Bethel Sunday School Online - 7 JUNE 2020
Text: 1 Corinthians 11:3 – 16

THE ISSUE OF HEAD COVERINGS
(1 Corinthians 11:3 – 16)

1. This was an issue of contention in the Corinthian Church

2. There were members who use head coverings in public worship

a. Men

b. Women

3. There were those who found it offensive

a. Cultural differences

b. Conscience affected

ADDRESSING THE ISSUE WITH ESTABLISHING KNOWLEDGE OF HEADSHIP

1. The basic principle of the head

a. The head as the leader

b. There is authority in the person who is “head”

c. There is submission to the head

2. The basic principle of headship in a Christian household

“But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man…” 1 Corinthians 11:3a

a. The head of man (Husband) is Christ

b. The head of woman (Wife) is man (Husband)

c. The husband is therefore known as the head of the family in Christian teaching

3. The headship of God

“The head of Christ is God.” 1 Corinthians 11:3b

a. The head of Christ is God

b. The Lord Jesus is equal with God the Father! (Cf. Philippians 2:6)

c. Yet when Jesus came into the world He submitted to the will and authority of the Father (cf. Philippians 2:7 – 8)

d. God gave His Son Jesus to be head over all things (Cf. Ephesians 1:22)

PAUL’S UNDERSTANDING OF THE USE OF HEAD COVERINGS

1. This was not about fashion

2. This was concerning religious and cultural practices of the day

a. For men

b. For women

c. They were different and distinguished

i. In their clothing

ii. How they wore their hair

iii. Head coverings used

3. That which was dishonorable and unacceptable in Corinth (1 Corinthians 11:4 – 6)

a. When men used head covering in public worship

i. Prayer

ii. Prophesying

b. When women did not use head covering in public worship

i. Prayer

ii. Prophesying

c. They dishonor their “head”

i. The man would dishonor Christ his head

ii. The woman would dishonor her husband her head

iii. The point is that they were not honoring the Lord and each other in how they carried themselves!

4. Argument made by Paul from a Theological standpoint (1 Corinthians 11:7 – 12)

a. Man ought not to cover his head as he is made in the image and glory of God

b. Woman is made from Man, and hence the glory of woman is man (Cf. Genesis 2:21 – 22)

c. God’s order of creation of man and woman was significant in the headship of man
d. The concept of headship is beautiful and honorable when properly understood and applied!

e. But the disregard for headship dishonors the Lord and how He made man

5. The principle of conduct in worship is vital (1 Corinthians 11:13 – 15)

a. Not just our heart and spirit, but how we conduct ourselves

b. This included physical appearances in Paul’s time

i. Men should not have long hair like a “head covering”

ii. Women should not to shave her head but have long hair as her head covering

6. Careful not to be caught-up in contentions over customs (1 Corinthians 11:16)

a. Customs have their places

b. But our customs must not dishonor God and each other in contention

c. A balanced view and expression must be found in every culture to bring honor to God!

d. Wisdom must prevail and cause us to honor the Lord in submission to His headship!

APPLICATION

1. To develop a strong understanding of God and His word

2. To honor God in all that we do!

3. To practice our faith with understanding and wisdom!