I am totally open to changing my mind on this passage but I do currently think this is the right way to understand it and I didn't come to this opinion rashly.
My research project on the topic of women in ministry and related issues is going to start once I'm done teaching through the Gospel of Mark (probably less than two months from now) and I hope I can offer real clarity on all this stuff. I know how important the issue is and how important it is that we strip away confusion and truly follow what God is telling us.
Be Strong And Courageous by Randy Roper
In the first lesson in our series on Joshua, we look at how God prepared Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land, and how we can all find strength and courage to face the unknown in life.
The Power of The Lord by Rob Long
The power and strength of the Lord are evident in Israel's crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land. That same power is at work in our lives today.
When Walls Fall Down by Rob Long
God guided the armies of Israel to walk in obedience. Their obedience resulted in God's provision--the walls of Jericho coming down.
Confronting Sin by Kent Risley
Sin has lasting implications on individuals and the community surrounding that individual. Learn valuable lessons from the story of Achan in Joshua 7.
How Will You Be Remembered? by Randy Roper
If you have the opportunity to choose your final words on earth, what would say? Last words are more meaningful if they have been underscored by the way a person lived his/her life. At the end of his life, Joshua chooses to make the name of God known rather than make a name for himself.
Choose This Day by Randy Roper
Life is filled with choices. With so many decisions to make, we can easily feel overwhelmed. But one decision stands out from all the others. It is a decision that demands action and has implications. What will you choose?
In the sixth episode of the Gospel in Life series "Discovering the Gospel in Every Book of the Bible", Tim Keller looks at the book of Joshua.
Each episode from this series will highlight themes that point to the Gospel and help you discover the overarching narrative of God’s Word in every book — Christ coming into the world to save us from our sins and reconcile us to God the Father.
https://youtu.be/TtgQDsPO2G4Joshua is about how we can live with God again. Israel's ancestral land has been taken over by the Canaanites. But God appoints Joshua to lead his people back onto their land and into battle. This meant the Canaanites' destruction by Joshua's sword, but ultimately Joshua points us to Jesus' destruction on the cross. Jesus is how we can live with God again.
In this episode of the Radically Christian Podcast, Wes McAdams joins Austin McCrickard and Nate Miller on their show The Thinking Kingdom Podcast to discuss 1 Corinthians 13 (often called the “love chapter”). They focus particularly on verse 10, where Paul says, “When the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.” The conversation explores what Paul meant by “the perfect,” how the passage fits within the larger context of 1 Corinthians 12–14, and how Christians today should understand spiritual gifts in light of love being the ultimate goal.
Wes explains that the Corinthian church had been divided and worldly, using their spiritual gifts—such as prophecy and tongues—for self-promotion rather than for the common good. Paul’s corrective was to teach a “cruciform way of thinking,” where love, not power or eloquence, defines spiritual maturity. Extraordinary gifts were temporary, serving a purpose in the early church, but love, faith, and hope endure. Paul’s message, Wes argues, is not about when or how gifts will cease, but about how Christians must use their gifts in love and unity.
Wes concludes that regardless of how someone interprets, “the perfect,” Paul’s point remains: love is the measure of Christian maturity. He cautions against forcing passages to say what we want merely to guard against theological extremes, noting that the Spirit equips each generation according to its needs, and the permanence of love outlasts all temporary gifts.
Using Our Spiritual Gifts - we look at how God has blessed us each with spiritual gifts, and we outline 4 steps we can take to put those gifts to work. = 1 Corinthians 12
Paul describes just how children of God should conduct themselves in the house of God.
Guidanceconcerning Communion (11:17–34): The Corinthian believers are not observing the Lord’s Table as they should.
A. The perversion (11:17–22)
1. They separate into their own little groups (11:17–20).
2. They share with no one else (11:21–22).
B. The pattern (11:23–25): Paul describes the original Lord’s Supper as conducted by Jesus in the upper room.
1. What the Savior did (11:23, 25a)
a. He held up the bread (11:23).
b. He held up the cup (11:25a).
