Head Coverings: Symbols of Divine Order in Public Worship

HEAD COVERINGS: SYMBOLS OF DIVINE ORDER IN PUBLIC WORSHIP
1 CORINTHIANS 11:2-16

Because there is a divine order of authority in creation, gender distinctions in public worship must reflect that order.

The divine order of authority (God-Christ-man-woman) (v. 2-3)

The divine order of authority reflected in gender distinctions (4-6)
The man honors his head by praying or prophesying uncovered (4)
The woman honors her head by praying or prophesying covered (5-6)

Reasons for gender distinctions (7-15)
Differing status: Man is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man (7)
Differing roles: Man was not created for woman, but woman for man (8-9)
Supernatural observation: Angels are observing divine authority in the church (10)
Propriety: Is it fitting for a woman to pray to God uncovered? (13)
Nature: Doesn't nature itself teach you about hair length? (14-15)

Qualifiers
Men and women are interdependent (11)
Men and women both come from God (12)

Conclusion: The practice of symbolizing divine authority in the local church is an accepted practice of Paul and of the churches of God (16)