1 Corinthians 11-13
Observation: Take note that this famous passage on love is written in the context of using spiritual gifts in the church. Thus, we should pursue love first and desire to use spiritual gifts in love (see 1 Corinthians 14:1).
Question: Should women wear head coverings in church? This section seems to be a good example of how we have to think critically when reading the Bible. The lack of mention of this elsewhere suggests this was a cultural issue that does not still apply. At the same time there is a principle of submission pictured between Jesus and the Father that applies to wives and husbands. It communicates equality of personhood while expressing a variety of roles.
Application: I want to be faithful in using the gifts God has given me to glorify Him and bless others.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I praise You for taking on human flesh to offer Your body and blood as a sacrifice to bring me to God.
4 Comments
Paul’s writings in Chapter 11 about the husband-wife relationship has been misused to oppress women, and condemn all of Paul’s teachings. We need to look at what he presents as our relationship to our creator. Men are to love their wives as God loves us, women are to love their husbands as we are to love God.
My head was spinning trying to make sense of what Paul was saying about women and wearing head coverings. I am glad that we no longer have to do that. As a child and being raised Catholic, I remember having to wear a head covering before going into church.
Another thought regarding chapter 11 verse 27-30, Paul says that we must not eat the bread or drink the cup without examining ourselves and for those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ, eat and drink judgement on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick an a number of you have fallen asleep. We are all going to die so what does Paul mean by that?
Paul is not talking about people dying of natural causes. He is saying that God is bringing judgment upon such individuals by causing sickness or death as a result of their disregard for the sacrifice of Christ as exemplified through them taking the Lord’s Supper while living in blatant sin.