Epistles (written)

Friday, 14 November 2014

For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. 1 Corinthians 11:18

Beginning with the word “for” connects this thought directly to what he just said – “…I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. For…” The issue he will mention is one which does not justify praise because their coming together is “not for the better but for the worse.”

What seems a tad bit odd is that he says “first of all” but never explicitly states “secondly” or some other word to define a subsequent point. This isn’t a problem, but it does imply that the issues he will raise were known to be separate issues. This is merely the first and most important of them. A second, separate, issue is that of the improper exercise of spiritual gifts, particularly that of speaking in tongues, which he will address starting in chapter 12.

For now though, the matter is something that occurs “when you come together as a church.” This then isn’t referring to a specific building which would be “in a church,” but rather as a congregation wherever they happened to meet “as a church.” Different locations would have been used instead of a single, regular meeting place. What was probably a common closing statement of the times would be something like, “Next week we’ll meet at the house of Flavius Dwyerinius over on State street. The Lord bless you and keep you. See you then.”

It was in such gatherings that Paul notes, “I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.” The word used for “divisions” is schisma. It is the same word he used in 1 Corinthians 1:10 when pleading that such divisions wouldn’t exist among those in the church. A schisma, or schism, can be equated to a tear in a piece of cloth. It is something which completely divides. Paul had been informed that such tears in the fabric of their fellowship existed, but he graciously adds in, “and in part I believe it.”

By including that, he is using tact. He knows full well that they exist because of the reports, but he is also showing them that evil reports are always to be taken with a grain of salt unless they are confirmed.  And this is true even when they come from someone of high integrity. He is therefore allowing in his words the thought that maybe things were actually not as bad as presented.

Life application: The Bible shows us in many instances and in various ways, that we should not listen to those who divide the church on purpose. Murmurings and grumblings must be backed up with evidence and those who present untruths need to be called out for their actions. If necessary, they should be expelled from the church. However, true reports need to be addressed and corrected as well.

Lord, help my tongue to be one which heals wounds. Keep me from using it to tear apart others or to inflict harm. When I speak, I pray that those around me will believe my words at face value as words of integrity. And this, not because of my name, but for the sake of Your name, which I bear. The honored and distinguished title of “Christian” is of the highest value, and I pray that my words will always reflect honor upon it. Guide me in this each day as I walk in Your presence, O God. Amen.

Thursday, 13 November 2014

Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. 1 Corinthians 11:17

In verse 2, Paul began his discourse on the head and head coverings with a word of praise –

“Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you.”

Now, he is transitioning to a new discourse, a most sensitive and important matter, which concerns the Lord’s Supper. In this, he begins with “Now in giving these instructions, I do not praise you…” We know then that his coming words are words of instruction on a matter which require correction. He has gotten word concerning it and he isn’t pleased with what he has heard.

The word “you” is not in the original. Rather it says, “Now in giving theses instructions I do not praise…” The lack of praise isn’t directed toward the people so much as it is directed toward the actions of the people. This is then set in contrast to verse 2 where he directly praised the people. Here, the actions of the people are not to be praised. And the reason is noted – “since you come together not for the better but for the worse.”

The people are gathering, but the actions of the gathering are more harmful than edifying. He will explain this in the verses to come, but this verse has set the stage for it in a tactful and yet firm manner.

Life application: Paul’s writing in 1 Corinthians 11 shows us a sound way of addressing others over delicate issues. He has praised the people but withheld praise from their actions. Additionally, he first began with praise and then moved to the withholding of praise. This sets a much more positive tone than immediately entering into rebuke; something which would only cause his readers to tune out at the beginning. We can and should learn from this style of approach.

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the blessing, privilege, and honor of worshipping with the people I meet up with each week. Together we open Your word and learn from it; together we sing songs to You as a united voice; together we pray for one another and others as well; and together we share in the Table of the Lord, remembering His death until He comes again. What time could be better spent? Thank You for this wonderful part of my week, without which, I would be far less able to handle the other affairs that come up. Thank You and Amen!

