SERMON OUTLINE:
• Key thought:
• “Honour your head” (vs 3)
• Principle #1:
• Honour your head for the sake of biblical teaching (vs 3-6)
• Principle #2:
• Honour your head for the sake of creation (vs 7-11)
• Principle #3:
• Honour your head for the sake of nature (vs 7-12)
• Principle #4:
• Honour your head for the sake of apostolic authority (vs 16)
SERMON BODY:
Ill;
Difference Between Men and Women:
• A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.
• A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.
• A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.
• A successful woman is one who can find such a man.
• To be happy with a man you must understand him a lot & love him a little.
• To be happy with a woman you must love her a lot & not try to understand her at all.
• Any married man should forget his mistakes;
• There's no use in two people remembering the same thing.
• Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.
• Women somehow deteriorate during the night.
• A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.
• A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change & she does.
• A woman has the last word in any argument.
• Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.
• There are 2 times when a man doesn't understand a woman ;
• Before marriage & after marriage.
• TRANSITION: Men and women are different;
• And as the saying goes, “Viva La Difference!”
Ill:
• A movie producer once asked the actor Spencer Tracey;
• Why he insisted on always having top billing over Katherine Hepburn.
• The producer said; “After all she’s the woman and you’re the man. Ladies first.”
• Spencer Tracey replied; “This is a movie, not a lifeboat!”
• TRANSITION: The respective roles of men and women have long been debated;
• Whether in movies, or in lifeboats or in Church.
• In this chapter we are going to look at what the apostle Paul says;
• On matters of gender roles in the Church of God.
Note:
• That First Corinthians chapters 11 to 14, begins a new section in his letter.
• In these four chapters the apostle Paul’s concern;
• Is how God’s people conduct themselves in a church worship setting.
• The word “church” (‘ekklesia’) appears 13 times in these chapters.
• And in these four chapters the apostle Paul will discuss three primary issues:
• They are:
• Gender distinction – the different roles of men & women (chapter 11 verses 2-16),
• The Lord’s Supper – Communion (chapter 11 verses 17-34),
• And spiritual gifts (chapter 12 verse 1 to chapter 14 verse 40)
• One of the biggest problems in the Church at Corinth;
• Was disorder in public meetings.
We have commented in previous weeks that:
• There was only one place in the Roman empire that welcomed all people;
• Regardless of nationality, social status, sex or economic position;
• That one place was the Church!
• In the Church women, slaves and children;
• Were treated with respect and equality and were as valued as the men.
• But there were some people who misused that new found freedom to excess;
• Quote: Someone has said;
• “A new movement always suffers more from its disciples than its enemies”.
• It was true of Corinth;
• They would misrepresented the Lord’s Supper,
• They would mishandle their spiritual gifts,
• And in the public meetings the women misused their freedom
• So the apostle now addresses these three issues in this new section.
• Chapter 11 verses 2-16 to chapter 14 verse 40.
Note The Key Thought is Headship.
• The theme of this first section (1 Corinthians chapter 11 verses 2-16);
• The key thought in the passage is “Honour your head.” (vs 3):
“But I want you to realise that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.”
• The key thought in the passage is “headship,”
• Don’t get side-tracked by other issues.
• The key thought, the number one issue is “headship.”
Now when the apostle Paul uses the word ‘head’ in this chapter:
• He is using the ordinary word for the hairy (or in some cases not so hairy);
• Round lump that sits on top of the neck.
• The head of course is understood to be the control centre of the body.
• We all know that to damage the head then that body will not perform correctly;
• If the head is severed then the body will die.
• The physical head to your body is essential;
• It runs the body; it is in charge of the body;
• It is the organiser, the leader, the direction setter of the body.
Now everyone has a “head”:
• Some of them are more pleasant to look at than others!
• A few jokes: (insert name of a popular person who can take a joke).
• (a). I am told that he was so ugly when he was born;
• That the midwife slapped the parents instead of the baby.
• (b). I am told that he was so ugly when he was born;
• That they put him in an incubator with tinted glass.
• (c). I am told that when he was a baby he was so ugly that when he was a baby;
• His mother chose to pull the pram rather than push it!
• TRANSITION: Now let’s move on from physical heads to metaphorical heads:
• And in verse 3 of this chapter we are told that everyone has a “head.”
“But I want you to realise that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.”
