Hair, Head Coverings, and Headship (1 Corinthians 11:2-16) | Imperfect Series (K)

This may be one of the most difficult and controversial passages in all of the bible. There is a lot of debate and a lot of disagreement over what Paul is saying here and even more so about how relevant what Paul is saying to the Corinthians is to us in Canada in 2023. I think at least a few things are clear from this passage:

#1) As both image bearers of God and followers of Jesus our actions can bring either shame or honour to our saviour and our God.

#2) While both men and women are image-bearers we bear that image in distinct ways. Contrary to our culture there are distinctions between the sexes. Contrary to Roman/Greek culture there is no distinction in our value.

#3) We need to figure out what it looks like in Canada in 2023 to bring honour to God as his image-bearers, both male and female, through the way we worship.

Sermon Notes:

• There is a debate around defining “men” and “women” – and this is nothing new.
• The Corinthian church struggled with how men and women should worship.
• As men and women, we must worship God in ways that are guided by Scripture and sensitive to culture.
• 1 Corinthians 1:2-16 is a difficult passage, but we shouldn’t shy away from difficult passages of Scripture.
• What this passage IS NOT saying:

1. 1. Men shouldn’t wear hats to church, and women should wear hats.
   2. Men can’t have long hair.
   3. All women must submit to all men.

• What this passage IS saying:

1. 1. Our actions can bring honour or shame to God.
   2. Men and women honour God in distinct ways.
   3. Men and women have equal value.

• How we view men and women and how we worship as a church will be a testimony to the world.