1 Corinthians 11

Friday, 31 October 2014

Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. 1 Corinthians 11:4

This verse and those to follow show what is orderly and proper in terms of conduct within the church. Paul doesn’t actually explain why he says these things, thus it assumes that those in Corinth would understand his words without the need for explanation even if we today don’t. Knowing this, we can look at the situation as it was when Paul wrote. It was, and still is, the custom of Jews to pray with their heads covered by a talit; a prayer shawl. It is a sign of their unworthiness to communicate face to face with God. Greeks, on the other hand, were known to pray the their heads uncovered.

Because of these differences, those in Corinth must have added this into their list of questions. Which is correct and why? There are several good reasons for Paul’s words and they would have been understood without further details in the response.

First, the removing of a hat or turban (or whatever head covering was used) was considered a sign of respect towards a superior. Those who wear hats today will still often do this. It would have been disrespectful to do otherwise. Therefore, as a sign of respect to our Head, who is Christ, we should have our heads uncovered when “praying or prophesying.” Otherwise, we would dishonor our Head (meaning Christ). The Greek word for “head,” which is kephalé, carries both the idea of a physical head as well as one in authority just as it does today.

Secondly, if we are “in Christ” because of our faith in His work, then we have become worthy before our heavenly Father. This is not because of our own righteousness, but because of the righteousness of Christ which has been imputed to us. To keep our heads covered, as the Jews obviously continued to do, was to imply that they remained unworthy before God. It was an unnecessary show of piety which was set aside by the work of Christ. It demonstrates a failure (albeit probably unintentionally) to accept the honor granted upon us as believers in Him.

And thirdly, as he noted in the previous verse, “the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” If women are present in the gathering then another issue arises. As the head of woman is the man, then the man actually dishonors his Head (meaning Christ) when he renounces his authority over the woman by being covered in the presence of the woman, over whom he is the head.

For at least these reasons, and possibly others which were understood within the Corinthian church, Paul has given us these instructions.

Life application: There is an order and propriety in how we are to conduct ourselves within the church and while presenting ourselves before the Lord. And yet, we need to understand that we can take things to unintended extremes which can only lead to legalism. Care needs to be taken concerning how we conduct ourselves while at the same time we need to not push personal peeves concerning an issue to the forefront of our church life. In all things, adhering to the word of God will keep us from going beyond what is written.

Purify my heart, O God. Sanctify me and make me an acceptable vessel for Your use. Keep me from straying from Your word, and help me to be fixed, firm, and faithful to its precepts. When others need help in their walk with You, give me the ability to lead them to correct understanding, but without the confrontation which so easily arises in our attempts to discern what is right. In all things, help me to reflect the glory of Your Son so that others will see Him and desire His presence in their own lives. Amen.

Thursday, 30 October 2014

But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 1 Corinthians 11:3

What will be said for the next few chapters of instruction is given for order, propriety, and edification of the church. It is intended to keep things functioning properly and it is set doctrine which, if not adhered to, will lead to dysfunction, disorder, and eventually to chaos within the church. Some of the words which are coming are directed to proper male/female hierarchal conduct. The instructions are in no way intended to diminish the role of women in the church, nor to subjugate them in a merely “cultural” way. Rather, the words are intended to instruct on what is right and proper at all times during the church age.

In the preceding verse, it was noted that the Corinthians were to be praised for having kept “the traditions just as” Paul had delivered them. However, there were questions that had obviously arisen and he is now answering those questions for the proper functioning of the church. But instead of simply saying “women are to pray with their head covered” he starts with a much larger and broader aspect of the issue to which he will address. Thus, by showing the overall nature of hierarchy, his words will demonstrate why things work as they do and why certain things are proper and others are not. Therefore, we can draw accurate conclusions from the points which he provides.

And so he begins with, “But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ.” The first obvious question which should arise is, “Is this referring to male-believers or all people?” At first, it would seem that this must be referring to all men because the next thought is  “the head of woman is man.” This seems to be referring to all women. However, elsewhere in 1 Corinthians it says –

“As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.” 1 Corinthians 15:48, 49

This sets a clear delineation between believers and non-believers and indicates that those born only of the dust have Adam as their head. Therefore, Paul’s words are referring to those within the church. His next thought is, “and the head of Christ is God.” This leads to another obvious question which must be asked, “Is this saying that Jesus is not God?” The answer is, “No.” The Bible elsewhere indicates very clearly that Jesus is God.  However, Jesus also subordinates Himself to the Father such as in John 14:28 –

“You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.”

Further, just because man is the head of the woman, it doesn’t mean that the woman isn’t a human. Therefore, we can see that there is a hierarchy within the Godhead itself and that there is a hierarchy within humanity as well. Again, the idea of a hierarchy within the Godhead is also confirmed in 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 –

“Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.  For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.  The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.  For ‘He has put all things under His feet.’ But when He says ‘all things are put under Him,‘ it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted.  Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.”

Paul has shown that there is a great and eternal hierarchy within the Godhead. Though Christ Jesus is fully God, and though the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are co-equal within the Godhead, there is an order and a propriety in dealings between the three. In understanding this, we can then understand why there is also an order and a propriety in how men and women conduct their affairs within the church.

