Searching the Scriptures Blog

The Lord’s Supper is one of the two ordinances of the church. In many, if not most cases, churches and pastors fail to take seriously the issue of examining one’s faith and practice before partaking of the Supper. The following questions are designed to help one prepare for receiving the supper according to the instructions given in 1 Corinthians 11. They are good questions to ask at any time but certainly before taking the Lord’s Supper.*

THE LORD’S SUPPER
Questions of Examination – 1 Cor. 11:27-34

1. Is there any known sin in my life? -These are sins of commission, things you have done that violate the principles of God’s Word; such as the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20; Ps. 51:3; Rom. 1:29-32; 1 Cor. 6:9-11, 18-20; Eph. 4:1, 25-32).
-Issues of concern could include: morality; sexual infidelity; pornography; idolatry (placing anyone or anything above God); gambling; being harsh or unkind; confessing but failing to forsake known sin (Prov. 28:13).

2. Have I failed to obey God in any area of my life? -These are sins of omission, things that God requires but you have not done; such as neglecting Bible study, prayer, worship, witnessing, good deeds, or tithing (James 4:17; Heb. 5:11-14; Luke 18:1; 1 Thess. 5:15-22; Matt. 28:16-20; Titus 3:8; Mal. 3:8-10).
-Issues of concern could also include: failure to support, respect and pray for my spiritual leaders; failure to daily pursue holiness; failure to discern and use my spiritual gifts; allowing an area of spiritual bondage to go unchecked.

3. Do I have anything between me and a fellow brother or sister?  -These are sins of relationship, including bad attitudes, ill thoughts,gossip, slander, unresolved anger, bitterness. (Matt. 5:23-26; 6:14-15; 1 Thess. 4:9-12; 1 Tim. 5:13; Prov. 10:18-19; Titus 3:9-11; Ps. 37:8; for problems with bitterness, see Heb. 12:11-17)
-Issues of concern could also include: having offended someone and not asked for forgiveness. Do I treat others at work (or school), or out in general public discourse, with a Christian attitude?

4. Are you right with your own family, your spouse, your children, extended family? -Peace is required (Rom. 12:18f; Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 3:7; Eph. 5:22-6:4; Col. 1:9-14)

5. Do I reflect a good and godly disposition in my thoughts, speech and attitude? -These are sins of thought, speech and attitude.  We will account for every unwholesome word and every idle word (Prov. 27:3a; Phil. 2:5; Eph. 4:29-32; Matt. 12:36).
-Issues of concern could include: unclean or lustful thoughts; inappropriate or ungodly language; viewing things that fuel wrong thoughts; emphasizing worldly things over spiritual ones; anger; wrath; doubt; a harsh or critical spirit; bitterness and lack of forgiveness; being proud or condescending; jealousy or envy; fear and unbelief; rebellion against God.

6. Are you practicing the “principle of praise?” Are you thanking God for everything that happens in your life, whether good, bad, or indifferent from the human point of view? (Eph. 5:18-20; James 1:2-5; 1 Pet. 4:12-19; 1 Thess. 5:16-18; Phil. 4:4-7)

7. Are you fully surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in every area of your life? (Luke 9:23) -Has God told you to do something that you have ignored? Has God told you to stop doing something, yet you have continued? Put off self-will and surrender fully to Christ’s Lordship over your life (Rom. 6; 12:1-2).

*Resource:  Returning to Holiness by Dr. Gregory Frizzell