As a follow-up to the lesson I gave the Sunday evening of December 18, I’ve been meditating about what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:28. 

But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

So I asked myself a few questions. First, what does it mean to examine yourself? Here are a few areas to ponder: 

Can you examine your repentance when you participate in the eating of the Lord’s Supper? Consider if you have really repented of your former sins and purposed to lead a better life from this point forward. Ask yourself: 

Do I feel sorrow about my past sins? 

Do I hate sin?

Do I strive to stay away from sin?

Do I see clear proof of changes in my life?

Do I confess sins to God and to others?

Do I say I am sorry to God for offending Him?

Can you examine your faith when you participate in the eating of the Lord’s Supper? Consider whether you have a dead faith or a living faith -a quick glance at yourself, and you should know if you are genuinely living and energetically trusting in God. This faith directs you to Jesus as the sacrificial propitiation for your sins. Your faith grabs hold of God’s strength as the only power that can cleanse and pardon you. Ask yourself: 

Where is my trust?

What can I do to grow in my faith?

How can I express my trust in God more clearly?

When do I feel my faith is strong, and when do I feel it is weak?

Can you examine your gratitude when you participate in the eating of the Lord’s Supper? Consider if you are thankful for the precious blood of Jesus that was spilled on your behalf. Think about how important it is to be aware of the gravity of the consequences of sins and the forgiveness that is offered in Christ. Gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus and the payment He made on our behalf should spur thankfulness.  Ask yourself: 

Am I thankful for the blessings available to me in and because of Christ?

Have I expressed my gratitude today?

Am I quick to give thanks in prayer and in praise?

Do I express to God how thankful I am for the sacrifice of His Son?

Can you examine your love when you participate in the eating of the Lord’s Supper? Consider if you are in love with God and His people. The Christian faith is not a lonely faith only expressed toward God. It is designed to express love towards others, too! We are to love God with everything we are, and we are to love each other. Ask yourself: 

Am I holding on to anger, hatred, or malice toward another person?

Am I expressing love to God with all that I am? 

Am I demonstrating my love toward God?

Am I aware of how God has demonstrated His love toward me?

Am I showing my love to my brothers and sisters in Christ?

Am I looking for opportunities to grow more in love with God and others?

All of these are areas in which we can examine ourselves as we remember the sacrificial death of Jesus. I hope this helps and that you are strengthened when you participate the next time you eat the Lord’s supper.

Lets’ examine our: Repentance, Faith, Gratitude, and Love. 

I love you, 

Alex Mills