Introduction:

1. Communion is central to worship and is not to be trifled with (Matthew 26:26-29; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34).

2. For this, we must clearly grasp Paul’s meaning in this text.

Discussion:

I. The Foundation of Paul’s Warning

A. The Corinthians distorted the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:17-22).

B. So, Paul reinforced the gravity of the event (1 Corinthians 11:23-30).

II. Important Definitions

A. The KJV rendering of verses 27-29 gave rise to our question.

1. Many sincere Christians took the word “unworthily” as an adjective referring to the state of the individual.

2. The term is an adverb addressing the manner of partaking.

3. This is evident from Paul’s complaints in verses 17-22.

B. Attitude towards the sin is also a big factor in this question.

1. Everyone has a sin problem (Romans 3:23; 7:7-25; 1 John 1:7-10), but not everyone truly “struggles” against it.

2. Struggling: “make strenuous or violent efforts in the face of difficulties or opposition” (Webster).

III. Fighting The Good Fight

A. Like Timothy, we must fight the good fight (1 Timothy 6:12).

B. It is when we sin willfully, we are without hope (Hebrews 10:26).

C. If one is making “strenuous or violent efforts” to conquer their sins, then he/she is free to take communion in the right way.

1. It must be our aim to take communion as the Lord prescribed.

2. None of us is worthy of His body or blood, so we must continue to fight the good fight of faith as we worship Him the right way.

3. Praise God that He allows any of us into His presence!