(Principle #1). Honour your head for the sake of biblical teaching (vs 3-6).
“But I want you to realise that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonours his head. 5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonours her head – it is the same as having her head shaved.”
• The word ‘head’ in this context primarily means ‘leadership, guidance, supervision.’
• The apostle Paul seems to say that just as Christ as the Son;
• Acknowledges the leadership, guidance and supervision of the Father.
• Christian men should all acknowledge;
• The leadership, guidance and supervision of Christ over them,
• Christian women should acknowledge;
• The leadership, guidance and supervision of their husbands.
Note:
• The headship/distinction in a relationship does not imply superiority or inferiority;
• It certainly does not carry that meaning in the relationship between;
• God the Father and God the Son,
• We know that they are fully equal.
• Quote: “The members of the Trinity are co-equal and co-eternal,
• One in essence, nature, power, action, and will.”
• Quote: The Athanasian Creed,
• This creed has been used by Christian churches since the sixth century
• “The Father is uncreated, the Son is uncreated, and the Holy Spirit is uncreated,
• And all three are eternal without beginning.”
• TRANSITION:
• So headship/distinction in a relationship does not imply superiority or inferiority;
• It certainly it does not carry that meaning in the relationship between;
• God the Father and God the Son,
• And therefore it should not mean that between men and women in the family or church.
Ill:
• While Jesus was on earth, he modelled sacrificial servant leadership;
• We looked recently in our studies at Mark chapter 10 verses 42-45 where Jesus said:
“So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 43 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
• Jesus clearly taught that headship is not dictatorship – rather it is servant-hood;
• It is not looking out for your own good but the good of others!
• So Jesus always put His father first and did His will.
• Even though as God the Son he was fully God and equal to the Father,
• He chose of His own accord to grant the Father prominence.
• Likewise, men are called to submit to Christ and put Him first in every area.
• This means living sacrificially for the good of others.
• And not lording it over them!
• And again in a similar vein, we are told ‘the head of a woman is man’.
• Married women are called to submit to their husbands;
• And that would apply to a daughter living at home submitting to her father.
• Again I remind you that headship is not dictatorship – rather it is servant-hood;
• It is not looking out for your own good but the good of others!
• Providing leadership, guidance and supervision.
Ill:
• For the home and for the Church to function orderly;
• Then there must be some kind of order;
• And order of necessity involves headship.
• Remember that leadership and quality are two different things;
• A captain in the army has a higher rank than a private;
• But the private may well be the better man!
• TRANSITION: I may be the head of the Curley household;
• But my wife has a far godlier character that I have.
• So remember that leadership and quality are two different things;
• So the apostle is NOT teaching that men are better than women;
• But he is teaching that in the home and in the Church;
• There must be some kind of order and that order involves headship.
NOW LET’S MOVE ON TO VERSES 4-6:
• Now having explained what the Biblical principle of ‘headship’ is;
• The apostle Paul now applies the out-working of headship;
• In the context of praying and prophesying in public worship.
“Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonours his head. 5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonours her head – it is the same as having her head shaved. 6 For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.”
Now in understanding and applying these verses today;
• We must remember the context of these verses;
• They are primarily written to first-century Corinthians.
• Just as chapters 8 to 10 were primarily written to first-century Corinthians.
• When the apostle gave advice on eating food offered to idols.
• Likewise with those chapters there will be an immediate application for the Corinthians;
• And also another application for us today!
• So to be consistent with how we interpreted and applied chapters 8 to 10;
• We will try to interpret this passage like those previous chapters;
• We will and ask the question what did it mean of the first century Corinthians;
• And then ask the question what does it mean for us today?
Question: What did it mean of the first century Corinthians?
Answer:
• The apostle Paul's concern is public ministry in the local Church;
• He is talking here about Christians meeting together,
• And women taking a public part in the service.
• He says to these Corinthian Christians in order to properly function in that capacity,
• A woman should wear a head covering and a man should not.
• That was the application of headship in the culture and custom of that day and time.
Ill:
• Now imagine you were a Christian MAN 2,000 years ago;
• And attended this Church in Corinth,
• And you entered the Church wearing a head covering,
• Unlike today you are not wearing it as a fashion statement (Cap to look cool in);
• Or a woolly hat for warmth.
• You are wearing a prayer shawl (both Jews & Pagans used them in worship).
