Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 11:3
God had Paul shift gears slightly and move into the issue of authority, exploring how God designed lines of authority. We read in 1 Corinthians 11:3, “But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ.” God had Paul instruct them that He wanted them to understand the line of authority that He as God the Father had established. This line of authority is critical to the health of every family and the health of the church. First, we see that Christ is the head, that is, the authority over every man. Christ is to whom we surrendered our lives. As followers of Christ, we must submit to Him and His Word, walking in daily obedience to Him. God clearly states this in Ephesians 1:22, Ephesians 4:15, Ephesians 5:23, Colossians 1:18, and Colossians 2:19. With Christ being the head of His church, that makes His church His body. As Christ’s body, we are to glorify Him by living for Him daily. God had Paul also share that the man is the head of the woman in the marriage relationship. This does not mean that the husband is to use his authority in a demeaning or demanding manner, but rather that he is to love and cherish his wife as Christ loves His church (Ephesians 5:22–33). We also see that God the Father is the head of Christ. God designed this line of authority so that His will may be fulfilled.
Challenge & Application
Why has God placed a line of authority in place within His church and within the family?
How do you see this line of authority bringing honor to God and how have you seen it misused?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!