Homiletic Monthly 1 Corinthians 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. The Lord's Supper a sacrament. Roman oath of soldier. At communion soldiers are at headquarters to report, be inspected, and receive fresh orders. Each should ask — I. HAVE I A RIGHT TO BE HERE? Am I enlisted? II. HAVE I THE QUALITIES OF A SOLDIER? 1. Am I obedient? 2. Is my obediences (1) Unselfish? (2) Unquestioning? (3) Prompt? (4) Entire? (5) Cheerful? 3. Am I reliable? Wesley said that with three hundred reliable Christians he could shake the gates of hell and set God up in the world. Havelock's "saints" were known to be always ready. 4. Am I watchful? Our enemy is able, crafty, without honour. 5. Have I proper discipline? 6. Am I diligent in knowing and doing my duty? III. AS A SOLDIER, WHAT HAVE I DONE? 1. Have I conquered myself? 2. Do I show signs of conflict and victory — the fruits of the Spirit? 3. Have I any captives for my Captain? IV. WHAT DO I WANT AT THE TABLE? 1. To eat and drink simply to get spiritually fat? Soldiers need sinew and muscle, not adipose tissue. 2. To appear well before men? They judge our lives, not our professions. 3. To get inspiration for better service? 4. To get strength, so as to continue faithful to the end? V. WE MUST BE OUR OWN EXAMINERS. 1. The world or our brethren cannot see our hearts. 2. God does not judge us here. He gives means and tests. 3. God will not even examine us at last. Our own open hearts will be our judges. (Homiletic Monthly.) 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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