2. What the Savior said (11:24, 25b)
a. Concerning the bread (11:24): “This is my body, which is given for you.”
b. Concerning the cup (11:25b): “This cup is the new covenant between God and you, sealed by the shedding of my blood.”
C. The purpose (11:26, 28): Any Lord’s Table involves a threefold look.
1. It serves as a backward look to the cross (11:26a).
2. It serves as an inward look to the conscience (11:28).
3. It serves as a forward look to the crown (11:26b).
D. The penalty (11:27, 29–30): Any believer who partakes in an unworthy manner is guilty and risks punishment.
1. To eat and drink God’s judgment on oneself (11:27–29)
2. To be divinely judged with physical sickness (11:30a)
3. To be divinely judged with physical death (11:30b)
E. The profit (11:31–34)
1. It can be used for judging ourselves (11:31–32).
2. It can be used for giving ourselves (11:33–34).
OPEN:
What is the biggest party you've ever given? What food and drink did you serve?
DIG:
How would you describe the scene if you were observing the Lord's Supper at the Corinthian church?
What changes would the Corinthians need to make to ensure that it really was the "Lord's supper"?
Have you ever been in a church that was affected by divisions among the members? What happened?
How do you respond when you hear the words of 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 during Communion?
What does Paul mean by eating in "an unworthy manner" (1 Corinthians 11:27)? By "not recognizing the body of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 11:29)? By self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:28)? By judging oneself (1 Corinthians 11:31)?
REFLECT:
When do you tend to approach worship or a part of the worship experience too lightly?
The poor in Corinth weren't able to participate fully in the Lord's Supper. How do churches today discriminate? How could your church be more inclusive of the types of people where you live?
Other Resources:
Using Our Spiritual Giftswe look at how God has blessed us each with spiritual gifts, and we outline 4 steps we can take to put those gifts to work.1 Corinthians 12
Paul describes just how children of God should conduct themselves in the house of God.
I. Guidanceconcerning Clothing (11:1–16): The desired proper appearance.
A. The pattern (11:1–3)
1. The role model (11:1–2): Paul instructs believers to follow his examples just as he follows Christ’s.
2. The relationships (11:3)
a. The head of the woman is man (11:3b).
b. The head of the man is the Savior (11:3a).
c. The head of the Savior is the Father (11:3c).
B. The parties (11:4–16)
1. Rules concerning the man (11:4, 7–9, 14)
a. His head is to be uncovered (11:4, 7–9).
(1) Demonstrating his relationship to his Savior (11:4, 7)
(2) Demonstrating his relationship to his spouse (11:8–9)
b. His hair is to be cut (11:14).
2. Rules concerning the woman (11:5–6, 10, 13, 15–16)
a. Her head is to be covered (11:5, 10, 13).
(1) Demonstrating her submission to her Savior (11:13)
(2) Demonstrating her submission to her spouse (11:5)
(3) Demonstrating her submission to the angels (11:10)
b. Her hair is not to be cut (11:6, 15–16): It should not be shorn or shaved.
3. Rules concerning both (11:11–12)
a. The woman is not to be independent of the man (11:11).
b. The man is not to be independent of the woman (11:12).
OPEN:
How did you wear your hair 10 years ago? 20?
DIG:
In Greek, the word "head" (1 Corinthians 11:3) means "origin." Why was it important for Paul to state the relationship of women to God, Christ and man? How do 1 Corinthians 11:11-12 fit into your answer?
Paul assumes that women in the Corinthian church will pray and prophesy just as the men do. How do you feel about women leading worship? Have you ever been inspired to worship God because of a woman's efforts?
Pagan cults in Corinth practiced ecstatic worship, which frequently involved loose hair and nudity. How does this information shed light on the situation in Corinth?
REFLECT:
Concern for the glory of God, the interdependence of men and women, and sensitivity to the culture are three principles here. How do these principles apply in your church? In your marriage?
