1 Corinthians 11 – Headship, Worship, and the Lord’s Supper
“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1, NKJV)
“For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head…” (v. 10)
“Let a man examine himself…” (v. 28)
🔍 CAPTURE THE SCENE (What do I see?)
- Paul addresses authority and head coverings in corporate worship
- He reminds the church of God’s order in headship: God → Christ → Man → Woman
- He shifts to correcting abuses in the Lord’s Supper
- Some were treating the Lord’s table like a common meal, dishonoring Christ
- Paul calls for self-examination, reverence, and unity
📖 ANALYZE THE MESSAGE (What does it mean?)
1. Imitate Christ’s Order (vv. 1–16)
“The head of every man is Christ… the head of woman is man…”
This isn’t about worth, but God’s design for spiritual structure
“Every man praying or prophesying with his head covered dishonors his head…”
Paul applies cultural symbols (like head coverings) to honor God’s order
“Judge among yourselves…”
He appeals to conscience, nature, and practice — not legalism
2. Correcting the Lord’s Supper (vv. 17–22)
“When you come together… it is not for the better but for the worse.”
Worship gatherings had turned into divisive meals
“Each one takes his own supper… one is hungry, another is drunk.”
Selfishness had replaced spiritual unity
“Do you despise the church of God?”
They needed to reverence Christ’s sacrifice, not just eat together
3. The Meaning of the Supper (vv. 23–26)
“The Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread…”
Paul recounts Jesus’ institution of communion
“This is My body… This cup is the new covenant in My blood…”
The elements are sacred reminders of Christ’s death and promise
“You proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.”
Communion is past, present, and future — remembrance, reflection, and hope
4. Examine Yourself (vv. 27–34)
“Whoever eats… in an unworthy manner will be guilty…”
This is not about being worthy, but about honoring the sacredness
“Let a man examine himself…”
Check your heart — come with repentance and reverence
“Many are weak and sick… and many sleep.”
God disciplines His children — even through physical consequences
“When we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord…”
Discipline is for correction, not condemnation
🔁 COMPARE THIS CHAPTER WITH THE REST OF SCRIPTURE
- Spiritual Headship:
- Ephesians 5:23 – The husband is head of the wife as Christ is head of the church
- Genesis 2:18 – God created woman as a suitable helper for man
- Communion and Remembrance:
- Luke 22:19–20 – Do this in remembrance of Me
- Hebrews 9:15 – Christ is the Mediator of the new covenant
- Self-Examination:
- Psalm 139:23–24 – Search me, O God
- 2 Corinthians 13:5 – Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith
🙌 EXECUTE (So what? How does this affect my life?)
Principle: Worship is sacred — honor God’s design, value others, and approach the Lord’s table with humility and awe.
- Honor God’s Order
God’s design for roles is good and purposeful, not oppressive - Value the Body of Christ
Don’t bring division, selfishness, or pride into worship - Examine Before You Partake
Communion is not casual — it’s a holy proclamation - Remember the Cross
Every bite and every sip points to the suffering, love, and return of Christ
🗣️ GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What does it mean to imitate Christ in our worship and relationships?
- How should we approach communion in our own churches today?
- What’s the danger of treating spiritual things casually?
- How can we foster greater reverence, unity, and humility during worship?
- What does self-examination look like in a biblical, not condemning, way?