The Ordinances

 062726- Meditational Nuggets from 1 Corinthians 11 KJV 

“1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.”

The Ordinances

1 Corinthians 11:1-16 KJV 

1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.

5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.

9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.

11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.

12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?

14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.”

Theme: Honoring God’s Divine Order with Humility and Reverence

This passage has often been one of the more discussed portions of Paul’s writings because it addresses both timeless spiritual principles and cultural practices in the church at Corinth. Beneath the discussion about head coverings lies a much deeper message: God desires His people to worship Him with humility, order, respect, and a heart that reflects Christ.

1. “Follow me as I follow Christ.” (v.1)

Paul begins by pointing everyone’s attention away from himself and toward Christ.

He is not saying, “Imitate me because I am perfect.”

Instead, he says, “Imitate me only as I imitate Jesus.”

This is the mark of genuine spiritual leadership.

A mature Christian points others to Christ rather than seeking admiration for themselves.

Ask yourself daily:

“Can someone become more like Christ by following my example?”

People may never read the Bible first…

they often first read the lives of believers.

2. The Father God is a God of Divine Order(v.3)

Paul writes:

“The head of every man is Christ; the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.”

This is not about superiority or inferiority.

Rather, it speaks of Father God’s design for order and responsibility.

Take note: Christ willingly submits to the Father. Yet Christ is fully God.

Submission, therefore, does not mean lesser value.

Likewise, men and women possess equal worth before God. Yet God assigns different responsibilities within family and church life.

The Bible teaches equality in value while also presenting distinctions in role.

Let us notice from this passage what Apostle Paul meant: God’s order protects relationships.

Whenever God’s order is ignored,

confusion often follows.

3. Faithful Worship Should Reflect Reverence

(vv.4–10)

Paul discusses head coverings.

For in Corinth, a woman’s veil symbolized:

• modesty

• respect

• purity

• honorable conduct

An uncovered head in public worship could wrongly communicate rebellion or moral looseness within that culture.

Paul’s concern is not merely the cloth itself.

His concern is the attitude behind it.

God looks beyond outward appearance to the heart.

External expressions should reflect inward humility.

Our worship should never draw attention to ourselves.

Instead, it should point people toward God.

Whether through dress, speech, attitude, or behavior, believers should glorify Christ.

4. Family Men and Women Need One Another

(vv.11–12)

These verses beautifully balance everything Paul has just written.

He says:

“Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.”

This is one of the most encouraging statements in the chapter.

Although God established different roles in the family, Paul immediately reminds us:

• Family men need their women

• Family women need their men

• both depend upon God

No one is complete being alone.

Every believer is valuable in God’s kingdom.

God never intended competition between men and women in the family, particularly between husband and wife.

He designed cooperation.

Together they display His glory.

5. The Fullness of Heart Matters More Than the Symbol (vv.13–15)

Paul appeals to what was commonly understood in that culture concerning hair and appearance.

The larger principle is this:

God desires believers to honor Him in ways that are respectful and  appropriate within their cultural setting, provided they remain faithful to biblical truth.

The outward symbol only has meaning when the heart fully honors God.

Without humility, outward appearance becomes empty religion.

6. By Faith: Avoid Needless Arguments

(v.16)

Paul closes by saying: “If any man seem to be contentious…”

Some believers were arguing over customs rather than pursuing unity.

Paul reminds them that the churches shared a common faith practice and were not to become divided over prideful disputes.

Lesson:

Not every disagreement deserves a battle.

Unity in Christ is more precious than winning arguments.

Practical Applications

✔ Follow Christ faithfully.

Live so others can see Jesus in your life.

✔ Faithfully respect God’s order.

Submission to God’s design is an act of trust, not weakness.

✔ Worship in Faith with reverence.

Your heart, attitude, and conduct should honor the Lord.

✔ Faithfully Value one another.

Men and women complement one another in God’s purposes.

