Lesson 12. The Gospel: A Message of Correction

Day 1

We come now to 1 Corinthians 11; a chapter that has been hotly debated by some throughout the centuries. Knowing these truths could be an area of contention, Paul summarizes the section by saying, “But if anyone wants to argue about this, I simply say that we have no other custom than this, and neither do God’s other churches” (1 Corinthians 11:16). In other words, some will want to argue about this, but these customs in worship are God’s will for all churches.
Please read the following section of Scripture:
“I am so glad that you always keep me in your thoughts, and that you are following the teachings I passed on to you. 3 But there is one thing I want you to know: The head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 4 A man dishonors his head if he covers his head while praying or prophesying. 5 But a woman dishonors her head if she prays or prophesies without a covering on her head, for this is the same as shaving her head. 6 Yes, if she refuses to wear a head covering, she should cut off all her hair! But since it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut or her head shaved, she should wear a covering. 7 A man should not wear anything on his head when worshiping, for man is made in God’s image and reflects God’s glory. And woman reflects man’s glory. 8 For the first man didn’t come from woman, but the first woman came from man. 9 And man was not made for woman, but woman was made for man. 10 For this reason, and because the angels are watching, a woman should wear a covering on her head to show she is under authority.”
1 Corinthians 11:2-10 NLT
Question 1. Please consider 1 Corinthians 11:3. What truth does it convey to you?Log in / create an account to enroll or continue where you left off.
Jesus Christ and God the Father are intimately bound together, as closely as the head is to the body. And just as the head guides the body, there is an authority structure in marriage and in the local church. God the Son (Jesus) joyfully submitted to God the Father as His “head” when He lowered Himself to become Man and died on a cross for our sins. Having finished His work by dying on the cross, Jesus rose from the dead and is seated at the right hand of God.
As we joyfully reflect the love relationship and structure seen in the Trinity, as men and women in the body of Christ, we are a testimony to the angels. “For this reason, and because the angels are watching, a woman should wear a covering on her head to show she is under authority” (1 Corinthians 11:10).
What does this mean? Why are angels mentioned here?
Lucifer was once God’s highest created angel, but he became proud and defiant and refused submission to God. Lucifer wanted to ascend to the throne of God and be like God. Isaiah 14:12-14 NLT gives the account:
“How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. 13 For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. 14 I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.”
Isaiah 14:12-14 NLT
Question 2. Where do we see Lucifer’s pride in Isaiah 14:12-14 NLT?Log in / create an account to enroll or continue where you left off.
Notice how Lucifer’s pride evidenced itself in him wanting to “ascend” and “preside” and “climb” and “be like the Most High.” Pride always leads to a fall, and Jesus makes it clear that “those who exalt themselves will be humbled…” (Matthew 23:12), so Lucifer was “thrown down to the earth.” Jesus said, “I saw Satan fall like lightning” (Luke 10:18) as He fell from heaven.
Satan had the authority structure all wrong and suffered because of it. Likewise, the Corinthians needed correction in this area as well.
We will continue our study of 1 Corinthians 11 tomorrow.