1 Corinthians - Verse by Verse Study - Chapter 11

1 Corinthians 11:1
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

Keep in mind the context of this verse. just because there is a new chapter number doesn't necessarily mean that we have moved on to a different subject. I feel silly every time I say this, but I must remind us all that the chapter and verse numbers were not inspired of God (2 Tim 3:16-17), but they were added later to help in referencing and memorization. My brief research on the subject tells me that they were added in the 1500's.

I go through the trouble in saying this because we should remind ourselves that Paul was just responding to the question the Corinthian saints asked him regarding food sacrificed to idols in chapter 8. Paul took two chapters to go over the subject, ultimately saying that they should not partake in eating the food if they know for certain it was sacrificed to idols. Toward the end of chapter 10, we read these words:

1 Corinthians 10:31-33
31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

No matter what believers in the gospel of the grace of God may be doing, we should always seek to glorify God. Paul gives himself as an example that he sought the good of all mankind he encountered for the purpose that they may be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4). That brings us to 1 Corinthians 11:1, that he now commands these saints to mimic him in this behavior.

The Greek for "Be followers of me" is mimétés, where we get the English "mimic". Paul uses it 5 of the 6 times it appears in scripture, two of which are in this epistle. It is on account of Paul seeking to glorify God, that he has God's will of 1 Tim 2:4 in mind, that the saints of Christ should mimic him. As he said in chapter 9:

1 Corinthians 9:19-22
19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Let us all share this mindset, that by all means we may save some by living out the gospel of Christ. Let others see in us the blessed hope of glory we have in Christ and choose to trust in God's salvation work.

1 Corinthians 11:2
Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

This verse really stands out in this epistle. All of a sudden, we have Paul giving praise to the Corinthian church that they remember him and keep the ordinances that he gave them. Ten chapters of rebuke and now a breath of relief. Sad to say it is only a breath, because he will now go into how even though they were doing the things Paul gave them to do, they weren't doing it properly.

I should address here what Paul intends by the word "ordinances." Today, we would take this to mean an authoritative decree, as in a law. Using that as the context, people will argue that the Lord's supper is one ordinance, or law, that believers in the Body of Christ must follow today since that is what is talked about later in the chapter. My friends, the bible could not be clearer that we are free to do anything in Christ. We just read that "all things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not (1 Cor 10:23)." We also know that we are saved from sin and death by grace apart from works of any kind (Rom 3:21-31, Eph 2:8-9). By these, and many more scriptures, there is nothing that we must do in this dispensation. Yet, very clearly, there are things that we ought to do.

Believers in this dispensation have a calling to live up to. They ought to walk worthy of the vocation of a saint of God through Jesus Christ (Eph 4:1-3). They ought to know God's will, that all should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, and live in a way to accomplish that will (1 Tim 2:4). In that sense, when we understand God's love toward us through Jesus Christ, it should motivate us to be zealous of good works and maintain good works every day (Titus 2:14, 3:3-8). We should be looking for opportunities to share the amazing love of God through Jesus Christ and the message of reconciliation at all times (2 Cor 5:17-21). So then, what does the word "ordinances" mean in this verse if they aren't laws for us to follow today?

Back when the KJV was written, the word "ordinance" potentially had a different definition. The one given in the KJV dictionary has "observance commanded" as a meaning. Even so, I like to look to the Greek since that was the original language penned when God inspired it to be written down. Greek is not superior to English, nor is English superior to Greek. We don't have the original texts anymore, but God's word has been preserved through meticulous copying. The Greek has the word "paradosis," which is made up of the words para (close beside) and didomai (to give), which is translated as "ordinance" here. The idea of paradosis is the handing off of a tradition, not declaring any sort of law. The word only occurs 13 times in the New Testament, and the KJV renders it "traditions" everywhere but this verse for whatever reason. The terms "traditions" or "observances commanded " fit better here given the context of the dispensation of the grace of God and would cause less confusion in doctrine. Paul delivered traditions to all the churches he established so that they may continue in the faith and sound doctrine, standing as a pillar of truth (1 Tim 3:14-15). We have already read this in 1 Corinthians:

1 Corinthians 4:17
17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

Timothy taught of Paul's "ways which be in Christ" as Paul taught "every where in every church". Again in chapter 7, we have this:

1 Corinthians 7:17
17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

One of Paul's "traditions" was to exhort each saint to remain in the ministry they were given of God. He would also ordain a board of elders in each local assembly that they may continue in the faith and teaching sound doctrine. Were these things required? Not in terms of salvation from sin and death, but surely these things are wise to adhere to if the church is to be a pillar and ground of the truth.

