READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Worship is about honoring God, and the focus of worship should rightly be on Him. Honoring God in worship includes:
- A redemptive choice of attire
- Practising the art of sharing
- Realising that Christ is present
Paul addresses two concerns linked to this: (1) Head coverings and (2) Holy Communion
1.Unholy worship attire (1 Cor 11:4-5)
Scripture states clearly (1 Cor 11:11-12) that men & women are both from God and are equal. The Corinthian women were expressing their freedom and autonomy in the context of this new principle by doing away with their head coverings. This act was symbolic of them discarding a traditional marker of gender distinction. For married women, this expression also meant they were disowning their marital status; an act of disgrace to their husbands and themselves. This also impacts the Church as a whole, drawing away attention from God in public worship. Hence Paul exhorts the women to maintain their head coverings:
- Our worship, including the way we dress, ought to bring attention to God. We should avoid being a distraction and showing dishonor to God & others.
- We should be a missionary witness to all who may enter the Church, and make redemptive choices that do not stumble others.
Our freedom should not stumble others
The word ‘head’ in 1 Cor 11:4-5 can be interpreted as the public face or representative of a group. This is usually linked with representation and responsibility as the part of the body which is most prominent. In God’s design, the head sacrifices for the body. If Christ is the Head of this church, our choice of clothes and behavior will either bring honor or shame to Him.
A practical analogy is if we were invited to a black-tie event and showed up in casual wear, it would be perceived as foolish and rude to the head.
1 Cor 10:23-24, 32-33 highlights that “all things are lawful”, “but not all things build up”. “Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor… that they may be saved”. Our freedom should not stumble others.
A redemptive choice of attire should be:
- Respectful of cultural markers
- Part of our gospel witness
2.Unholy Communion (1 Cor 11:20-28)
Holy Communion is meant to be a communal meal. However, practices of social segregation amongst classes in the Roman times spilled over into church practices.
- The higher social classes discriminated against and neglected those who were not as well off.
- The lower working classes in their hunger, failed to distinguish between the Holy Communion and regular meals.
Honoring God is also about the art of sharing, extending more grace to those who need it more.
Christ is present
Christ is spiritually present at our Holy Communion. The Communion elements are a means for us to remember Christ. Christ our Lord invites to His table all who love Him. This invitation is a means of grace. The meal signifies the following:
- Forgiveness of our sins
- Our reconciliation with God
- Strength for holiness and faithfulness
Paul seeks to restore the original purpose of worship by ensuring that our attitudes and behaviors exalt Christ as the center of its focus. Redemptive choices in our behavior – showing love, grace and not stumbling one another, are important considerations.
Let us reflect on this and how we might approach the next worship service, readying ourselves to honor God.
(Sermon notes by Stella Chiam)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Read 1 Cor 11:1- 16. What does ‘head’ signify in verse 3?
- Does verse 7 imply that women do not bear God’s image, and are inferior to men? Please elaborate.
- In what way is man dependent on woman in 1 Cor 11:11-12? Is there a connection between 1 Cor 11:8-9 and 1 Cor 11:11-12? What is Paul trying to communicate?
- What are some ways that we may honour God when we gather to worship in church? And what are ways that we may dishonour God in worship?
- Read 1 Cor 11:17-34. What is the issue at hand?
- Is Holy Communion an individual thing we do in worship to God, or a corporate thing? How do we know this from the text?
- Why is Holy Communion a means of grace?
- Read 1 Cor 11:27-28. What is one way you may examine yourself before participating in Holy Communion?
