I CORINTHIANS 11
WHO’S IN CHARGE HERE?
I Corinthians 11:2-16
S: Women
C: Women’s participation in worship
Th: Live the Difference
Pr: WOMEN HAVE A PROPER PLACE IN WORSHIP.
?: What? What is being said?
KW: Subjects
TS: We will find in our study of I Corinthians 11:2-16 three subjects that give us insight on the role of women are to have in worship.
The _____ subject is…
I. CONNECTIONS (2-3)
II. CULTURE (4-7)
III. CREATION (8-16)
PA: How is the change to be observed?
1. Women are to be involved in the service of worship.
2. Women are to be modest, and not distracting.
3. We are to honor the roles given men and women.
4. We are to celebrate the essential equality of men and women.
5. We are to glorify God.
Version: ESV
RMBC 25 July 04 AM
INTRODUCTION:
Have you ever noticed that men or women are different?
ILL Notebook: Gender (flies)
A woman walked into the kitchen to find her husband stalking around with a fly swatter.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"Hunting Flies" he responded.
"Oh!, Killing any?" she asked.
"Yep, 3 males and 2 females", he replied.
Intrigued, she asked. "How can you tell?"
He responded, "3 were on TV remote and 2 were on the phone."
Which goes to show you, there are some genuine differences between the sexes.
But with the advent of the feminist movement, there have been those that have wanted to minimize these differences, if not eliminate them altogether.
For instance…
ILL Notebook: Gender (bus seat)
A radical feminist was getting on a bus when, just in front of her, a man got up from his seat.
She though to herself, "Here’s another man trying to keep up the customs of a patriarchal society by offering a poor, defenseless woman his seat," so she pushed him back onto the seat.
A few minutes later, the man tried to get up again. She is still insulted so she refused to let him up again.
Finally, the man said, "Look, lady, you’ve got to let me get up. I’m twelve blocks past my stop already."
Well, in a moment, we are going to give further consideration to the differences God has made.
TRANSITION:
But first, let us be reminded of the context of our study…
1. We are to give glory to God.
Two weeks ago, when we were studying I Corinthians 10, our conclusion was that we are to give glory to God.
The text said…
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
It is important for us to understand this about life.
We are not here for ourselves.
It is our responsibility and joy to serve the Lord.
So, giving glory to God is our ultimate goal and must serve as a background to all that we do.
It also serves as the backdrop of our study today.
And along with that…
2. We are to be imitated.
After declaring that we are to give glory to God, Paul declares…
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
That’s a pretty bold statement.
You have to be real confident that you are living a life worth following.
You have to be real confident that you are following Christ.
Now if you were here two Sundays ago, you know that this thought was how we ended our last study.
Alongside of that, it is a great way to start our study.
Because this idea of having an example that is worth following, serves as a perfect transition verse.
For chapters 11 – 14 establish a new context of worship.
Paul is saying, then, that his example of worship is also worth following.
You see…
3. When it comes to our corporate worship, we are to do it right.
Doing worship correctly is a matter of holy living.
Now the church in Corinth was experiencing some incredible worship.
It was exciting and emotional.
The full breadth of the spiritual gifts were being used.
The Holy Spirit was active in their midst.
But it wasn’t necessarily holy worship.
As Paul begins to note in this section, there was disorder.
There were a lot of bad motives and selfishness taking place in the worship services.
So, it is Paul’s goal to get that back on track.
Now before we venture into the passage itself, let me say this to you.
This is a difficult passage.
And not every phrase and word that Paul uses is as clear as other texts that he has written.
So my attempt in this study is to give you as broad a perspective on the topic as time will allow, to be definitive where I feel I can be, and to not push the text to say more than it is.
As you may have figured out already, the topic has to with women in ministry, and more specifically, in worship.
Now when it comes to the topic of women in ministry, I do not have all the answers on this subject.
But I can say with confidence today that…
4. WOMEN HAVE A PROPER PLACE IN WORSHIP.
Let us remember that Paul is in a corrective mode at this point.
This means that there is a proper place for women, but there are also matters that are improper.
Now when we come to the topic of women in church, there are two main views that at first glance seem to be diametrically opposed to each other.
I find that our consideration of them is similar to the theological concepts of predestination and free will.