Imitating Jesus - we talk about the perfect example of Jesus and how He is: forgiving, peaceful, a teacher, selfless, and obedient. 1 Corinthians 11
THOUGHTS ON WOMEN WEARING A HEAD COVERING DURING WORSHIP A BRIEF STUDY OF 1 CORINTHIANS 11:3-16 BY Jerry Campbell
1 Corinthians 11:3-16 is a very difficult passage and widely varying views come from very sincere people forming opposing ideas about it. Because of this passage, some have demanded that women wear some kind of covering in worship services. After careful study of this passage, others feel perfectly free to allow women to worship without a covering. This study attempts to understand the language of this passage. (Quotations are from the NKJV.) 3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is manfand the head of Christ is God. The basic subject of the passage is authority: God is the head of Christ; Christ is the head of man; man is the head of woman. 4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. Man should not use a covering when teaching or praying. Removing the covering (hat, cap, etc.) is a sign of respect in the presence of a superior. 5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. The problem of the woman's uncovered head is not disrespect for God but disrespect for man (husband). This is also very clear in verse 7. That was true in the culture of Corinth in the first century, but it is not true in 21st century America.
THIS FACT IS THE KEY TO PROPERLY UNDERSTANDING THIS PASSAGE.
6 For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. In the culture in Corinth a woman praying or prophesying without a covering was as shameful as a woman with a shaved head. A shaved head has been a sign of disgrace in most societies. 7For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. 8For man is not from woman, but woman from man. 9Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. This is a further discussion of man being the head of the woman, again giving emphasis to the fact that the problem of a covering is between man and woman, not between woman and God. If, in today's culture, there is no disrespect shown by a woman toward her husband or other men, if she does not have a head covering, there is no problem in her worshiping without one. 10 For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. This is a very difficult verse and has received much and varied commentary. Some have suggested that angels are somehow offended or tempted by viewing the uncovered heads of women. Some have suggested that this introduces an additional authority (the first was the authority of the man) to which women must submit. It is best to connect this verse with the next two verses to see the full context. Angels have to be in submission to God, so it is good for them to observe women being submissive to their husbands. 11,12 Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord. For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God. Great care must be exercised when the subject of a woman's subjection to man is discussed. It is very easy for men to become abusive in this area. This is not a question of intellectual or even spiritual superiority. Spiritually, men and women come to God on equal terms (Gal. 3:26-28; 1 Pet. 3:7 - note the discussion of submission in verses 1-6). It is a question of leadership. Men and women depend on each other: God created woman from man's rib, but men are born of women. Both men and women must ultimately respect each other, and both must respect God. 13Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Worshipers must give consideration to this matter. It was obvious in the Corinthian setting that it was improper for a woman to worship without a covering on her head. In modern assemblies, it is certainly possible for this to be permissible because there is no such current custom; thus, no problem is involved. 14Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? It is natural for men to have shorter hair than women. The distinction is in the comparative lengths of the hair. The question involved in verses 14 and 15 is not "how long is long," which can vary from culture to culture, but "Is there a distinctive difference between the lengths of men's and women's hair? 15 But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering. Some have believed this verse says that the whole matter of a woman's covering in worship is satisfied by the fact that she has long hair. Most understand that there are two coverings in this passage, one natural and the other external and additional. 16 But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God. This is very important. This subject should not be allowed to create contention in churches. If a woman lives in a culture that demands a covering, she should accept it and not cause contention. If she lives in a culture that does not demand it, but still wants to wear a covering, she and others should not cause contention. If it is a culture that shows respect in other ways, no one should be contentious in demanding a covering. The word "custom" in verse 16 is difficult because it is not specifically defined. Many have said that it refers to not wearing a covering. However, this makes the language awkward because the focus of the passage has been on wearing a covering. If "custom" refers to wearing a covering, this verse appears to make the whole discussion useless. Paul may have discussed the whole matter to encourage a practice in Corinth without binding a law on all churches in all cultures. From chapter 5 to the end of the letter, there is an awareness of the impact of one Christian's actions on another. This section fits well in that pattern. A practice may be acceptable in some situations without being binding in every situation.