So, once more, Paul is giving praise to the saints at Corinth for remembering these traditions Paul left them with.

1 Corinthians 11:3
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.

Here we're getting into some real controversial verses of this epistle, but they need not be if we just let God say what He says. Now that Paul has established that these saints at Corinth are doing the traditions he had left them to do, he needs to correct how they are doing them. The first thing mentioned is the authority structure that God gave so that we could have order this side of Heaven. Paul wishes these saints, and us today, to know that the head of every man is Christ. Yes, the Greek is aner here, referring to males. The head of the woman is the man. Now note this especially: the head of Christ is God. Before we get upset at what God has said concerning the man and his wife in this verse, we should see that this last statement of authority is our true example, as God the Son made Himself subject to God the Father in all things. Remember what our Lord said in the book of John:

John 5:19
19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

John 5:30
30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

John 6:38
38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

These verses also speak to the deity of Jesus Christ as He and the Father are one. Recall what Jesus Christ said as He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane before His arrest:

Luke 22:39-43
39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

I cite these scriptures to make this point: Is Jesus Christ inferior in any way to God the Father? Absolutely not, as Jesus Christ is fully God, just as the Father. All the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Christ bodily (Col 2:9). Yet we see obedience to the order established in that Jesus obeyed the will of the Father at all times. Obedience isn't a bad thing, but our sin nature wants to make it appear evil. It's sad that I've heard much controversy and hatred over these next few verses in 1 Corinthians 11 because people assume it means women are inferior to men. There is no difference between a man and woman concerning salvation. Any person needs to trust the shed blood of Christ as the atonement for their sin (Gal 3:28, Col 3:11). The man and his wife are one flesh as the scripture says several times, beginning in Genesis 2:24. The man and wife are equal in marriage, yet they have different roles. Jesus Christ and the Father are equal, yet they have different roles. The problem with understanding these verses in 1 Corinthians 11 finds its root in a sin nature not wanting to be subject to anyone (Rom 5:12).

So then, let's look at the first statement of the authority structure. We have the idea of obedience in the head of the man being Christ, that the man should obey the will of Jesus Christ at all times. Now don't put words in my mouth as if I'm making every man equal with Christ with what has been said so far concerning God the Son and God the Father. That's not at all what I'm saying. What I am saying is that the relationship of Jesus Christ and the God the Father is a picture of what we ought to do with our "head" or authority. If the man makes Christ his head at all times, what would he be doing? Seeking the benefit of others, giving of his abilities to edify others, teaching and preaching the word of God rightly divided (2 Tim 2:15), correcting wrongs in love, and really serving in any way he can, even to the point of exhaustion. If the man is doing these things, what woman would not want to follow such a man?

Let us remember the teaching of Christ and the church with the picture of marriage that men should strive to live up to as given in Ephesians chapter 5:

Ephesians 5:25-28
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

Men should love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it. Why did Christ give Himself for the church? That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of the water by the word. Christ gave everything for the church, which is His Body (Eph 1:22-23, Col 1:24). Christ loved His Body, the church, to the point of revealing the full extent of His work on the cross in the mystery given to the apostle Paul. The purpose was to sanctify and cleanse His Body with the word, that the church may be without spot or blemish, and be holy. That's quite the standard to live up to, isn't it? The man, then, should take careful note of this, as it is often said that men should be the spiritual leader in the home. How can the husband act in marriage with this example?

Husbands ought to be washing our wives with the water of the word as Christ did with the Church, His Body. What does that mean? To give yourself to studying what God's word says, and sharing it with your wife, that she may not have "spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing" in the spiritual sense, but be "holy and without blemish." She ought to know what the grace message of God is, the dispensation given to the apostle Paul (Eph 3:1-11), and what the commission of the Body of Christ is in 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 concerning the ministry of reconciliation. She should be comforted by knowing what it means to be "in Christ" and have all the spiritual blessings in the heavenlies (Eph 1:3). If she has spiritual questions, the husband should strive to find the biblical answer and lead her down the path of godliness.