If you were to ask me if your salvation was dependent on God’s choice or my free will, my answer would be “yes.”
At first observation, these concepts seem mutually exclusive, yet Scripture affirms them both.
And I think the same happens here in what is considered the hierarchical and egalitarian views.
So, as we move on, forgive my simplistic generalizations.
The…
5. Hierarchical View – emphasizes the role of women.
It is the view that because of the priority of the creation order there is a chain of command that has been set between men and women.
So it is this view that in marriage, the husband has been given both authority and responsibility for his wife.
In the church, it is men that have been given both authority and responsibility for the women.
This view emphasizes that God has given specific roles for men and women to fulfill in both marriage and the church.
The…
6. Egalitarian View – emphasizes the equality of women.
This view emphasizes the fact that men and women are essentially equal, both in the marriage and in the church.
In marriage, the husband and the wife are equal partners.
In the church, men and women are equally responsible for fulfilling the purpose of the church and have equal access to all positions.
In Galatians 3:28, Paul had previously written to today’s text…
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
The egalitarian view calls for the application of the oneness we have received in Christ.
If we are truly equal, then it will play out in every area of life.
Now, please remember that I am giving you generalizations, and that I am not giving you the full picture.
But, if you were to ask me whether I am hierarchical or egalitarian in my view of Scripture, my answer is “yes.”
I know that frustrates the daylights out of some you, but it is my understanding that both themes exist in Scripture.
And as imperfect as our understanding is, our views should include both.
That being said…
7. We will find in our study of I Corinthians 11:2-16 three subjects that give us insight on the role of women are to have in worship.
OUR STUDY:
I. The first subject is CONNECTIONS (2-3).
(2) Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. (3) But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.
Paul encourages the Corinthians in what they are getting right.
And it is an encouragement to us as well to…
1. Remember the foundation.
For the Corinthians, their essential problem was not theology.
It was lifestyle.
And in this text, it was the application of theology.
More specifically, there was an issue of authority that permeates this entire letter.
To be candid, though it is a biblical concept, we don’t always get authority right…
ILL Authority
Recruits at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio had a duty called "dorm guard." A rookie was required to stand a one-hour shift at the door of his dorm, allowing only authorized personnel to enter, and alerting the unit to the presence of an officer by calling everyone to attention.
A colonel had been in the dorm for several minutes when the guard called, ’Atten-hut!" Everyone snapped to rigid attention awaiting the oncoming officer. In walked a lieutenant. The drill instructor, realizing that the unwitting guard had called a colonel to attention for a subordinate officer, ran over to the guard and yelled, "You have a colonel standing at attention for a lieutenant! What are you going to do about this?"
In his most commanding voice, the recruit shouted out, "Colonel, at ease!"
These lines of authority and the application of them do not always work out with the ease we would prefer.
And this is certainly true in our text today.
In verse 2, we have the repetition of the word “head.”
And so we ask…
2. What does “head” mean? Authority or source?
Most of the time when it is not being used literally, the word head is used in an authoritative sense.
The head is understood as the ruling and sovereign part of the body.
It is in charge.
It runs the body and sets its direction.
But this is not its only meaning.
It also can mean “source.”
That is, it is used in such a way to communicate that it is a place of origin.
It is place from where life comes from.
Now to make this even more confusing, Paul uses the word both ways in other writings.
And even in this text, he sends us mixed signals, and seems to give both emphases.
So for those of you who desperately hate ambiguity, this will be tough.
What is interesting to note here is that if Paul was laying out a chain of command, it is not done the way we probably would have done it.
We would have begun with humanity and moved our way up to Deity.
Nevertheless, let us…
3. Note the relationships:
3.1 Christ and man
First, we must note that Christ is the head of the church.
In Colossians 1:18, it says…
And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
We know that we are to be submissive to the will of Christ.
He is to be followed and obeyed.
So head as authority works here.
But it also works as source.
We receive our spiritual life from Jesus, according to His redemptive work on the cross.
The next relationship is…
3.2 Wife and husband
Actually, it is at this point there is a difficulty in translation, a bit of guesswork, depending on the context.
For the words that are translated woman and man are also translated as wife and husband.
They are the same Greek words.
