April 21, 2024
Evening Service

Review:

·      Paul emphasized the importance of the OT scriptures in that they are examples for us to learn and grow from.

o   Idol worship, sexual immorality, tempting Christ and complaining were some of the items he discussed from the OT that revealed to us God’s heart on these issues.

·      From the OT, Paul encouraged any of us who thinks he stands to “take heed lest he fall.”  Realize that we are all vulnerable and always be on guard for temptation to come after us.

·      Paul also gave us a promise from God that was two-fold.  One any temptation we have is common to everyone; our challenges are not unique to only us.  Secondly, God will not allow for us to be tempted beyond what we are able to withstand, but will make “the way of escape that you may be able to bear it.”

·      Paul warned us of hypocrisy, drinking both of the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons.  Avoid even the appearance of evil and “whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

·      As we begin Chapter 11, Paul makes a very bold challenge for us to set as a goal.

1Co 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

            It takes confidence that you are doing something right for you to challenge those around you to “imitate me.”  Paul however states it in such a way that he too does not have it all done pat, he also has to walk in the steps of our Savior who did do it all right as he adds; “as I imitate Christ.”  As a leader, it is expected of you to “walk the talk” and do the things you instruct others to do.  Each of us as a professed Jesus follower should be diligent in our efforts to do just that imitating Jesus whom we follow.  If we say one thing and do the opposite the impact of our words lose their power.  If we strive to live the way we believe, then that multiplies the impact of our words or even removes the need for them (nothing is more powerful than the life of a true, sincere believer who lives out Jesus’ commands being salt and light!)

            Paul may have made this challenge to them to prepare them for again addressing issues that were not being handled well in the Corinthian Church.  She was in the midst of a very worldly culture one that encouraged sin rather than to forbid it.  He first exhorts them for “keeping the traditions just as I delivered them to you.”  Meaning many of the things he set in place for them to follow within the church were being done well, but he then goes in to remind them of how God has set up the line of authority within the church.  This can be very confusing, but we will walk through this and make some sense of it, the Lord willing!

 

1Co 11:3-7 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.  (4)  Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head.  (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.  (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.  (7)  For 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.

            Paul here is using something this culture would be familiar with, a woman’s head to be covered, to teach us about the authority chain within the church.  Authority begins with God the Father, who is the head of Christ, who is the head of man, who is the head of woman.  This alignment is not only for marriage and the home, but it applies also to the authority within the church setting.  The men are to hold the positions of leadership with each fellowship as God has designed it.  This in no way is meant to be degrading to women to be under the man, any more than it is degrading for Christ to be under God.  It is the chain of authority set in place by God so all things can be done in order.

            As far as a man covering his head to pray, that was part of the Roman culture in idol worship and Paul says this to avoid any association with that pagan type of worship.  The women, however, of that time period did cover their heads as a sign that they were attached (under submission to) either their father or husband.  A woman who would remove her head covering would be making a statement to establish her equality with men (rebellion).  An uncovered head would also suggest that the woman was open to advancements from other men.  It would be a cause of shame for a woman to come to worship in such a manner much as it would today in our culture of a woman dressing seductively coming to church.          Paul now continues with making his point on the chain of authority.

 

1Co 11:8-16 For man is not from woman, but woman from man.  (9)  Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man.  (10)  For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.  (11)  Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord.  (12)  For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God.  (13)  Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?  (14)  Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him?  (15)  But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering.  (16)  But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.

            Paul recalls for us in creation that woman originally came from man and was created for him.  Again this is not to degrade the woman, but set in place the order of authority.  As he also says, we need each other; we are better together.  We are at our best and God will bless us when the men step up and lead as God designed and the woman submit to that leadership.  Big issues arise in churches when either of the two parties refuse to do their part.  If the men won’t lead, the women will try to step up causing issues.  If the men lead, but the women won’t follow again issues arise.  We must all know our place God has placed us and fulfill that role as commanded by God.

            So, is Paul setting in place commands that all women should cover their heads and grow their hair long?  Is he commanding men to keep their hair cut short to not dishonor God?  The answer is no to all of those questions.  The long hair issue for men and women was one of that culture and should not be taken as a command for all.  Paul says in verse 13, to “judge for yourselves” if it is proper.  Ladies, you should dress modestly in a feminine manner to avoid the appearance of questionable morality and to demonstrate your submission to God’s call for you.   Ladies turn to I Peter chapter 3 and dress accordingly to how the Holy Spirit guides you through that command.  Men, we too need to dress according to how the Lord leads us to show respect and honor to our Master.  These are personal convictions, no commands, to be true to your walk with the Lord and may be different for each of us. 

            The next issue Paul addresses the next issue as we continue this chapter of abuse at the Lord’s table (Communion Service).

 

1Co 11:17-22 Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse.  (18)  For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.  (19)  For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you.  (20)  Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord's Supper.  (21)  For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk.  (22)  What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.

            Paul is again addressing divisions within the church and is rebukes them for it.  Each group was bringing their own food and drink to the fellowship and eating their meal there.  Some had plenty, while others had little and even some drank the wine to become drunk.  Paul tells them this is not how it is supposed to be.  He now sets them straight.

 

1Co 11:23-26 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; (24) and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me."  (25)  In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."  (26)  For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.

 

 

 

 

 

            Paul clearly sets in order how we are to partake of the Lord’s Supper.  This is not a party and certainly not a time of revelry, but a time of reflection calling to mind the price that was paid for our salvation.  We remember the image described for us of Jesus’ body being abused for our iniquities.  We are to remember that it was His blood that paid for our sins and granted us forgiveness and reconciliation.  It is time for us to remember how much our Savior loves us.  We are a forgetful people, and God has set this in place for us to call to remembrance all that Jesus did for us each time we partake of it.  The early church, as history tells us, partook when they met together each first day of the week.

   Notice, as we partake of this memorial, we “Proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.”  In partaking, we make a statement that preaches an eloquent sermon, that we believe Jesus died for us and we now look forward to His return.  Jesus called partaking of His body and blood essential to our faith as He said without it “you have no life in you!” (John 6:53) The communion service is where we partake of the spiritual nourishment we need to live.  In this moment of communing, our attitude is key.  We must partake in a worthy manner as Paul finishes up this instruction.

 

  1Co 11:27-34 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.  (28)  But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.  (29)  For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.  (30)  For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.  (31)  For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.  (32)  But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.  (33)  Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.  (34)  But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come.

            Paul is again addressing the problems at the church of Corinth where they were gathering in an “unworthy manner” in the Name of the Lord with some eating too much, some very little and some even getting drunk.  Nothing in that scenario brings glory to our Lord.  The ceremony of the communion service, the Lord’s supper, or the Eucharist (depending on what you wish to call it) is one that is to be approached and conducted in a “worthy manner.”  It is a time for us to “examine ourselves,” but not to pass judgment on whether we are worthy to partake or not; as none of us is worthy.  Judge yourself whether you are doing it in a “worthy manner” approaching it in reverence, respect and in humility for the true meaning behind it and for the privilege to partake; not in a frivolous nonchalant kind of way.  The Lord will judge us and chasten us for doing this in an unworthy manner or frivolously to set us back on the right track.  It is much better for us if we prepare ourselves being spiritually minded to practice this commanded memorial to our Lord and Savior with our mind focused solely on Him and all His has done for us.

 

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us and setting in order these things within the church for us.  Help us to rightly divide the Word and walk according to Your guidance for us as a church and as individual followers of Jesus.