Likewise, as the man is doing such things, the woman should be willing to follow her man as the head of the woman is the man. Once more, the wife is not at all inferior to the man. God is establishing an order for the family. If the husband is sharing biblical truth with her, she should want to follow along with that. If he is living biblically, she should want to follow along with that. The statement in this verse does not mean that the wife must obey her husband in everything he says. This verse does not give husbands license to be the authoritarian over their wives in all things. Both the husband and the wife should be living for the best interest of their spouse. Observe that same passage in Ephesians chapter five regarding the wife:

Ephesians 5:22-24
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

In Ephesians 5:22, the example is "as unto the Lord." As the wife should be in obedience to God, she should also willfully follow her husband as God created Adam first, then Eve (1 Tim 2:14, Gen 2:4-25). The husband is the head of the wife. How is he the head of the wife? Just as Christ is the head of the church and He is the Savior of the body. To be a member of the Body of Christ, what must one do? Put their faith and trust in what Christ, the Head, did on the cross of Calvary. Christ saved His Body, the church, in this dispensation, by giving Himself for it (Eph 5:25). So as it says in Eph 5:24, the church is subject unto Christ, as He is the Head, the authority. In that way the wife should be subject to the husband.

See how these things work together? Both the husband and wife should  live after the manner that God intended if they desire comfort and peace to some degree this side of Heaven. We have a choice every day whether or not to follow God at His word, so let us conclude this commentary on this verse with this exhortation:

Husbands: Give yourself over to the study and working out of God's word rightly divided. Step up to the calling wherewith you have been called (Eph 4:1) and lead your wife and children into a life lived on the foundation of God's word. Teach and preach no other doctrine than the gospel of the grace of God delivered unto the apostle Paul (1 Tim 1:3-7). Know the difference between Law and Grace, Israel and the Body of Christ. Know who you are in Christ and lead accordingly. You have a great deal of responsibility, as the eternity of your family is affected by what you say and do. But by allowing Christ to be your leader and not quenching the Holy Spirit, which lives in you since you believed (Eph 1:13-14, 1 Thess 5:19), you can be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine (1 Tim 4:6).

Wives: Encourage your husband as he leads his family in godliness. Gently steer him back on the path if he should be at fault, not considering to usurp his God-given position. You serve the Lord Christ, and by submitting to your husband's leadership, you live up to the calling wherewith you have been called (Eph 4:1). This verse doesn't mean you must be an "at-home" mother. It means that you should choose to live up to what God made you, the glory of the man (1 Cor 11:7), and respect your husband in his position. You are the help meet for your man (Gen 2:18). Both the wife and the husband should lead their children according to the word of God by living up to the role God has given.

1 Corinthians 11:4
Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.

Let's stay in the context of what our bible says to understand this verse. I've heard lots of different interpretations, but most of those come from ideas put into the scripture instead of letting scripture just say what it says. We just read about the authority structure in verse three on who is the head of who. Now here in verse four, the focus is on the man praying or prophesying with his head covered, which would dishonor his head. Who was the head of the man? According to verse 3, it is Christ. If he is praying or prophesying with Christ covered, then he dishonors Christ. In other words, he is operating outside the authority structure God intended as given in verse 3.

The man should pray or prophesy under the authority of Christ. Many end their prayers with "in Jesus' name," meaning "in the authority of Christ". Those words are not a necessity that must be said at the end of the prayer, but it is a reminder whose authority the man is under while praying. Now what about prophesying? I will go more into detail in the 13th chapter of this epistle, so I will just say these two things. First, there is no prophesying going on today. Second, we need to define what prophesying is, which will help us to see it is not going on today.