Wednesday, 12 November 2014

 But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God. 1 Corinthians 11:16

From verses 2 until 16, Paul has been addressing the issue of hierarchy within the church, within creation, and what is proper concerning the covering of one’s head. His argument has been with authority and he has written it as if his statements were obvious; they are a given. And so because this is true, then there is nothing else left to fall back on which would be proper. What he has written is the only right and acceptable view concerning the matter. With that he says, ” But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.”

Those who are contentious about the issue, or disagree with his conclusions, are left without any other acceptable custom or practice; this is how things should be. Modern scholars have tried to isolate this and other arguments made by Paul, saying they are merely cultural and applicable to the people in Corinth, but no longer apply in our modern and “enlightened” world. This is not case at all. Two reasons for this are made known:

1) His arguments not only covered the church, but they are understood from nature itself (as noted in verses 7:12).

2) In this verse, he says that there is no other custom to be found among either the apostles (we) or in any other established churches (the churches of God). The principle is to be universally applied and only those who are “contentious” will stand against it; they are the very people that necessitated his letter in the first place (see 1 Corinthians 1:10 concerning “divisions”).

Therefore, as this is in “all the churches of God” it cannot be a cultural issue isolated only to Corinth. Nor can this apply only at the time of Paul’s writing. It is authoritative doctrine for the Church in all locations and for all time.

Life application: It is tempting and easy to say that a difficult issue in the epistles was merely “cultural” or “temporary.” However, when the context of the entire passage is carefully reviewed, it is discovered that this is generally not the case. The words of the apostles, particularly Paul, are given to the church for all ages and in all times. We disregard them at the expense of proper doctrine and right living.

Lord God, I see Your hand everywhere I turn. When I look at the different grains in various types of wood, I can tell what the type of wood is. I can know what that particular wood is good to be used for, and I can anticipate a different delightful smell from each piece. If You have taken such immense care to give us such wonderful diversity in mere trees, then how much more wonder is there for me to seek out in a zillion different things. No matter where I look, I see Your greatness on display, and so I praise You! Amen.

Tuesday, 11 November 2014

But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering. 1 Corinthians 11:15

As we can see from this verse, the many traditions of various sects or denominations which require bonnets or some other type of covering based on the thought in verse 5 have misinterpreted Paul’s intent. They ran ahead without finishing the passage and properly applying his words. Rather, his intent was and is that a woman’s hair is given to her for a covering. No bonnet or other headpiece is required as a sign of authority. Her covering is her long hair; it is a glory to her and to her husband.

Therefore, if she does not have long hair as a symbol of her authority, then she should wear a covering. If she will do neither, then she has shamed her husband and should be shaven herself as a sign of shame (verse 6). Just as a Nazirite had long hair as a mark of separation to God, a woman should have long hair as a mark of submission to her husband. This again brings in an obvious question though – “What defines “long hair” on a woman?” And a second question then arises – “Who decides what the definition is?”

As no biblical advice is given on either of these questions, two possibilities are:

1) Just as a man should not look feminine with long hair, a woman should not look masculine with short hair.

2) The husband should be consulted in the wife’s hair length so that he is not dishonored by her appearance.

If these two requirements are met, then the matter should be concluded. Were there other references in the Bible concerning this, then greater restrictions or freedoms could be imposed, but none exist. Therefore, let the father or husband of the woman be pleased to determine what he feels is appropriate for the woman’s hair length; her covering.

Life application – Legalism is a poison which should be avoided at all costs. The Bible gives details for proper conduct. Adding to them can only harm the congregation and lead down unhappy paths.

Lord, You created woman for man, what a gift!
And You ordained that they should be joined as one
When a man has a bride, his spirit she does lift
And to him she can add times that are fun

Together they can walk the road of life
Hand in hand sharing in each joy and trial
Blessed is the man who has a good wife!
Who comes home to such a friend who can make him smile

Thank You Lord for the beauties around us
Who grace us with joy and make our lives complete
And help us to do the same for our Lord Jesus
Our Husband and Lord, our precious Savior so sweet

How great You are O God to give us glimpses of our heavenly walk with You here in our earthly walk with our beloved spouse. Thank You that we have one another to share in the joys, the trials, the ups and the downs. In every circumstance, we learn more about each other and we grow in love. And someday, we will join You in heaven’s paradise, united forever in an even greater way. Thank You for this wonderful promise. Amen.

