1 Corinthians 11:31

Now if we judged ourselves properly, we would not come under judgment.

Study Bible

Now if we judged ourselves properly
The phrase "judged ourselves" comes from the Greek word "diakrinō," which means to distinguish or to discern. In the context of 1 Corinthians 11, Paul is addressing the Corinthian church's conduct during the Lord's Supper. The call to "judge ourselves" is an invitation to self-examination, a practice deeply rooted in the Christian tradition. It involves a sincere and honest assessment of one's actions and motives in light of God's standards. Historically, self-examination has been a vital part of Christian spiritual disciplines, encouraging believers to reflect on their lives and align themselves with Christ's teachings. The word "properly" suggests a thorough and accurate evaluation, not a superficial or biased one. This self-judgment is not meant to lead to self-condemnation but to repentance and spiritual growth.

we would not come under judgment
The term "come under judgment" refers to the divine judgment that God administers. The Greek word "krinō" is used here, which means to judge or to decide. In the broader scriptural context, God's judgment is both corrective and protective, aimed at bringing His people back to righteousness. The historical context of the Corinthian church shows that their failure to judge themselves led to God's disciplinary actions, as some were weak and sick, and some had even died (1 Corinthians 11:30). This serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views the purity and unity of His church. The promise here is that if believers engage in self-examination and correction, they can avoid the harsher judgment that comes from God. This reflects God's desire for His people to live in holiness and harmony, emphasizing His grace and mercy in providing a way to avoid judgment through self-correction.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth with guidance on Christian living and church practices.

2. The Church in Corinth
A diverse and often troubled congregation in the ancient city of Corinth, known for its moral and spiritual challenges.

3. The Lord's Supper
The context of this passage, where Paul addresses the proper observance of this sacred Christian practice.

Teaching Points

Self-Examination is Essential
Believers are called to regularly examine their own lives and actions in light of God's Word to avoid falling into sin and error.

Avoiding God's Judgment
By judging ourselves, we can correct our paths and avoid the need for God's corrective judgment, which is often more severe.

Spiritual Maturity
Self-judgment is a sign of spiritual maturity, showing a willingness to grow and align more closely with Christ's teachings.

Community Impact
When individuals judge themselves, the entire church community benefits, as it leads to healthier relationships and a stronger witness to the world.

Dependence on the Holy Spirit
True self-examination requires the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who reveals areas needing change and empowers believers to transform.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the practice of self-examination help us grow in our relationship with God and others?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our self-judgment is aligned with biblical principles rather than personal biases?

3. How can the practice of self-examination prevent us from falling into the same sins as the Corinthian church?

4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping us judge ourselves properly, and how can we be more receptive to His guidance?

5. How can we encourage a culture of self-examination within our church community without falling into legalism or judgmentalism?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 7:1-5
Jesus teaches about judging others and the importance of self-examination, which aligns with Paul's call for self-judgment.

James 1:23-25
James speaks about being doers of the word and not merely hearers, emphasizing self-examination and action.

Hebrews 12:5-11
Discusses God's discipline as a form of loving correction, similar to the judgment Paul refers to.

Psalm 139:23-24
A prayer for God to search and know one's heart, reflecting the self-examination Paul encourages.

Galatians 6:4-5
Paul advises believers to test their own actions, which parallels the self-judgment theme.