In First Corinthians 11, we encounter one of the most challenging passages in the New Testament. While difficult to interpret, it contains vital truths about God’s design for order and authority in our lives and worship.
What Are the Two Key Principles for Understanding This Passage?
- Is God in the highest seat of honor in our lives?
- If He is, how we worship Him matters immensely
What Does Biblical Headship Really Mean?
The Greek word for “head” (kephalē) carries two meanings:
Authority/leadership
Source/origin
Paul uses both meanings to establish God’s intended order, grounding it in:
The created order (how God designed things from the beginning)
The nature of the Trinity (particularly the relationship between Father and Son)
Common Misunderstandings About Headship
People often err in two ways:
Over-applying headship by claiming:
- Women are inferior to men
- All women are under all men’s authority
- Wives should be subservient
- Only men can teach or lead in church
Under-applying headship by:
- Eliminating all distinctions between genders
- Ignoring God’s designed order
- Dismissing the principle entirely
What is the Biblical View of Men and Women?
The balanced biblical view makes two key claims:
- Men and women are equal image-bearers deserving equal honor
- Men and women have different but complementary roles, with men exercising a particular kind of authority in church and home
How Should We Apply These Principles Today?
Just as we contextualize other biblical practices (like greeting with a holy kiss), we must:
- Maintain the theological principle while applying it appropriately to our culture
- Ensure men look distinctively like men and women like women, though specific expressions may vary by culture
- Honor God’s design in ways our culture can recognize
- Focus on glorifying God in our worship and relationships
Life Application
This week, consider these questions and challenges:
For everyone:
- Is God’s glory truly your highest aim?
- How can you better honor God’s design in your life and relationships?
For husbands:
- How are you sacrificially serving your wife?
- Are you leading in a way that reflects Christ’s leadership of the church?
For wives:
- How are you acknowledging and respecting God’s designed order in your marriage?
- Are you using your gifts to build up the church while honoring biblical principles?
The challenge is to examine your life and make any necessary adjustments to better align with God’s design, even when it goes against cultural norms. Remember, the goal is not to enforce rigid rules but to honor God’s wisdom in creating distinct and complementary roles for men and women.
