Head-coverings? Really?

Head-coverings? Really?

1 Corinthians 11:2-16

Paul explained head-coverings should be worn by women in

the church of Corinth because…

God established men as leaders of the church. (3)

Head-coverings expressed a heart to honor male

leadership. (4-6)

God designed male leadership from the beginning. (7-10)

God values men and women equally. (11-12)

Paul challenged the Corinthians to consider and accept head-coverings. (13-16)

How does this passage apply to us today?

For the Next Lesson: 1 Corinthians 11:2-16

Note: Chapter 11 begins a new section in 1 Corinthians where Paul is addressing problems the Corinthians faced in their worship practices. Verse 2 highlights that the Christians in Corinth were doing many things right, but as chapters 11-14 will show, they struggled in some areas as well.

1. Read verse 3.Who is the head (authority) of man? Head of woman? Head of Christ? Remember, the Trinity is made of three persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) who are each equal in value, but differing in role and authority. Therefore, what can we infer about the value and role of men and women in the local church?

2. Read verses 4-6.When Paul wrote this letter head coverings were a cultural expression of women who were supportive of and submissive to the leadership of men in the local church. Therefore, what does it mean for a woman to “dishonor her head” if she fails to wear a head covering? Why do you think it would have been disgraceful for a woman to cut her hair short in their culture?

3. Read verses 7-10. The word “glory” in these verses can also be translated “honor”. How does a man honor God in the context of this discussion surrounding the difference of men and women in the church? How are women the “glory of man”? In other words, how should women honor men in the local church setting (see also Genesis 2:20)? How do verses 8-9 support Paul’s admonition for women to support the male leadership in their church (see also Genesis 2:20-22)?

4. Read verses 11-12. What point is Paul making about the value and dignity of men and women in these verses? Why do you think Paul pauses in his argument about women supporting male leadership to make this point?

5. Read verses 13-16. Take some time to restate the question in verse 13 in your own words that applies our culture. Verses 14-15 refer to cultural expressions of masculinity and femininity. What are cultural expressions of femininity and masculinity in our culture? Do you think it is important to God that we embrace our God-given biological sex and the roles that come with it (see verse 16 and Romans 1:26-27)? How so?

6. So what. What do you learn about God’s view of masculinity and femininity, manhood and womanhood, from these verses? How do our gender differences influence the way we worship and function as a church? Why are these differences difficult for many to embrace?