Monday, 10 November 2014

Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? 1 Corinthians 11:14

Paul brings in “nature itself” as a witness to his instruction. This is based on his previous verse which called out, “Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?” Just as it was obvious to those in Corinth concerning that issue, so this one is obvious as well. His words about natural revelation are that “if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him?”

If one is a great traveler, they will come to the conclusion that wherever he goes and in whatever culture he finds himself, it is normally rather easy to distinguish men from women. One doesn’t travel to the heights of Tibet and find this to be untrue. Nor does one travel to the deepest jungles of Africa and find it to be untrue. Men and women are usually easily distinguished between one another. And the general distinction is that of hair. How the hair is worn generally makes the first notable distinction between the sexes.

Paul’s observation, based on nature, is again “if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him.” This thought however needs to be taken and contemplated with extreme care lest a discouraging line of legalism enter into one’s theology. First, the natural question should be, “What is to define ‘long hair’ on a man?” Is it more than a marine-style jarhead haircut? Is it more than one inch? Is hair on the collar a dishonor? What if hair goes to past the neck? What if…. what if (perish the thought!) the hair is found to touch the shoulders? Just what is the definition of “long hair?”

It must be misunderstood that the Bible never contradicts itself. However, the following people were Nazirites from birth (a consecration detailed in Numbers 6) and never cut their hair throughout their entire lives – Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist. Amos 2:12 indicates there were other Nazirites in Israel, and even Paul took such a vow in Acts 18:18. If some of these men of God never cut their hair and others didn’t cut it for extended periods of time, then how can Paul’s words be reconciled with hair that goes past the top of the ear (as so many legalistically minded people seem to define “long hair”)?

Having long hair, in and of itself, cannot be a shame or dishonor to a man because men of God were known to have had long hair. Therefore, this would be a contradiction in the Bible. Understanding this, it must be the appearance of the long hair which is dishonoring to his head.  If a man looks like a woman, then he has passed from manliness to femininity. This, in and of itself then, would be dishonoring to him. It would be in then line with the precept found in Deuteronomy 22:5 for example –

“A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the LORD your God detests anyone who does this.”

Men are men and women are women. God intends for men to look like men and He intends for women to look like women. Further, the actions of the man are to be manly actions and the actions of a woman are to be feminine. These concepts are stated implicitly throughout Scripture. Therefore, it must be that Paul is referring to an appearance of femininity concerning long hair in this verse. If long hair causes a man to appear to be a female, then he has assumed an appearance which would place him in a point of subjection as described in the earlier verses of this passage. But man is to be under the Headship of Christ, thus honoring Him directly.

If a man has a beard, no matter how long his hair is, he will certainly not be mistaken for a woman. However, if the long hair on a man becomes the primary point of identifying him as a female, then he has brought shame upon himself.

Life application: Who decides in your church how long your hair can be? If someone is walking around with a ruler and checking length, he probably has more serious problems that should be watched. Legalism is a poison which can only bring about a congregation full of neurotic people. In all precepts, taking the time to think the issue through from a “let Scripture interpret Scripture” viewpoint will generally lead to healthy, happy congregations.

What a joy! Thank You O God for the freedoms You have given me in Christ. Way too often I hear people of the world claiming that faith in Him is some type of bondage or some type of joy-limiting walk. But the closer I get to You, the more freedom I find. Surely a person can serve only one master and I know that sin is a raging, destroying enemy. But You are a kind, gentle Lord. The further I am from sin, the closer I am to perfect freedom. Thank You for the gentle yoke of Christ. Thank You for the wide and expansive pastures to which You are leading me! Amen.