Prophesying is telling forth the word of God. A prophet is God's spokesman. In the Old Testament, the prophet would receive a message from God, and then tell it forth to Israel. This is what is recorded as scripture, and why we see many times "thus saith the Lord." Well, at the time 1 Corinthians was written, the full revelation of the mystery had not yet been revealed to the apostle Paul. Please prayerfully consider the passage in 2 Corinthians, which is obviously written after 1 Corinthians, where he says this:

2 Corinthians 12:1
1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

He will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. On the road to Damascus, he had quite the encounter with Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus told Paul at that time "I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee." (Acts 26:16). Jesus Christ would personally deliver  doctrine of the mystery to Paul (Gal 1:11-12). Considering this, there were supernatural signs going on during Paul's ministry, and one of these was prophesying. Someone would be filled with the Holy Ghost and give a message during the early years of the dispensation of grace while the doctrine was being established. Those that were spiritual, that is, filled with the Holy Ghost, would affirm that what was being said was divine doctrine (1 Cor 14:36-38). This is why we have what we have as scripture and did not need a council a couple hundred years later to determine which was canon.

Since prophesying is telling forth the word of God as God gives doctrine, and we have the full word of God according to Colossians 1:25, there is no more prophesying going on today. Observe:

Colossians 1:23-25
23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God

The doctrine given to Paul filled up full the word of God, so we need not anything more this side of Heaven.

With that said, we can see why it's dishonorable should a man prophesy while covering his head, which is Christ. He would be interfering with the word of God that God wished for mankind to know as doctrine. He would be more putting on a show than edifying the body, more for the pleasing of mankind than of God should he prophesy with Christ covered.

1 Corinthians 11:5
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.

According to verse 3, the head of the woman is the man. So if she prays or prophesies by uncovering the man, she dishonors him. Should she remove him as the authority and usurp his authority, she dishonors him. We should recall what was said back in Genesis 3 when God was telling Eve and then Adam the consequences of their actions in the Garden of Eden.

Genesis 3:16-17
16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;

Here we see the same thing Paul is talking about in 1 Corinthians. In Genesis 3:16, God tells the woman that the man shale rule over her. She had uncovered her head and chose to eat the fruit, even though Adam must have told her of the commandment of God in Genesis 2:16-17. Adam then covered his head by listening to Eve rather than God in Genesis 3:17. When people act outside of the order God has established, chaos to some degree is the only possible result.

Paul was then inspired to give us the picture that with this chaos that comes, the woman that uncovers her head may as well have her hair shaved off.

1 Corinthians 11:6
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.

Going back to verse 5, the Holy Spirit inspires Paul to write to us the consequence of operating outside of what God has structured. If the woman be not covered, meaning that the woman prays or prophesies with her head, the man, uncovered, she dishonors the man. Since she dishonors the man, let her be shorn, or her hair shaved off. Most women would be repulsed at this idea, which is why God comes around again to lay out the scenario that if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

Obedience to God under the dispensation of grace is very important. While we do not have to keep any particular work for our souls to be saved, we have several truths to keep in mind:

Romans 14:23b
for whatsoever is not of faith is sin

1 Corinthians 3:10-15
10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Titus 3:3-8
3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Works are a big deal, so we should work out our faith, or walk after the Spirit and not after the flesh (Rom 8:1). Trust who you are in Christ, know who you are in Christ, and walk/act accordingly. 1 Corinthians 11:6 is a reminder of this. Walking after the flesh is not attractive, so the encouragement here is act according to how God desires since the alternative is repulsive.

1 Corinthians 11:7
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.

Now we focus back to the man, but remember what the head of the man is. According to 1 Corinthians 11:3, the head of the man is Christ. God already told us in verse 4 that a man ought not to cover his head because it is dishonoring to Christ. Every man ought not to cover Christ, meaning to put some authority over Christ, and here it says because the man is the glory of God. This takes us back all the way to Genesis:

Genesis 1:26-27
26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

The man ought to give reverence to where he was created from, which is the Triune God of the bible. Note the plural in Genesis 1:26, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." We know that God made all things through Jesus Christ (John 1:1-3, 14, Col 1:13-19), and there are several verses that support that God is one, yet understood in 3 persons, as it says in 1 John 5:7

1 John 5:7
7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

Mankind was given a special place in all creation. Man was made in the image and glory of God to have dominion over all that was made. Note well how woman was first created to understand that she is the glory of the man:

Genesis 2:18-23
18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.
20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.

