Big Idea: The form of the Christian worship service must express the nature of Christ, and the behavior of the worshipers must exemplify his character and humility.

Understanding the Text

After a strong call to Christians to avoid participation in pagan banquets, which ultimately were worship services, Paul now turns to the Christian worship service itself. Since the behavior at pagan worship services so clearly was an abomination to God, how should Christians reconsider their practices when approaching the Triune God? Chapter 11 deals with two major issues regarding this question. Verses 2–16 tackle the question of hair and head coverings for men and wives, and verses 17–34 tackle the question of social status and equal participation in the community’s fellowship meal, the Lord’s Supper…