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"The head of every man is Christ..."

Text: 1 Corinthians 11:3

THE QUESTION OF HEADSHIP

Peculiar things arise when people seek to understand culture and religion. Some things fit more easily than others! One particular issue that came up was the question of “headship”.

“But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ,
the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.”
1 Corinthians 11:3

1. The word “head”

a) Obviously, the literal (lexical) idea is not in mind in this text.

b) This word is used with reference to “authority”

i) Either latent/ innate;

ii) Or appointed/ imputed.

c) The issue involves “authority” in the family.

2. “The head of every man is Christ”

a) The word “man” here is not describing man as a class.

b) It is a simple reference to the male gender.

c) Why it was used in this manner would be seen in the way Paul wrote the next line.

3. “The head of woman is man”

a) Paul is literally suggesting an order that must be noted.

b) The man in this case, is a reference to “husband” and not just any man.

4. “And the head of Christ is God”

a) Christ is equal to God (Philippians 2:6).

b) However, when He put on flesh, He submitted Himself to God.

c) It is in this light that we are to understand this statement.

5. “I want you to know”

Paul sought to establish this basic understanding so that he could advance to the next level of thought! Obviously, he was seeking to resolve another problem in the Corinthian Church!

a) Headship must be understood properly.

b) Many problems could arise if this doctrine is not understood and practised carefully.

c) Potential problems include:

i) Problems between husband and wife.

ii) Some women have domineering tendencies.

iii) Some men are weak and they yield the role of “authority” (headship) to the women.