1 Corinthian (Class Version)

Chapter 11

1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

Paul gives some final thoughts and some practical guidelines on eating meat sacrificed to idols

He's quoting them again, saying that everything is permissible, but that doesn't mean it's good, positive, or something that will build up

In other words, don't just avoid what is bad, seek out what is good – not "what can I get away with as a Christian?" but "how can I know Christ more?"

So, instead of seeking to do whatever we want just because it is permissible, what should we be seeking?

Seek the good of others – this is "beneficial" and "constructive"

This ties back to the message in ch.8&9: laying down our rights for the sake of others

In v.25-30 Paul gives some practical instruction concerning this subject – what should they do when they are buying meat in the market?

Don't ask questions, just buy the meat – what you don't know won't hurt you because God created that meat

It's his meat – the idol doesn't have any power over it

What if you get invited to eat with an unbeliever?

Same advice – just eat it without asking any questions

But what if he tells you that it has been sacrificed to idols?

Don't eat – why?

For the unbeliever's sake – because if you eat it he will think that you support the worship idols

Paul gives some general rules to live by concerning eating and drinking or whatever we do – what are they?

Does it bring glory to the Lord? Does it cause others to stumble (whether believers or not)? Will it hinder the gospel in any way?

Paul presents himself as the example to follow, which is to consider the good of others above himself so that they will be saved

2 I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you.

3 Now 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.

4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head.

5 and every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is just as through her head were shaved.

6 If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head.

7 A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man.

8 For man did not come from woman, but woman from man;

9 neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.

10 For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head,

11 In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman.

12 For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.

13 Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?

14 Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him,