Of all the animals, there was no match for Adam. He was alone; the only human being at that time. God is proving a point that so-called scientists should pay attention to today. Humans are not animals, nor did they come from animals. God showed Adam who He made specially for him.

21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

Then we have this enduring love poem from Adam to his wife:

23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

Woman is the glory of the man. There is a reason the phrase "better half" is used in reference to a man's wife. It stems from a biblical understanding of creation.

1 Corinthians 11:8
For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.

This is pretty straightforward understanding the order of creation in Genesis. Adam was first formed, then Eve. Eve was made from the rib of Adam.

1 Corinthians 11:9
Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

Once more, the woman is the glory of the man as she was fashioned initially from the man. She was the "help meet for him."

1 Corinthians 11:10
For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.

Now that we have the understanding of the order of God's creation and the authority structure mentioned in the previous verses, verse 10 here can be better understood, especially in light of what happened in Genesis 3. Because of the order of creation, because Adam was first formed, then Eve, the woman should "have power on her head". Why? Because of the angels. Interesting statement, isn't it?

First we need to understand that "power" here is in reference to authority. It is translated from the Greek exousian which is defined as the power to act or authority. So God created man to have dominion over the earth and all things therein (Gen 1:26). God created woman as the glory of the man (Gen 2:20, 1 Cor 11:7). Though the man and his wife are one flesh (Gen 2:24), the man is the head of the woman and ought to lead her. This verse here gives the reason "because of the angels".

We ought to know what occurred back in the Garden of Eden, which gives strong evidence as to what this verse is indicating. God created all things perfect and without blemish after six days of creation.

Genesis 1:31

31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Life was perfect in Garden of Eden and Adam and Eve enjoyed personal fellowship with God Himself. God gave them just one rule:

Genesis 2:16-17

16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:

17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

We don't know how long, but at some early point, there was iniquity found in God's anointed cherub, whom we know as Satan (accuser). This next passage in Ezekiel describes the event, though it may be addressed to the king of Tyrus. The king of Tyrus was never in Eden, the garden of God, nor could he have had the title of "anointed cherub that covereth". But we see here that the angel we know as Satan was "perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee".

Ezekiel 28:11-15

11 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

12 Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.

13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.

15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.

Satan wanted to be God himself. We have some insight into his heart in Isaiah 14.

Isaiah 14:12-14

12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

Just for some added info: those "sides of the north" are mentioned in Psalm 48 and is a reference to Jerusalem. Again, Satan wants to be God, so naturally he would want to take the kingdom from God and make it his own. We know from scripture that Jesus Christ will establish an earthly kingdom reigning from the throne of David in Jerusalem, despite Satan's best efforts:

Psalm 48:1-2

1 {A Song and Psalm for the sons of Korah.} Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.

2 Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.

So this is the mindset of the angel we know as Satan. He is the "serpent" mentioned in Genesis 3. This is not just a snake as some children's bibles make it out to be. It is Satan himself. We have this in Revelation to confirm:

Revelation 12:9

9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Revelation 20:1-3

1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

2A nd he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

So Satan approached Eve and deceives her into breaking the one rule God gave to Adam in Genesis 3, doing what he does best and twisting God's word just enough to believe a lie. I remind the saints that we are still engaged in a spiritual battle in this dispensation of grace, so be sure to be fully equipped with the full armor of God that you may be able to stand (Eph 6:10-20).

Men, protect your women from false doctrines and doctrines of devils (1 Tim 4:1-5). Love your wives as Christ loves the Church and wash her by the Word of God and sound doctrine (Eph 5:25-27). Your head is Christ, who is the word of God incarnate (John 1:14, Rev 19:13). Women, be reverent of the men over you as they follow after Christ, for the battle is spiritual, and God gave them to you for your protection (Eph 5:22-24).

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

Even with the authority structure in place, God, clearly knowing the heart of mankind offers this truth to prevent us from thinking man is superior to woman or woman is superior to man in some way. We are all one in Christ. We all share the same need of Jesus Christ as our Savior.

Galatians 3:27-28

27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus

1 Corinthians 11:12
For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

A simple reminder that the first woman was made from man, but then man is born of woman thereafter. Even so, all things came of God as we read in Genesis 1 and 2.

