Responding to the Issue of Inpropriety at Worship, Rev Dr John Kwasi Fosu
Amazing Grace Baptist Church Sunday Material On 1 Cor. 11:1-11
Introduction
This lesson begins our studies on 1 Cor. 11-14. In chapters 11-14, Paul deals with the disorder in the public assembly at Corinth. As you read these chapters, certain problems become evident: Their meetings were disorderly and unscriptural; Women were taking the lead over the men; Various members were competing for leadership and opportunity to speak; There was confusion and a poor testimony before the lost.
Chapter 11 concerns disorder at the Lord’s Supper in particular, while chapters 12-14 discuss public worship in the assembly and the principles that should govern our services.
Propriety in worship (1 Cor. 11:1-16)
Paul realized that God is a God of order and that when anything is out of order, there is confusion and loss of power. We need to read this passage in the context of the situation in Corinth. The matter of head coverings, although seemingly insignificant, had become a big problem because two cultural backgrounds were colliding. Jewish women always covered their heads in worship. For a woman to uncover her head in public was a sign of loose morals. On the other hand, Greek women may have been used to worshipping without head coverings.
Paul’s solution comes from his desire for unity among church members and for appropriateness in the worship service. He accepted God’s sovereignty in creating the rules for relationships.
In verse 3, in the phrase, “the head of the woman is man,” head is not used to indicate control or supremacy, but rather, “the source of.” Because man was created first, the woman derives her existence from man, as man does from the Messiah and the Messiah from God. Evidently, Paul was correcting some excesses in worship that the emancipated Corinthian women were engaging in.
Also in verse 3, submission is a key element in the smooth function of any business, government, or family. God ordained submission in certain relationships to prevent chaos. It is essential to understand that submission is not surrender, withdrawal, or apathy. It does not mean inferiority, because God created all people in his image and because all have equal value. Submission is mutual commitment and cooperation.
Thus, God calls for submission among equals. He did not make the man superior. He made a way for the man and woman to work together. Jesus the Messiah, although equal with God the Father, submitted to Him to carry out the plan for salvation. Likewise, although equal to man under God, the wife should submit to her husband for the sake of their marriage and family. Submission between equals is submission choice, not force. We serve God in these relationships willing submission to others in our church, to our spouses, and to governments leaders.
In verse 9-11, God created lines of authority in order for his created world to function smoothly. Although there must be lines of authority, even in marriage, there should not be lines of superiority. God created men and women with unique and complementary characteristics. One sex is not better than the other.
In verse 10, “Because of the angels, the women ought to have a sign of authority on her head” may mean that the woman should wear a covering on her head as a sign that she is under the man’s authority. This covering can be a scarf or some may say the long hair is her covering (verse 15). “…For long hair is given to her as a covering.”
In verses 14 and 15, in talking about head coverings and length of hair, Paul is saying that believers should look and behave in ways that are honourable within their own culture. In many cultures, long hair on men is considered appropriate and masculine. In Corinth, it was thought to be a sign of male prostitution in the pagan temples. In addition, women with short-cut hair were labeled prostitutes. Paul was saying that in the Corinthian culture, believing women should keep their hair long. If short hair on women was a sign of prostitution, then a believing woman with short hair would find it difficult to be a believable witness for the Messiah. Paul wasn’t saying we should adopt all the practices of our culture, but that we should avoid appearances and behaviour that detract from our ultimate goal of being believable witnesses for the Messiah while demonstrating our faith.
Of course, the mere wearing (or not wearing) of a piece of cloth never changes the heart. Paul assumes that these sisters obeyed the principle of headship from their hearts and were simply not complying outwardly. (Proverbs 31:10-12)
Questions
- How does this matter of “wearing coverings” and “wearing short hair” apply to us today? While we do not have all of the same cultural influences that Paul had to deal with in Corinth, we must admit that a woman or a man out of place is always a hindrance to the work of God. There ought to be modesty in the local church, both in dress and action. We dare not conform to the world, lest we lose our testimony.
- In your culture, how do women show respect to their husbands? Is it through wearing of scarves? Is it wearing long hair? Is it showing respect and love without outside coverings?
- How has your culture influenced your church?
- Do some churches require coverings to be worn outside the church meetings? Why? Is it scriptural? Is it cultural? Is it someone’s idea?
