2. Introduction In our study of Corinthians we now turn our attention to some practical teaching on conduct during Public Worship. What better place to start than with the controversial topic of the place of women in public worship. We find ourselves in a culture that has an increasingly antagonistic view of the distinction of the sexes and any distinction made is mislabeled as chauvinism, sexism or inequality. The topic of women in public worship is addressed by Paul in the particular topic of head coverings for women in the public worship service. So let’s begin where Paul does by exploring the topic of head coverings for women.

3. Rationale for Head Coverings in the Corinthian Church The Divine Order—God-Christ-Man-Woman (verse 3-6) – 1 Corinthians 3:23; 15:28; Philippians 2:6+ The Creative Order (verses 7-9) The Angelic Spectators (verse 10) – Ephesians 3:10; 1 Timothy 5:21; Psalms 103:20-21 The Natural Distinction of the sexes (verses 13-15) The Universal Practice of the Church (verse 16)

4. The Practical Application for Today’s Church We need to submit to God’s order of submission for our life (verses 3-6) Submission is a recognition of a creative, orderly God (verses 7-9) Our conduct in the church can bring glory to God in the angelic realm (verse 10) God created the sexes different, yet equal (verses 11- 15) Each church must come to wise conclusions on how to practice submission in their cultural context (verses 13- 16)

5. “Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things from God.”