July 9, 2006: 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 "Men & Women

Mike Phay preaching.

1 Corinthians 11:2-16 is arguably the most difficult passage in the Bible to interpret.  The issue of "head coverings" in public Christian worship is not one that most modern churches deal with.  Many would look at this passage and dismiss it as an argument of social propriety that is no longer valid today.  Surprisingly, others would hold onto the customs put forth as normative for all churches at all times.

But Paul is making a deeper point about the nature of men and women in the church -- and it is the idea of "headship."  He is adamant that the church be an accurate reflection of the "Already Not Yet" aspect of the Kingdom.  That we -- gathered together corporately -- show forth the newness and the glory of God's Rule.  This means many things -- the deepest and most important of which is the new kind of relationship between men and women in the church.