• The service starts and the other Christians would look at you with confusing looks;
• Because in Corinth your head gear suggests to them that you are not a Christian;
• But a worshipper of idols.
• Because in the pagan temple the men their wore a head covering to pray;
• That was all part of their idolatrous worship.
• So men who did not cover their heads in a Church at Corinth;
• Showed to other people they were different to their society.
• They showed that they did not worship idols but Christ.
• i.e. I suppose it is a bit like when someone enters the building in a football shirt;
• They are letting everyone who looks at them know which team they support;
• They do not need to use words because their attire speaks for them.
• TRANSITION: Likewise at Corinth;
• A man worshipping in head covering suggested to others that they worshipped idols,
• A man worshipping without headgear set them apart as different.
Note: Remember who is teaching this!
• It is very remarkable that Paul would say that a man, ministering in public,
• Should not have anything on his head,
• Because he had done this all his life!
• As a Jewish Rabbi he practiced and taught men to wear a talif, a covering;
• Whenever they ministered.
• No orthodox male Jew would ever think of reading the Scripture;
• Or praying in public without it.
• But Paul the Apostle, raised in Judaism, is not in Jerusalem but in Corinth;
• Therefore his cultural situation is different.
• Therefore the guidelines he gives for that situation is different.
• Note: that nowhere in the New Testament;
• Did the apostle Paul every correct the situation of Jewish converts;
• Regarding Jewish men wear a head covering and Jewish women not wearing one.
• He never did say, "Now you guys take your yarmulkes off. Get rid of your hats.
• Give them to your wife. She's the one who's supposed to have it on."
• He never ever wrote that to the Church in Jerusalem or other places;
• And ask them to reverse their practice or tradition.
• That is another reason why I believe this a custom he is dealing with here;
• And not a universal principle.
• This was an issue in Corinth.
Quote: G. Campbell Morgan:
• “The Christian does not base his beliefs on ‘it is written’!
• The Christian basis his beliefs on ‘it is written’ and again ‘it is written’!’”
• The point is we do not build major doctrine on single verses or passages;
• That is what the sects and cults do.
• If it is important it will be repeated elsewhere;
• And if it is not repeated, then we must ask ourselves why not?
Ill:
• Now imagine you were a Christian WOMAN 2,000 years ago;
• And attended this Church in Corinth,
• And you entered the Church not wearing a head covering.
• In Corinth, women covered their heads with a scarf or shawl.
• You would not wear a hat;
• Nowhere in this chapter will you find the word hat!
• The covering was a shawl that covered her entire head;
• Because the woman was hiding, was covering up, was concealing her hair.
As a woman entered the Church in Corinth without a head covering:
• She sent out a message;
• Remember that Corinth was a very immoral eastern.
• The only women who did not wear a veil in public were the prostitutes.
• And not just any prostitutes but temple prostitutes.
• So in Corinth if you went to a place of worship and saw a woman with no head covering;
• You automatically assumed she was a woman of no morals.
• Her appearance said that she was available to any man who wanted to pay the price,
• She was perceived as advertising the fact she was nothing more than a loose woman.
• So it was indeed disgraceful, shameful, for a woman to appear in public,
• And especially to minister the Word in a Christian assembly,
• Without that sign of acknowledgment of the principle of headship in her life.
• i.e. I suppose the equivalent today’
• Would be a woman coming to Church in unsuitable revealing clothing,
• Someone might say; “Why is she dressed like a prostitute!”
• TRANSITION: What we do and do not wear sends out a message;
• In different cultures that message will be different!
• You ladies look very smart and well dressed;
• But if I transported you to a middle eastern country this morning,
• Many of you would cause offence by what you are wearing.
• In this country it is very acceptable;
• But in other cultures it is not!
(2). Honour your head for the sake of creation (vs 7-12).
“A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; 9 neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 10 It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12 For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God”
• Now in these verses the apostle Paul does not argue his understanding of headship;
• From local customs or culture.
• The teaching of headship goes all the way back to creation!
• Headship has been true since God created the world.
• God’s order of headship is based on the fact;
• Man was created by God for God;
• That woman was created from man for man.
• Note: priority does not imply inferiority;
• As you can see in verses 11-12 there is partnership as well as headship in God’s creation.
