1 Corinthians 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. The duty required for preventing the sin and danger of unworthy communicating is self-examination. It is a metaphor taken from goldsmiths, who try the truth of their gold by the touchstone, the purity of their gold by the fire, and the weight of it by the scale. We have here — I. THE PERSON EXAMINING: "Let a man examine." II. THE PERSON EXAMINED — it is "himself"; he is to call himself to the bar of conscience, and to put questions to himself. Concerning — 1. His state, whether he has a right to come or not. 2. His sins and shortcomings. 3. His wants and necessities. 4. His ends and designs; whether it be to obey the charge of his dying Saviour, to show forth His death, renew and seal his covenant with God, get nearness and communion with Him, nourishment to his soul, and supply to his wants. 5. His graces and qualifications, particularly as to knowledge, faith, repentance, fear, love, thankfulness, holy desires, and new obedience. (J. Willison.) Parallel Verses KJV: But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.WEB: But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup. |
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