1 Corinthians 11:13
Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?

Now we are going to see a point made in the physical to help us understand this truth. Is it appropriate that a woman pray to God uncovered? In the context of what we just read, this question is regarding the woman usurping the role of the man. God will now use our hair as a picture.

1 Corinthians 11:14
Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

Naturally, men enjoy shorter hair. If a man has long hair, it's awkward since long hair is associated with women. Don't put words in my mouth saying man is required to have short hair. This is a picture to help us understand as God says in verse 16. Typically, men have shorter hair.

1 Corinthians 11:15
But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

Conversely, if a woman has long hair, it is her glory. Long hair is seen as comely and beautiful on a woman.

1 Corinthians 11:16
But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

I love this verse. God again knows our hearts better than we do so He dissolves all argument by reminding us that there is no requirement for men to have short hair or women to have long hair in the Body of Christ. This, again, is a picture to help us understand the authority structure God created for order in our relationships with each other. Men ought not to cover their head (Christ), and we can see that in nature that a man typically has short hair. Women ought to cover their head (man) because of the angels, and we can see that in nature that a woman typically has long hair.

1 Corinthians 11:17
Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.

Bummer...another correction for the Corinthian saints. With the authority granted Paul by God, he chastises them for their gatherings. When the saints assemble together, it is not good, and the reasoning begins in the next verse.

1 Corinthians 11:18
For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

These divisions were alluded to all the way back in chapter 1. Those of the house of Chloe were concerned enough to contact Paul and let him know of the situation at Corinth (1 Cor 1:11). Paul asserts that he partly believes the divisions, some examples of which we read in chapter one that they were saying "I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ."

Division should have no place in the Body of Christ. We are to endeavor "to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." We are all members one of another with Christ as the Head of the Body (Eph 4:15-16, 25). No doubt these divisions caused tension and strife among the saints. Most of us have experienced what it's like to "walk on eggshells" so as not to "ruffle feathers" of those around us. We can imagine the discomfort in the gatherings at Corinth.

Bear in mind that these are doctrinal differences causing division. Those that are addressed, the "ye" in this verse, are saints in Christ. We can take heed as well, since the letter itself was addressed to all saints in Christ everywhere (1 Cor 1:2). These are saved individuals who need correction by God's word in their behavior.

1 Corinthians 11:19
For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

With the divisions and disagreements of doctrine, naturally there must be heresies. As these heresies are discussed and lived out, those that hold to sound doctrine according to the word of God will be made manifest among the saints. The right thing to do has a way of being made known among all the wrong. The question is, will we choose to do what is right?

1 Corinthians 11:20
When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.

This is quite the stern rebuke, isn't it? These saints were so out of line that they were not considering one another when they gathered to eat together. Paul reminds them of when they "come together therefore into one place", just like in verse 18 when he said "when ye come together in the church", so that we understand that this is a gathering of saints and they aren't acting saintly. The verse says that "this is not to eat the Lord's supper". At the Lord's supper they all received the bread and wine together. What we will see is that is not what the Corinthians were doing, but rather acting selfishly.

1 Corinthians 11:21
For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.

As I read through this passage, I can't help but think of a father chastising his little children. The behavior of the saints is mind blowing how they would act in such a way. These are grown adults acting so selfishly that some are eating and drinking in front of those in need and are not sharing. This isn't at all as the Lord's supper went, where everyone shared of the same bread and cup. The food and drink were distributed to all. Here in Corinth, they bring food but consume it before distribution is made.

Imagine attending a church potluck where everyone brings their contribution into the kitchen. Some bring much, some bring little, if anything. Most then go to the dining area and converse while waiting for the food to be prepared and served. Those that brought much to the meal are the only ones in the kitchen to take inventory and then serve the meal. After a few minutes, those in the kitchen come out with distended stomachs because they have consumed the entire dinner and join in the conversation. How absurd is this behavior? While it may not quite have been like this, I can't imagine I'm too far off from the reality because of the next verse that we will read.

1 Corinthians 11:22
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.

This selfish behavior deserves a sharp rebuke. How convicting for Paul with his apostolic authority to ask the question, "Have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not?" The saints at Corinth were showing partiality against those that "have not". Paul had given them a tradition to keep in order to remember what God did for them through Jesus Christ, the same which we keep today. However, they were way off base in how they conducted it and were widening the gap of division in their congregation by doing so.