Three final notes:
1. Some have concluded that a woman should not cut her hair. Nothing in this passage suggests that. Verses 5 and 6 say "shaving" the head is a sign of "shame," but say nothing about cutting or trimming the hair. The issue is "long" hair for women and "short" hair for men, a contrast between the sexes. 2. A question comes to SEARCH because people observe the "short hair" of the women in the singing audience. It may be shorter than it could be or than it may have been at other times or in other cultures; however, there is no difficulty in distinguishing the women from the men in this audience. 3. I have done some very quick research on verse 16. The translations have a serious variation only in one place. The KJV, NKJV, ASV and others say "we have no such custom," while the RSV, NFV, NASV say "we have no other practice" (the NASV has a footnote saying "such" is the literal translation). There is not enough difference between "custom" and "practice" for any serious discussion. However, there is a real difference between "no such" and "no other" - the first refers to what has been discussed, and the second could focus on external practices. The first would suggest that Paul discussed the matter of women wearing a covering in worship and concludes that this is not a custom or practice in churches. The second might see Paul as setting up a custom or practice and allowing no discussion of another or different practice or custom. I am not a Greek scholar (I have a minor in Greek), but my quick research has reinforced my conviction that "no such" is the right translation; that is, the literal translation of the words. The other rendering seems to me to be more commentary than literal translation.
1 Corinthians 11 | Worship That Reflects God's Glory | Bible Study
Were you raised in a permissive environment or in a strict, but forgiving, one? Give an example.
DIG:
How is drinking the cup of thanksgiving a participation in the blood of Christ? How is breaking the bread a participation in the body of Christ?
Why does Paul mention eating the Old Testament sacrifices (1 Corinthians 10:18) in this context?
When you partake in the body and blood of Christ during Communion, what does it mean to you?
How have you been involved in something that God would consider idolatry?
In what ways is a Christian free (1 Corinthians 10:23-24)? How do you exercise your freedom in Christ?
In 1 Corinthians 10:24, Paul says, "Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others." How can you receive the love and care you need if you live by that verse?
REFLECT:
Is there anything you do that does not bother your conscience but might bother the conscience of someone else? Explain.
Verses 27-33 describe what a believer should do in a relationship with an unbeliever. Do Paul's instructions sound hypocritical? Do you act differently around Christians and non-Christians? How come?
Other Resources:
Imitating Jesuswe talk about the perfect example of Jesus and how He is: forgiving, peaceful, a teacher, selfless, and obedient.1 Corinthians 11
In verses 1-5, Paul asserts that the baptism and spiritual food and drink of the Israelites did not guarantee their protection from God's judgment. What do you tend to look to as your guarantee from God's judgment?
In verses 6-10, what four things did the Israelites do that resulted in God's judgment?
Which of these four "examples" are you most susceptible to doing?
If you think you've "got it together," why do you become vulnerable (1 Corinthians 10:12)?
REFLECT:
What helps satisfy your urges before they grow into temptations and sin?
How can the promises in 1 Corinthians 10:13 help you in your spiritual battles?
How can being in this group help you stand up to temptations?
Describe a time when you were overqualified for a particular job. Describe a time when you felt underqualified.
Describe a volunteer position you held that was especially fulfilling.
DIG:
Why would some of the Corinthians try and shed doubt on Paul's authority as an apostle?
What is your response when you hear a message from God (i.e., a Bible teacher, a sermon, a wise word from a Christian friend) that you don't want to hear?
Some of the rights apostles could claim included receiving monetary payment, bringing a wife along, and eating and drinking with freedom. What was gained by Paul denying himself these rights?
How do you reconcile 1 Corinthians 8:24 and the principle of integrity with Paul's practice in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23?
Have you ever denied yourself of any basic rights for the sake of the Gospel? Explain your answer.
In 1 Corinthians 9:16-18, Paul refers to his deep passion for preaching the Gospel. What is your passion when it comes to living for God?
REFLECT:
Please reflect on 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. What group of people are you especially aware of who need God's love? The poor? The homeless? Homosexuals? Those in nursing homes? Troubled youngsters? What barriers are there between you and these groups? What "rights" would you be willing to discard to love them?