• So priority does not imply inferiority;
Ill:
• Whenever I conduct or preach at a wedding;
• I often use the famous quote of Matthew Henry.
“Women were created from the rib of man to be beside him, not from his head to top (rule) him, nor from his feet to be trampled by him, but from under his arm to be protected by him, near to his heart to be loved by him.”
• And as you read the Genesis creation narratives;
• They clearly show that both man and woman;
• Equally bear the image and the glory of God (Gen 1:26-27; 5:1-2).
• Both men and women were given the command to reproduce and rule.
• Both were allowed to eat from every fruit-bearing tree.
• We clearly see that Adam and Eve were created equal;
• But also different – male & female - in God’s sight.
• Inferiority is not there in the text, so men please do not read it in the text!
Yet, within the context of male and female’s equality:
• God assigned them different roles.
• He made Adam first.
• He then created Eve from Adam and brought her to Adam to be his helper.
• She was made to complement, nourish, and help her husband;
• Quote: Genesis chapter 2 verse 18:
“The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.
I will make a helper suitable for him.”
• Question: Does “suitable helper”
• Imply that the woman was somehow made inferior to the man?
• Answer: No!
• ‘Helper’ is the first descriptive term for woman;
• And it does not come from the Hebrew word for doormat!
• The Hebrew word translated as ‘helper’ is commonly used for God himself!
• He is often described as a helper of humans.
• e.g. Exodus chapter 18 verse:4:
• So the name ‘helper’ does not presume lesser authority.
• The woman could “help” the man by working as his equal;
• Just as much as by working in submission to him.
So spiritual headship has been true since God created the world:
• It is never a question of superiority or inferiority;
• But it is a question of headship (leadership, guidance and supervision)
• And the apostle Paul reminds us that creation shows that both man and woman;
• Were created equal yet different;
• And both created for display the glory of God.
Notice:
• In verse 10 you have one of the most mysterious verses in the entire Bible:
• “It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels.”
• This verse is considered one of the most difficult verses in the entire Bible.
• Most Bible scholars I have read are unable to explain it,
• So do not expect me to give you an interpretation in a few minutes!
• I can’t do that!
I will say in passing that:
• Paul has talked about women ‘Praying and prophesying’;
• Both ‘Praying and prophesying’ are giving messages.
• Praying is giving a message to God;
• And prophecy is giving a message from God to people.
• So as I see it – there may be a contextual link around the idea of ‘message’.
• Now the basic meaning of the word ‘angel’ means ‘Messenger’.
• They are ministering spirits who communicate and help apply God’s message.
• i.e. Hebrews chapter 1 verse 14:
• We are told; “Are not all angels ministering spirits”
• In other words angels minister but they always minister under headship.
• If you read Hebrews chapter 1 you will read again and again;
• How angels are in submission to Jesus the Son of God.
• TRANSITION:
• It may well be that the apostle Paul is encouraging women to worship;
• With that same submissive humility as those angelic ministers.
• The bottom line is again: ‘Honour your head.’
Note: In verses 11-12:
• Submission is not inferiority;
• These verses emphasises a strong equality and partnership between man and woman.
• The apostle Paul is still arguing from the creation order,
• And says that from the beginning it was clear that there was mutual interdependence.
• Paul writes,
“Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12 For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.”
• And from the beginning it was clear that there was to be mutual interdependence.
• Between the male and female there is no natural inferiority.
• There is no spiritual inferiority, no intellectual inferiority, no functional inferiority.
• Simply different roles designed by God.
“..the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man,
and the head of Christ is God.”
(3). Honour your head for the sake of nature (vs 13-15).
“Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, 15 but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering.”
• The first three verses of verse 13: "Judge for yourselves"
• Are emphatic in the Greek text.
• Now that gives me a bit of respite because the apostle tells each of you to;
• "Come and make a decision – to do it yourself.”
• The emphasis now is on you the listener and not me the preacher.
• Those three words are a reminder that you don't need me to give you all the answers.
• You just need think it through.
• Make your own judgment.
• He says to his readers; “Ask yourself what is the cultural norm;
• And then figure out for yourself what is the right course of action”
Now to help you figure it out in verses 14 to 15:
• The apostle Paul gives you the illustration of long hair and nature.
• Nature here does not mean ‘the natural world’ or ‘mother nature’
• By “nature” Paul meant how his culture felt about what was natural.