And it is difficult to tell exactly what Paul was trying to communicate here.
In this context, I have concluded the Paul is speaking more generically than specifically, so I don’t agree with the ESV translators, and I do agree with the NIV and NAS (first time I have found myself disagreeing with the ESV).
Regardless, both authority and source work here as well.
There are roles and responsibilities that men have, both in the home and in the church.
There is a sense or order and complement that is taking place.
On the other hand, source also works well here as in the creation story, woman has come out of man.
The final relationship is…
3.3 Christ and God
It is here that the source concept runs into trouble.
The idea that Christ finds His source in God would be a new line of thought for Paul, and is not repeated elsewhere.
Not only that, it leads one to say Christ was created by God, thus recommitting the Arian heresy (for you church history scholars).
The idea of authority does work, because it was a theme that Jesus communicated often.
He saw Himself, the Son, submitting to the will of the Father.
Jesus said in John 4:34…
"My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.
It is my conclusion that the concept of authority and role fits this portion of the text better than the concept of source.
This is primarily because using the head as source in the final relationship is not a plain reading of the text.
Now we come to…
II. The second subject is CULTURE (4-7).
(4) Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, (5) but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head — it is the same as if her head were shaven. (6) For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head. (7) For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man.
The first concept I want us to consider in this section is that…
1. Women are to participate in worship.
As I was studying this, I read a variety of scholars, and there were some that attempted to minimize the implication of Paul’s statement.
He does make the point that in the church of Corinth women were participating in worship by praying and prophesying.
When we come to chapter 14, we will discuss this topic in more depth, and I may give it a twist that you might not be expecting.
Because in the NT context, I do not believe that prophesy is either a foretelling or a preaching responsibility, but a forth-telling.
It is the speaking of God’s words to the church body.
It is a gift that we are all allowed to desire.
But in the midst of this praying and prophesying was another issue…
ILL Culture
During an educational theory lecture at Boise State University in Idaho, a professor stressed the importance of being sensitive to cultural differences. An attractive young woman, who had monopolized the first two lectures by arguing every point, now insisted that there was no difference between cultures apart from dress, language and food.
A student from the Middle East stood up. "You have stated that your culture has not significantly affected how you think," he said. ’Am I correct?"
"That’s right," she answered firmly.
’And that there are no important differences between my culture and yours?"
"Correct."
His handsome face lit up with a dazzling smile. "I am happy, then, because I find you very attractive. I have only two wives and would like you to be the third."
Well, the issue was culture.
2. We are to be culturally sensitive.
When I was growing up, the question was, “Should women wear hats in church?”
Well, since I don’t see too many hats out there this day, I am prone to think that we have made it past that personal application.
But for the women of the day, it was a huge issue.
For women to go without a head covering was flaunting the social conventions of the day.
Now, in Christ, the women may have been free to go without them, but it was also a matter of personal responsibility.
For women that went without a head covering was like wearing a sign that they were available for whatever men wanted.
But if a single person wore their head covering, it was a signal that they were pure.
If a married woman wore her head covering, it communicated that she was committed to her husband and home, and thus, unavailable.
Now, the reason that this was a big deal was because when the temple worshippers of Aphrodite went out to ply their trade at night, they would throw of their head coverings.
So Paul’s point here is that if you do not want to live modestly and keep the head covering, why not shave your head and just remove all doubt.
You can see, then, that there were cultural, sexual and spiritual implications for a woman to wear a head covering during those days.
Women had to be careful, because their practice would speak louder than their words.
Paul switches back to the man to make the point that he was created in the image of God.
We exist to bring Him glory.
It is our duty and privilege to bring Him praise and honor.
The same is true for the woman, but it is not the whole story.
She is also man’s glory.
Man finds his delight in her.
This then, brings us to…
III. The third subject is CREATION (8-16).
(8) For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. (9) Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. (10) That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. (11) Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; (12) for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God. (13) Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered? (14) Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, (15) but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. (16) If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.
1. Woman has been given a special purpose.
She has been given a special design.
This is so true, that…
ILL Notebook: Gender (better than that)
It has been said that when God created man he said, “I can do better than that,” so He created a woman.
Well, even if that is true…
We are not to blur the distinctions of the sexes.
We are created as sexual beings with sexual differences.
