April 26, 2015
Morning Service

In this first letter to the Corinthians, Paul is addressing problems, and questions that they have ask about.  Remember the church is still very young, and questions do arise even today.  We are fortunate to have the teachings of Jesus, and the Apostles in our Holy Bible.  As we study the Bible we see these questions answered by these teachings. 

In chapter 8 Paul taught us that an Idol was nothing, but the problem was that some people didn’t recognize that.  They were instructed in chapter 15 of Acts not to eat anything offered to idols.  Paul is helping them and us realize that an idol is nothing, but if it offends a weaker brother then we shouldn’t have anything to do with them.  That’s the key, do your best not to offend a weaker brother, but the weaker brother must know the truth, and accept it.  The truth shall set you free.

In chapter 9 Paul defends his Apostleship.  He also tells them that it is only right for someone that preaches the gospel to live of the gospel.  As a matter of fact he told them this was God’s will.

In chapter 10 Paul brings to our understanding several important subjects.  He brought to remembrance some of the things that their forefathers went through upon leaving Egypt.  They became involved in different sins that displeased God, and were punished for them.  Paul said these things were done for and example to us, that we might learn from them.  Then he spoke concerning our communion service.  “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?  The Bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?”  And of course the answer is yes they are.  Then he speaks again of Idols, saying that the things that the gentiles offer to their gods is nothing, but we shouldn’t get involved with their ways, and idols.  They are of the devil, and we should have no part with the devil.  1Co 10:23  All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

Paul again backs up the decision of the council when he says, when you know things are offered to an idol don’t eat it for conscious sake, and the one who offered it.  Paul closes chapter 10 with this thought;  1Co 10:31-32  Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.  (32)  Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

 

Now we begin with chapter 11.

1Co 11:1-16  Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 

·         Paul knew the teachings of Christ, and what His expectations were of His followers.

·         He believed he followed Christ very closely.  God uses Paul in a great way.

(2)  Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. 

·         Keep the ordinances?  Paul is saying, “keep the things that I have taught you.”

·         Most of the times Paul speaks in a negative manner concerning the old testament ordinances.

(Col 2:14)  Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

·         Paul speaks also of traditions.  We find out that what Paul gives as traditions are good traditions, and not the commandments of men.  (Matt. 15:9) Commandments of men.

·         (2Th 2:15)  Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

·         Today, every tradition should be backed by the Word.

Now notice:

(3)  But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. 

·         Christ does not rebel at God being His head.  Man should not rebel at Christ being his head, and woman should not rebel at man being her head.  This is the will of God.

 

 

NOW LET’S RECOGNIZE THAT PAUL IS SPEAKING CONCERNING CUSTOMS OF THE EASTERN CIVILIZATION:  MANY OF OUR CUSTOMS COME FROM THESE IDEAS BECAUSE THEY ARE IN THE BIBLE.

(4)  Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. 

·         So for me or whoever is speaking in the name of Christ, has his head covered, dishonors his head, Who is Christ.

·         We also are taught from childhood when to remove our caps, showing respect, and being courteous.  

(5)  But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head:

·         Now it was proper for a woman to wear a veil, and cover her face, to show respect to her head, her husband.

·         There were different women in the Bible that spoke in the name of the Lord.  They were called Prophetesses.

·         But God is going to change this in His new covenant for mankind.  Even though Philip had daughters that prophesied, eventually God tells Paul that a woman is not to teach or to usurp authority over the man. 

for that is even all one as if she were shaven.  (6)  For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. 

·         I understand that to be shaven was a sign of prostitution, that would bring her shame.

(7)  For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.  (8)  For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. 

·         Paul here speaks of creation.

(9)  Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.  (10)  For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. 

·         I don’t fully understand this statement by Paul concerning the angels.

(11)  Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.  (12)  For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. 

·         Now Paul speaks of natural birth.  How that a man comes from his mother.

(13)  Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? 

·         Evidently it wasn’t.  Customs of the times, and regions.

(14)  Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? 

·         Paul gives us the idea that if a man has long hair, it dishonors his head, Who is Christ.  It also explains why a man should not have long hair, in the next paragraph.  It’s a covering.

(15)  But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. 

·         This is why some denominations will not allow their women to cut their hair.  And also, won’t allow their men to wear long hair.

·         After all this, giving us this teaching concerning respect, and honor.  Paul sums it up by saying;

(16)  But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

·         Then why bring it up.  Because someone in the church wanted to know.  Probably some of this was man made traditions, and Paul wanted to set it straight, that the church had no such customs concerning these issues.

HOPEFULLY WE CAN SEE WHERE SEVERAL OF OUR CUSTOMS, AND IDEAS COME FROM JUST IN THESE PASSAGES ALONE.

FATHER, HELP US TO RIGHTLY DIVIDE YOUR WORD, AND BRING GLORY TO YOUR NAME.