✔ First pursue humility over appearance.

God looks first at the heart.

✔ Faithfully Protect the unity of the church.

Avoid unnecessary controversies that distract from the gospel.

 Questions we must ask ourselves: 

• Does my life point others toward Christ?

• Do I willingly submit to God’s design in every area of my life?

• Is my worship marked by faithful humility or by a desire for attention?

• Do I value and respect the different gifts and callings God has given to others?

• Am I known as someone who faithfully promotes peace and unity within the body of Christ?

Truth to ponder:

God’s divine order is not about power—it is about reflecting His wisdom, love, and glory. True greatness in God’s kingdom is demonstrated through faithfulness, humble obedience, mutual honor, and Christlike service.

1 Corinthians 11:17-30 KJV

[17] Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.

 [18] For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. 

[19] For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. 

[20] When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. 

[21] For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. 

[22] What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. 

[23] For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 

[24] And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 

[25] After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 

[26] For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 

[27] Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 

[28] But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 

[29] For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 

[30] For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

These continuing verses of, 1 Corinthians 11:17-30, is one of the most solemn teachings in Scripture because it reminds believers that worship is not merely about outward ceremonies but about the condition of the heart.

Paul now shifts from discussing proper conduct in worship to correcting a serious abuse in the Corinthian church. The church was gathering for the Lord’s Supper, but instead of demonstrating love, unity, and reverence for Christ, they were displaying selfishness, pride, and division.

The Lord’s Table was meant to proclaim Christ’s sacrifice, yet they had turned it into an ordinary meal that dishonored both Christ and His people.

The message is clear:

True worship is not measured by attendance, tradition, or rituals, but by a heart that honors Christ and loves His body.

Noted here are the following Devotional Insights:

1. The Commanded Church Gathering Can Either Build Up or Tear Down (vv.17-22)

“Ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.”

This is a heartbreaking statement.

Imagine people faithfully attending church, yet their gathering actually displeased God.

Why?

Because there were:

• divisions

• favoritism

• selfishness

• disregard for poorer believers

• lack of love

Some arrived early and ate everything, while others were left hungry. Some even became drunk.

The problem wasn’t the food. It was the condition of their hearts.

Be it known to each of us: Church attendance alone may not please God.

Because our worship must be marked by humility, unity, compassion, love. 

Whenever selfishness enters worship, Christ is no longer the center.

2. The Church’s Lord’s Supper Is a Sacred Memorial (vv.23-26)

Paul reminds them of what Jesus Himself established. Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave the cup. Each element points to Christ.

The bread reminds us of His body willingly given. The cup reminds us of His blood shed on the cross, that established the New Covenant.

Jesus said: “This do in remembrance of me.”

Let us take note: 

The LORD Supper is not merely remembering an event.It is remembering our LORD JESUS CHRIST and His sacrifice on the cross.

Every LORD Supper service proclaims:

• Christ died

• Christ paid our debt

• Christ rose again

• Christ is coming again

Verse 26 beautifully says: “Ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”

Every observance points both backward to the Cross and forward to His glorious return.

3. Conscientiously Examine Yourself Before Partaking (vv.27-29)

This is one of the most misunderstood passages.

Paul does not say believers must become perfect before taking Communion.

Rather, he calls believers to come with honest repentance and reverence.

Self-examination asks questions like:

• Is there unconfessed sin in my life?

• Am I harboring bitterness?

• Have I wronged someone?

• Am I walking in fellowship with Christ?

• Am I treating fellow believers with love?

The goal is not to discourage participation.

The goal is to encourage sincere repentance and renewed fellowship with God.

May we keep reminding ourselves: God is tenderhearted to the humble heart.

4. Commemoratively Recognize the Value of Christ’s Body (v.29)

“Not discerning the Lord’s body.”