Paul summarizes this passage in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 by emphasizing the importance of discipline in the Christian life (discipline which includes sacrificing personal rights and comforts for the sake of others). How would you describe your "Gospel readiness" training program? (a) I haven't found the gym; (b) I'm not sure I'm ready to make the necessary sacrifices; (c) I'm ready anytime, if only I had a team of people to train with me; (d) I've run the race and I'm exhausted; (e) I'm raring to go!
Why would eating food sacrificed to idols be difficult for some people?
How is it that what is not sin for one group is sin for another? What general principle is Paul applying here (1 Corinthians 8:9)?
Some of the Corinthian Christians knew that food sacrificed to idols was just that, food. What could those people have done to help those who were not comfortable with eating food sacrificed to idols?
In 1 Corinthians 8:2, Paul points out that if you are focused on what you know, you are likely to exclude empathy and concern for others. Do you ever get focused on knowing something about God at the expense of being known by God (1 Corinthians 8:3)? Explain.
What might hinder you from loving new Christians or those believers who do not know something you know?
REFLECT:
Where in your experience is one person's "freedom" another person's "stumbling block"? Alcohol? Certain styles of clothes? Dance? Music? Lifestyle? Political Issues?
Have you done anything lately to wound the conscience of a fellow believer (1 Corinthians 8:12)? How is this sinning against Christ?
Why will those who marry "face many troubles" in life (1 Corinthians 7:28)?
What concerns do those who are married have that singles do not?
How does Paul's advice to the married (1 Corinthians 7:29) relate to his teaching in Ephesians 5:21-32?
Paul presents singleness as an option some should consider. What reasons does he give?
Whether people marry or not, what is the overriding issue here?
REFLECT:
How can an unmarried person find emotional fulfillment and intimacy if they have chosen to remain single in order to be more fully devoted to the Lord?
A close look at the Epistles reveals meaningful and touching relationships among believers. Do we expect marriage to bring the kind of intimacy and fulfillment that God intended the church to bring?
Is singleness more of a calling or a choice? What role does God play? How do you feel about your role?
8 Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to
stay unmarried, as I do. 9 But
if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to
marry than to burn with passion.
Concerning the Unmarried
25 Now about virgins: I have no command from the
Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is
trustworthy. 26 Because of the present crisis, I think that it is
good for a man to remain as he is. 27 Are you
pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a
commitment? Do not look for a wife. 28 But if you
do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not
sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to
spare you this.
29 What I mean, brothers and sisters, is
that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if
they do not;30 those who mourn, as if they did not;
those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it
were not theirs to keep;31 those who use the things of
the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is
passing away.
32 I would like you to be free from
concern. An unmarried man
is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord.33 But a married man is
concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife—34 and his interests are divided. An
unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to
be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is
concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband.35 I am saying this for your own good, not
to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in
undivided devotion to the Lord.
36 If anyone is worried that he might
not be acting honorably toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if his passions
are too strong and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants.
He is not sinning. They should get married.37 But the man who has settled
the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his
own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin—this man also
does the right thing.38 So then, he who marries the
virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does better.
Summarize the main theme/story: Describe the events of the story
in your own words.
· Review and retell
the story.
Reflections for applications:
v1 Corinthians 7:8, 25-31
oYour calling is not to find
your soul mate and settle down; it is to find God and pursue Him.
v1 Corinthians 7:32-35
oYou can honor God in marriage, but
you don’t need to be married to honor God.
v1 Corinthians 7:36-38
oMyth #1 – “I need marriage to be
complete”
oMyth #2 – “My current relational situation
is my status.”
oBe faithful to God wherever you
are.
Digging Questions:
·How
are your relationships?
·What do these biblical texts tell you about God and His nature?
·What is God calling us to do?
Take Away Challenges
·What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will
you apply it to your life this week?
·Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
·What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What
beliefs, thoughts or actions need to be addressed or changed?