In the Genesis account, woman is described as the helper.
Now this does not imply subordination as some would like to say.
But, it does speak to the role she plays.
For, frankly, man is incomplete without woman.
This was God’s own conclusion when He said, “It is not good for man to be alone.”
So what woman does, then, is bring completion to man.
Paul introduces the concept of angels at this point, and his meaning is not clear.
We do know, though, that angels have oversight of the created order.
It is their duty, so to speak, to practice things with propriety and order, including worship.
So, perhaps that is also what is expected here as well.
Moving back to the relationship of men and women…
2. We must acknowledge our interdependence.
Now men, let’s understand this very clearly.
We are very dependent on women.
If they don’t birth us, we don’t exist.
This is just a practical observation.
But it is more.
Our relationship is to be one of mutuality.
We serve each other.
We serve the Lord with each other, as partners.
There is a mutual dependence.
Here is how the relationship between men and women exist.
We are equal as persons.
We are distinct as sexes.
And we possess different functions.
I believe the doctrine of the Trinity speaks to this.
There is a mutuality that exists in the relationship between God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
The three persons are not independent of one another.
Instead, there is an ontological equality, that is, an equality of essence.
But, there is also a functional subordination, that is, a submission within different roles.
They are equal, and yet there is the act of submission that takes place between them.
At this point, Paul appeals to nature, and more specifically hair to make the point.
Paul understands that women are naturally concerned with beauty.
It is important to look good.
Men, though, are concerned with utility.
If we keep it combed, that works.
And for a few of us that are especially privileged, we don’t even need a comb!
Finally, Paul brings this portion to a conclusion.
When we are in worship, whether men or women, do what is customary so that the message won’t be confused.
Don’t get caught sending out the wrong message.
APPLICATION:
Let me offer these few applications.
First…
1. We must keep involving women in worship.
You may not realize this, but from time to time, we receive criticism about the roles of women in our church.
And we hear it from both sides.
Some believe we are too strict.
Some believe we are too lenient.
More specifically, we have received criticism because we have ushers that are women.
We have received criticism for having women in leadership roles, like trustees.
I have also been criticized for allowing women to both speak and pray at the pulpit.
In my opinion, we do not yet do enough, so we will explore that in out conversation tonight during the evening service.
We should note, that in this specific passage, Paul’s interest is not leadership, but in the use of spiritual gifts.
Frankly, if you got them, you are to use them.
We are to exercise them.
We will be hearing more about this in the Fall when we introduce to you the Network ministry.
The second application is that…
2. We must avoid confusion in worship.
Even though the focus was women, both men and women are responsible to dress in a way that communicates clearly.
We have to be aware of this.
When it comes to worship, we want people focused on Jesus.
This is why we don’t come dressed to worship in our bathing suits.
The third application is…
3. We are to follow God’s design for the sexes.
We all have some presuppositions about roles for men and women, both in the church and in the home.
We should practice moderation with our opinions, and be humble people.
I do believe that Scripture appeals to a priority of creation, but this doesn’t imply male superiority or female inferiority.
We are, though, called to function differently.
Along with this, we are to celebrate the differences.
Why?
Because it is God who has designed them.
So, who is in charge here?
Let’s not ever forget.
It’s God.
BENEDICTION: [Counselors are ]
Submit to one another…this is the will of God for all of us, whether at home or in the church; our relationships are to be characterized by both love and humility, to the glory of God.
Submit to the Lord…for if anyone is in charge, it is Him; submit to His will in your life; for you will never suffer ultimate disappointment when He is directing your life.
Now…
Now may your love abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best; and may you be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Amen.
RESOURCES:
Blomberg, Craig, The NIV Application Commentary
Fee, Gordon, The New International Commentary on the New Testament
MacArthur, John, I Corinthians
Culture Reality & Spiritual Carnality, Tom Fuller
Women Praying and Prophesying, Doug Goins
What Is Headship? Ray C. Stedman
Uncovering the Truth about Headship, Steve Zeisler
Women’s Rights or a Woman’s Role, Ken Trivett
Women in the Kingdom, Mike Wilkins
Worship – It’s All About Him, Russell Brownworth
The Ordinance of Headship and Submission, Bruce Morrison