This noted phrase refers both to:

• Christ’s sacrificed body

• His body, the Church

Paul rebuked the Corinthians that they have never yet come to fully understand what the LORD’s body has done for His church. He meant this that, to dishonor fellow believers while celebrating Christ’s sacrifice is a contradiction. One cannot truly love Christ while despising His people.

The Cross reconciles us not only to God but also to one another.

5. The Compassionate GOD Disciplines His Children (v.30)

Paul explains that because some believers treated the Lord’s Supper carelessly,

“many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.”

“Sleep” here refers to the physical death of some believers, not the loss of salvation.

This passage reminds us that God takes holiness seriously.

As a loving Father, He disciplines His children to restore them and to preserve the purity of His church.

While not every sickness is a result of personal sin, this passage teaches that God may sometimes discipline believers who persist in irreverence and refuse to repent.

This is for us to be reminded: 

Before participating in Communion, ask yourself:

• Am I remembering Christ with gratitude?

• Is there any sin I need to confess?

• Have I forgiven others?

• Am I walking in love toward fellow believers?

• Am I honoring Christ in both my public worship and private life?

LORD Supper is not simply a church tradition; it is an ordinance a true CHRIST’s believer should observe with reverence.

It is a sacred opportunity to restore our gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice and to recommit ourselves to living for Him.

Reminding Lessons

• Worship without love becomes empty religion.

• Unity is essential in the family of God.

• The Lord’s Supper centers on Christ’s sacrifice, not on ourselves.

• God desires sincere hearts more than religious rituals.

• Self-examination leads to repentance, restoration, and joyful fellowship with Christ.

• We should approach the Lord’s Table with gratitude, humility, and reverence.

May we Reflect on this:

Before we remember Christ at His table, He invites us to remember why He went to the Cross. The bread and the cup remind us that our salvation was purchased at a great cost. Therefore, we should never approach the Lord’s Table casually, but with thankful hearts, sincere repentance, and renewed love for both Christ and His people.

1 Corinthians 11:31-34 KJV

[31] For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 

[32] But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

 [33] Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. 

[34] And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

Conclusively, Paul wrote these, for us to understand, that this ordinance of the LORD’s Supper should be highly esteemed with reverence. Not taking it lightly, not just  a part or church rituals. But as important also as the ordinance of Water Baptism: which the LORD Himself submit before He did His earthly ministry. 

Each of us believers must know; that the LORD supper, is The LORD’s last passover celebration with His apostles; His commanded words to His apostles on that night they gather on that table, commemorating the feast of passover, before His crucifixion: “this do ye, in remembrance of me.” V.24,25

And that, as we examine ourselves, we should also rejoicingly remember, because the same Savior who calls us to holiness is the One who offered His body and shed His blood so that the curse of sin be passed from us. So that we be forgiven from our trespasses, and be welcomed into God’s chosen family. That while we are living in this world, we fulfill His will for us: GOD’s beloved children, lovingly obedient servants of the most High: Christ: the Holy One of Israel. 

May we always remember the promise in Psalm 119:105:

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for revealing that You are a God of order, peace, and wisdom. Teach us to follow Christ wholeheartedly so that our lives become a faithful example to others. Give us a humble heart that gladly honors Your design in our family, our church, and in our daily living. May our worship always come from faithfulness, sincere devotion rather than outward appearance alone. Help us to respect and encourage others as fellow heirs of Your grace, and guard our hearts from pride, division, and unnecessary arguments.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, whose body was broken and whose blood was shed for our salvation. Teach us never to treat worship or the LORD Supper lightly. Search our hearts and reveal anything that hinders our fellowship with You or with others. Give us humble, grateful, and obedient hearts that honor Christ in both our private lives and our public worship. May every time we partake of the Lord’s Supper deepen our love for You and strengthen our hope as we await Christ’s glorious return. 

Let everything we do bring glory to the Lord Jesus Christ.

We pray this In Jesus’ most precious name,

Amen and Amen!❤️🙏