• The word can also be translated as ‘instinct’ – what is instinctively right.
• We might say; “What is your gut feeling?”
Ill:
• Now in most societies in history women have generally had longer hair than men.
• And even in the Bible or Roman times when men had long shoulder length hair;
• Women’s hair tended to go all the way down to the waist.
• TRANSITION: The apostle says; use nature or what is instinctively apparent;
• And says; think this idea through for yourself!
• Look around at the heads in this congregation;
• Most of the women have a good covering of hair and most of us men do not!
• Joke: But remember you do not put marble tops on cheap furniture!
• And that should help you (the women in Corinth) come to a conclusion’
• Regarding wearing a head covering.
[Paul now moves from his argument from nature to his fourth and final argument…]
(4). Honour your head for the sake of apostolic authority (vs 16).
“If anyone wants to be contentious about this,
(You see, Paul has been around, he knows all about human response. He says if you want to be argumentative)
we (the other apostles) have no other practice – nor do the churches of God.”
• In Paul’s final argument, he appeals to his apostolic authority:
• If any of his readers still did not feel inclined to accept Paul’s reasoning,
• He informed them that the other churches followed what he had just explained.
• What or where these other Churches are we do not know;
• Some say they were the other Churches in that area;
• Other say they were to all the other Churches everywhere.
• There is no need to argue the point, he says.
• The universal ‘practice’ or ‘custom’ in the Greek/Roman world;
• Was for the woman to declare this principle of headship by wearing a veil.
In Conclusion:
• Verse 2 and verse 16 act as brackets to frame Paul’s entire discussion.
• Just scan other them again
• Verse 2 he talked about ‘traditions’.
• Verse 16 he talked about ‘practice’ or ‘custom’
• For me that again helps me in my understanding;
• To see the wearing of a physical veil as a cultural thing.
• Ladies if you read and interpret these verses differently;
• And want to wear a hat or a head covering – then go ahead;
• And we will respect you for doing so.
Ill:
• In our type of Churches (Christian Brethren);
• These verses are interpreted differently by different likeminded assemblies.
• That is the responsibility and choice of an autonomous Church.
• To study the Scriptures and come to a decision as to what they teach.
• And different assemblies have come to different conclusions;
• Even in our area – take a 10 mile radius.
• i.e. Warsash Gospel Hall the women all wear hats;
• But interestingly are not allowed to pray in public.
• i.e. Bitterne Gospel Chapel, Southampton;
• Women wearing a head covering were allowed to pray in public.
• i.e. West End Chapel Fareham,
• Women are allowed to pray but they do not wear hats or head coverings.
• So you can see that there is no one understanding of these verses;
• Even in our own ‘open-brethren’ type of Churches!
• People will interpret these verses and practice them differently.
I believe the principle in the passage is clear:
• Headship is God’s ordained way, and should be applied in a relationship.
• The literal wearing of a head covering was culturally relevant in Corinth;
• But it is not relevant in Southampton.
• No-one this morning will think that a female here today;
• Is a loose woman because she is not wearing a hat;
• No-one this morning will think a man is an a idol worshipper;
• If you are wearing a hat;
• So ladies as verse 13 says; “Judge for yourselves”.
• If you read and interpret these verses differently;
• And want to wear a hat or a head covering – then go ahead;
• And we will respect you for doing so.
But for me the key feature in this passage is the biblical principle of ‘Headship’.
• And to put it crudely a woman can wear a hat in Church and the pants at home!
• And that misses the point!
• Wives, please consider your relationship with your husband.
• If you are acting in a way that undermines your husband,
• Then you should rethink what you are doing.
• He is not necessarily more capable or better than you,
• But he is the head, the prominent one in your relationship.
• Most of the world will see your relationship in that light.
• Thus, you demean yourself if you bring dishonour to him.
• Husbands, please support your wife in her ministry.
• Sisters are not second class Christians – they are fellow ‘priests’;
• We need to recognise and encourage their gifting and ministry.
Audio link:
https://surf.pxwave.com/wl/?id=hwg6ZdVWtadlXuQ3TlUeORVCd8VFLDr4&forceSave=Gender_Differences%2C_Worship_%26_the_Glory_of_God_-_1_Cor_11_vs_2-26_-_sermon_by_Gordon_Curley.mp3
