does not immediately judge people; He gives them the opportunity to examine themselves first.
4. Worship should be intentional – Communion is not just a ritual; it is a time for reflection and recommitment to Christ.

This verse emphasizes that God’s judgment is not random or unfair. It is often the result of people failing to take their spiritual lives seriously. However, when believers examine themselves honestly, they can correct their ways and avoid unnecessary consequences.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording here is straightforward and practical:

• “If we were more discerning with regard to ourselves” – The responsibility is placed on the individual. Each person must take ownership of their spiritual condition.
• “We would not come under such judgment” – This implies that God’s discipline could have been avoided if they had taken their faith more seriously.
• The contrast with previous verses – In 1 Corinthians 11:30, Paul states that many have suffered because of their careless approach to communion. Here, he explains that the solution was always available: self-examination.

This verse is not meant to condemn believers, but to instruct them on how to properly approach the Lord’s Supper.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Psalm 139:23-24 – A prayer for God to search and test the heart.
• Lamentations 3:40 – “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.”
• Matthew 7:5 – Jesus teaches that we must examine ourselves before judging others.
• 2 Corinthians 13:5 – “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.”
• Hebrews 12:6-7 – God disciplines those He loves, but self-discipline can prevent unnecessary correction.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For believers today, this verse is a reminder to take personal responsibility for their faith.

Before taking communion—or engaging in any form of worship—Christians should:

• Examine their hearts – Are they walking in obedience to Christ?
• Confess and repent of sin – Are there areas where they need to seek forgiveness?
• Approach God with sincerity – Are they coming to the Lord’s Supper with true reverence?

Many people go through religious motions without truly thinking about their spiritual condition. This verse challenges believers to pause, reflect, and make things right before participating in communion.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

At first, the idea of judgment may seem harsh, but this verse actually shows God’s love and patience.

• God warns before He disciplines. He does not immediately bring judgment—He gives people time to examine themselves and repent.
• God desires restoration, not destruction. His discipline is meant to correct and bring believers back to Him, not to harm them (Hebrews 12:11).
• God cares about how people worship Him. He does not want empty rituals—He wants sincere, heartfelt worship.

This verse reveals a merciful and loving God who calls His people to come before Him with honesty and humility.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the center of this verse because He is the reason for communion.

• John 6:53-56 – Jesus calls believers to partake of Him spiritually.
• Luke 22:19-20 – Jesus establishes the Lord’s Supper as a remembrance of His sacrifice.
• Ephesians 5:2 – Jesus gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sins.
• 1 Peter 2:24 – Jesus bore our sins in His body so we could live for righteousness.

When believers examine themselves before taking communion, they are ensuring that they are truly honoring Christ’s sacrifice rather than taking it for granted.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How often do you take time to examine your heart before taking communion?
2. What does it mean to “discern yourself” before God?
3. Have you ever treated communion as just another church activity? How can you approach it with greater reverence?
4. What are some ways to regularly evaluate your relationship with God?
5. How can you encourage others to approach worship with sincerity and reflection?