1 Corinthians 11:23
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:

Now we're going to get a reminder of what the tradition should look like. Note well that this is what Paul "received of the Lord" and he delivered it to the saints. This is one of the "revelations of the Lord" that Paul had (2 Cor 12:1), and we ought to keep it for our benefit, though it is not required for salvation of our soul from sin and death. Soul salvation is determined entirely on if we've ever believed God at His word, that He sent Jesus Christ to die for our sins according to the scriptures, and that Jesus Christ was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures (1 Cor 15:1-4, Eph 2:8-9, etc.). We are complete in Christ and need to do nothing else (Col 2:10). Christ Himself said, "It is finished". Those that hold to the doctrine that the Lord's supper is required for forgiveness of sin or that it is required in any way for the saints in the Body of Christ err according to the scriptures. We have salvation by faith in the blood of Christ that He paid for our sins in full. Observe this carefully:

Romans 3:21-26

21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Soul salvation hinges entirely on faith, for "the just shall live by faith" (Hab 2:4, Rom 1:17).

1 Corinthians 11:24

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.

We are reminded that Jesus told Paul of the night of His betrayal. Remember that Paul (known then as Saul of Tarsus) wasn't there. Paul was against Jesus all the way through Acts 9 and wouldn't have known this event otherwise. So Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, and distributed to all His disciples. It was a picture of Him breaking His body for mankind. When the saints get together and perform this tradition, our minds should not be on the physical bread, but remembering the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, remembering that He paid it all through His broken body and shed blood. I'm often reminded of this passage when I partake in the tradition of the Lord's Supper:

Romans 5:6-8

6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Yes, God reconciled the world unto Himself in this act (2 Cor 5:18-19), and it's overwhelmingly wonderful to think of how God loved us so much that He did this. Remember that there was no other way to save the world. While on the earth, Jesus Christ asked the Father, "if it be possible, let this cup pass from me" (Matt 26:39). But there was no response from the Father. There was no other way, and Christ became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Phil 2:8). Praise the Lord for providing us the way to eternal life through faith in Christ!

God's work through Christ is sufficient to pay for all sins of the world. He never said we needed to keep this tradition because Heaven depended on it or any such like. Much rather we read, "My grace is sufficient" (2 Cor 12:9) and "but to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness" (Rom 4:5).

Let us continually praise the Lord for reconciling the world unto Himself through Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:25
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.

Likewise, Jesus shared the cup with all the disciples during the night of His betrayal. Note that He said that this is the new testament in His blood. The shed blood is the ratification of the new testament that God was making with the world. The old testament, or the economy of the Law, was ratified with blood. Note what God records for us in Exodus 24, especially verses 6-8, where we read that blood was sprinkled on three things: the altar, the book of the Law, and the people of Israel.

Exodus 24:3-8

3 And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.

4 And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

5 And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the LORD.

6 And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.

7 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.

8 And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.

The Law wasn't to be the economy forever with mankind. God made known of a new testament that was coming for the nation of Israel in several places. I will note two of them here from Jeremiah and Ezekiel:

Jeremiah 31:31-34

31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:

33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Ezekiel 36:22-32

22 Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.

23 And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.

24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.

25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

28 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.

29 I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you.

30 And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen.

31 Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.

32 Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord GOD, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel.

God gave Israel the timeline for when Messiah would come and be cut off, but not for Himself, to the prophet Daniel. Note well who "thy people" are and what "thy holy city" is. It can be none other than the nation Israel and Jerusalem. This prophecy was given toward the end of Israel's captivity in Babylon.

Daniel 9:24-27

24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Messiah did come and was cut off, but not for Himself, like we read in Isaiah 53, as"His own received Him not" (John 1:11). Israel rejected Israel's Messiah. Even so, Jesus shed the blood of the new covenant that we remember when we partake of the cup. God would not reveal all that was done through Jesus' act on the cross until Israel committed the unpardonable sin in Acts 7 with the stoning of Stephen, the nation of Israel and God's dealing with them was set aside for a season, and Paul was commissioned with the revelation of the mystery, the gospel of the uncircumcision to take to the Gentiles until the "fullness of the Gentiles be come in" (Rom 9-11, Gal 2:1-9).