In Galatians 3:28, Paul says that, “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.” Yes, this is true. It is also true that within the Godhead all are One. And yet each has its individual role and responsibility. And the same is true within the church. We are all one spiritually, but we are individuals who are accountable to staying within the parameters set down by God in His word.

Life application: When we violate the tenets of Scripture, for whatever reason, we usurp what God has intended. When we do so willingly, it is a direct slap in His face because we ignore what He has stated. And this is true regardless of how we feel about an issue.

Lord God, Your word has been given to us with such tender care and with such specificity that I really am without excuse when I act in a manner contrary to what it says. And yet, I tend to do so quite often, not because I purposely want to, but because of the battle raging in me. My flesh wars against my spirit. Help me to be victorious in this struggle and to stand fast on Your word. And above all, help me never to sin presumptuously. Keep me from that above all else and I’ll be sure to give You thanks, praise, and honor for Your kind hand upon me. Amen..

Wednesday, 29 October 2014

Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. 1 Corinthians 11:2

This verse begins a section which will continue through 1 Corinthians 11:16. It will take thoughtful care to properly evaluate and it is an area which is greatly misunderstood and has been often misinterpreted, leading to some divergent traditions within the church. He begins with “Now I praise you, brethren.” Paul is very good about giving praise where praise is due and also calling out wrong doctrine or attitudes when necessary as well. By beginning this with a note of praise, he is ensuring that they will perceive his words with the proper mental attitude which should only solidify their continued right performance.

It should be remembered that Paul has been addressing items which were submitted to him in writing. This is one of the reasons for his letter to them in the first place. In 1 Corinthians 7:1, he said, “Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me…” He has been going through this list and answering their questions. This section will be no different. There must have been an issue concerning something he said to them of which they are asking further clarification. Understanding this, he continues with “that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you.”

This is his compliment and this is what sets the tone for the further instruction which will now be presented. In his statement, the word translated as “traditions” indicates something which had been delivered to them by the instruction of the apostles, not a tradition of the past which was of a cultural nature. These are issues which stem from the church itself and not something which he or another apostle brought along from their own pre-existing traditions.

Lastly, in 1 Corinthians 11:17, we will read Paul’s words which say, “Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse.” This rebuke will in no way contradict his words of verse 2. Though the Corinthians had kept the traditions as they had received them, they will need correction concerning the issues of liberty and brotherhood. After he completes the thought he is now addressing, Paul will deal with those issues to ensure the church functions well within those parameters.

Life application: As with all things, we need to have a clear understanding of the context of a teaching in order to understand if it applies to us or not. In the case of the church, our teachings are those which come from the epistles, particularly the letters of Paul. His words have been given to us in order for us to have sound, healthy churches. All of Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for our understanding of God’s redemptive plans for man, but not all of Scripture is applicable at the same time in the same way.

Lord, the more I read Your word, the clearer it becomes to me. I can see why the words of the apostles are so important to read and understand. You have given us the church for a set period of time in history and You have given us the words of these men to guide the church during that time. Help me to properly evaluate these instructions and to then live according to what they say. My Christian walk is made so much easier understanding this! Thank You and Amen.

28 October 2014

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

Although this first verse of chapter 11 sums up the thoughts of chapter 10 in a succinct way, it is appropriate that it begins chapter 11. It is a good transition to the points that are ahead as much as it is a summary of the points which have already been made. As noted in the previous evaluation, there is nothing wrong with Paul asking others to imitate him. This is especially so because he follows up the thought immediately with “just as I also imitate Christ.”

Paul’s example is Christ. As this is so, then those who have learned from Paul can rightly use his example as one to emulate. He is an example within the church of Christ who is over the church. He isn’t asking for eyes to be on him, but rather he is noting that his actions are in line with the expectations of Christ. And throughout his writings, it is Christ whom Paul both explains and exalts. In Philippians 2, he writes these words about Christ to the church –

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, ⁷ but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.  ⁹ Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, ¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, ¹¹ and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11

He is the Head of the church and the fulfillment of Scripture. And though He is the first example to the church, Paul is an example within the church. In other words, Paul’s ministry included outreach to those outside the church for evangelism and those inside the church for doctrine and edification.

Life application: Until the epistles were written, there was only verbal instruction and emulation of the conduct of the apostles and other disciples for believers to follow. Now, with the Bible complete, we have what we need to understand both in the example of Christ and how to be obedient to it. Further, we have the conduct of the apostles recorded – when they were in line with the truth, when they failed and were rebuked for it, etc. If we study the Bible, we will be able to develop a proper understanding of how to conduct our own affairs in the presence of our glorious Lord.

I am so grateful to You for Your word, O God. I don’t need to trust the nutty ideas of people, I don’t need to follow the newest fad or fashion in order to be accepted, and I don’t have to worry if I am right with You or not. Because of the Bible, I have all the information I need to have a right relationship with You and to know what is and what isn’t acceptable. I pray that those around me will come to read, study, and cherish Your word, just as You would have them to do. The world would be a whole heap more wonderful if this would happen! Amen.