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1 Corinthians 11

Good Morning “Role Followers.”  Check out 1 Corinthians 11.

In this chapter Paul continues to address some of the struggles the Corinthian church was having.  After sin entered the world, a part of the punishment or curse to mankind was that “the woman’s desire will always be for her husband.”  Genesis 3:16  This does not mean what you may think it means.  Simply put, the woman will always desire her husbands role.  She will naturally seek to be the leader, in the home, in society, in church etc.  This is especially problematic when man is naturally passive.  He stands by, does nothing, and then the woman fills the void.  This is exactly what happened when the serpent came to Eve in the Garden in Genesis 3.  Gods design is clear regarding roles.  Neither is more important, neither inferior to the other - just different.  The church in Corinth was having a problem with this so Paul addresses it:

“But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.  Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3-5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

At this time it was customary for women to cover their heads with a veil to show submission to her husband - “her head”.  This was especially the case during times of worship. Furthermore she kept her hair long - this gave glory to her husband.  The man on the contrary kept his head uncovered, hair short and gave glory and honor to “his head” - Christ.  When this was maintained the Corinthians reflected Gods design and creation both male and female and demonstrated acceptance of their roles.  

Some in the Corinthian church were not adhering to this.  The women DID indeed desire the role given to man.  In fact some had so sought to reverse the roles God had assigned that women began to shave their heads, assuming attributes of a man, and some men began to grow their hair long assuming attributes of the women.  Their struggle was even deeper.  Some so desired the roles of the other that they actually desired to be the other.  

Church’s and religious leaders today, argue regarding this passage and its application for us.  Where should we land as a church.  It is generally accepted that men remove their hats when they pray and worship.  Women on the other hand can wear hats and generally wear their hair long.  

No matter where we land on this, a couple things are certain.  

1.  Man will naturally be passive, and woman will naturally seek his role.  We have to be aware and fight against this daily.  Just look at your church, your home, your workplace, and consider - how many men step up to lead and how many women are filling the void?

2.  Feminism and even the trans movement had its roots LONG before our time.  

Dig in!  Read it and study it for yourself!  Consider Gods design - it’s ALL Him and in the end that’s all that will matter.  Love you all!