Introduction

First Corinthians 11 addresses order in worship—particularly head coverings and the Lord's Supper. Paul is concerned with honoring God and one another in congregational gatherings.

Head Coverings (verses 1-16)

Be imitators of Paul, as he is of Christ. Paul praises them for holding to the traditions he passed on. But he wants them to realize that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. Every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. If a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off. But since it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off, she should cover her head. A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God. Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?

• Order and Honor: Worship reflects divine order
• Mutual Dependence: Neither is independent of the other
• Cultural Expression: Principles expressed in culturally appropriate ways

The Lord's Supper Abused (verses 17-22)

In the following directives Paul has no praise. When they come together, it does more harm than good. First, when they assemble as a church, there are divisions among them—and to some extent he believes it. There have to be differences among them to show which have God's approval. So then, when they come together, it is not the Lord's Supper they eat. In eating, each goes ahead with their own private supper. One remains hungry, another gets drunk. Don't they have homes to eat and drink in? Or do they despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? What shall Paul say? Praise them? Not in this matter!

The Lord's Supper Restored (verses 23-34)

Paul received from the Lord what he passed on to them: the Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, gave thanks, broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." After supper He took the cup: "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before eating. Anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body of Christ eats and drinks judgment on themselves. That is why many among them are weak and sick, and some have fallen asleep. But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so we won't be condemned with the world. So when you come together to eat, wait for each other.

Key Takeaways

• Order in Worship: How we worship matters, not just that we worship
• Remember Christ: The Supper proclaims His death until He comes
• Self-Examination: Examine yourself before participating
• Discern the Body: Recognize both Christ's body and the church body

Reflection Questions

• How does your worship practice honor God and others?
• Do you examine yourself before taking communion?
• Does your church practice the Lord's Supper in a way that builds unity or reveals division?