sf191 - A Woman's Place (1 Corinthians 11 2-16)

1 Corinthians 11:2-16

Introduction

The role of women in the church has a been a source of controversy for the past few years.

But the truth is it has been a source of controversy since the beginning of the church.

Paul address this problem in the verses of our text

1A. The principle stated (11:3)

The principle of subordination and authority are indispensable elements of God’s order and plan.

Head refers to the ruling and sovereign part of the body.

Here head is a reference to authority.

1B. Christ is the head of every man. (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:25; Colossians 1;18)

2B. Man is the head of woman. (Ephesians 4:21-24)

The principle of subordination and authority is not limited to marriage only.

The willingness to submit to God’s pattern of authority is a mark of spiritual maturity.

3B. God is the head of Christ.

Jesus willing submitted to the Father’s will

John 6:38 “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”

This is not a matter of dignity or worth but of role and responsibility.

2A. The Principle Applied (11:4-6)

1B. Historical context

Roman society had a number of women’s rights movements.

Ø Like today these movements were marked by women who sought to destroy any difference between men and women in society.

A covered head was a sign of submission

Ø Temple prostitutes uncovered and shaved their heads.

2B. Men and women are to observe God’s order.

Women may pray and prophesy as long as they follow the teaching of Scripture.

Ø Nothing in the text indicates that this was to take place in church worship service.

Ø Women are commanded to be silent in public worship (1 Corinthians 14:34)

Ø Women are never to have or authority over or teach men (1 Timothy 2:8-13)

Ø Women are permitted to teach other women and children (Titus 2:3-4)

Ø Women can witness to men in public as well as taking non-leadership roles praying with believers or non-believers.

Men were to behave like men and provide leadership in the home and the church.

3A. The Principle Defended (11:7-16)

1B. By the order of creation (11:7-8)

Man is the image and glory of God (11:7)

Ø Man was created in God’s moral, mental and spiritual image.

Ø Man is God’s glory in that he was created to have dominion and authority over God’s creation. (Genesis 2:7)

Woman is the glory of man (11:7b-10)

Ø Woman is the image of God (Genesis 1:27)

Ø Woman is the glory of man in that she manifests man’s authority.

Ø Woman was not only created from man but for man (11:8-10)

“Man was created to show how magnificent a creature God can create from Himself, while woman shows how magnificent a creature God can make from a man.” (MacArthur)

2B. By the union of the creatures (11:11-12)

The principle of interdependence (11:11)

Ø Man’s authority over woman is delegated.

Ø Roles are different in function and relationships but not in spirituality and importance.

Principle of complete dependence (11:12)

3B. By the witness of nature (11:13-16)

Even nature teaches that women are to maintain an attitude of submissiveness. (11:13-15)

Paul concludes his argument that women are to be submissive men

Ø Because of the relationship in the Godhead (11:3)

Ø Because of the divine design of male and female (11;7)

Ø Because of the order of creation (11:8)

Ø Because of the role of women (11:9)

Ø Because of the interest of angels (11:10)

Ø Because of the natural order of things (11:13-15)

He states that anything to the contrary would be against the teaching of the apostles and the church.

1 Corinthians 11:2-16

1A. The principle __________________________ (11:3)

1B. Christ is the head of every ___________________. (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:25; Colossians 1;18)

2B. Man is the head of woman. (Ephesians 4:21-24)

3B. God is the head of __________________________.

Jesus willing submitted to the Father’s will (John 6:38)

2A. The Principle _________________________ (11:4-6)