1 Corinthians 11:26
For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

Partaking of this tradition is significant. As God says, we show the Lord's death until He comes. We are proving to the world the death, burial, and resurrection as reality. We are proving to the world that the only way to eternal life is through faith in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Believe and inherit all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places (Eph 1:3), or hold the truth in unrighteousness and suffer God's wrath (Rom 1:18-32). The choice has been declared to the entire world (Rom 16:25-26). Have you chosen life in paradise today? Trust Jesus, for today is the accepted time and day of salvation (2 Cor 6:1-2).

1 Corinthians 11:27
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.

Here is explained the gravity of the choice I illustrated in the previous verse. Partaking of the Lord's Supper proves the reality of God's work through Jesus Christ. If one partakes with an unbelieving heart, they prove that they are guilty of sin and deserve death (Rom 6:23).

Now note well, that in the dispensation of grace, if anyone has at any time ever trusted in God's work through Jesus Christ, then they are sealed by God's Holy Spirit until they day they go to paradise. We see that clearly in the following passages:

Ephesians 1:13-14

13 In whom [Christ] ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 4:30

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22

21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;

22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

2 Corinthians 5:1-5

1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

Romans 8:31-39

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Our God chose to seal us into Christ in the moment of belief that we couldn't even separate ourselves from His love in Christ Jesus. I go through the trouble of saying this because this verse has confused some to think they are guilty when in reality they are not. Trust in Christ and His work and be holy, without blame, and accepted in the Beloved. (Eph 1:4-6).

1 Corinthians 11:28
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

We should take a moment and self reflect when partaking of the Lord's Supper. Where is our heart? Is it trusting in God's work or my own? Do I trust God's word or man's word? Do I realize the gravity of partaking in this act? For the believer, do I understand my position in Christ? Do I know my identity in Christ and what that means to me based on God's word? How should I act as a saint in Christ?

1 Corinthians 11:29
For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

After self reflection, it should be apparent where our heart is. Those that reject Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection are condemning themselves should they partake in the eating and drinking. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). It's important to note that the Greek word for "damnation" here is the same as translated "judge" in verse 31, which is diakrinon (literally through-judging).

Another aspect to consider is that the body of Christ should be united. There is one body (Eph 4:4). We are all members one of another (Eph 4:25). We should not show partiality as the Corinthian saints were doing when they gathered together, and so their testimony was tarnished. What does it say to the world when the members of the Body of Christ show partiality and behave in such a way? Our mindset should be like that of Jesus Christ as written in Philippians 2:

Philippians 2:5-8

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

We should look to serve one another instead of serving only ourselves. The saints at Corinth need to learn this and we can learn from their ensample.

1 Corinthians 11:30
For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

Since the saints at Corinth were not taking care of one another, the witness to them is that "many are weak and sickly." They were missing out on the spiritual growth and focusing on the physical of only a few, so naturally others suffered. It was so bad that the negligence of other saints was causing some to be sick and even die. Paul will go over how the Body of Christ should function in chapter 12 of this epistle, that one member be not exalted above another, and how if one member suffers, the whole body suffers with it.

I've read several commentaries that are associating God punishing the saints because of their attitude, but I disagree. God is clearly offering grace and peace as every one of Paul's epistles begins with those words. God isn't issuing wrath for disobedience, though He would and had every right to under the Law. But as Romans 6:14 clearly states: ye are not under the law, but under grace. Galatians makes it even clearer that the Law of Moses was a "schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster" (Gal 3:24-25). No, this was not God punishing the saints at Corinth, but rather the natural consequence of walking in the flesh instead of the spirit, and not helping out a fellow saint.

1 Corinthians 11:31
For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

This is one of those short verses that speaks volumes. "If" here is the given fact variety. The times that we thoroughly examine ourselves, when we truly take inventory of where our heart is and if we are walking in the Spirit (Rom 8:1) or quenching the Spirit (1 Thess 5:19), then we would understand the right course of action. There is still the choice to be made, but those whose heart is after God may choose to do the right thing and not listen to the law of sin which is in our flesh (Rom 7). Jesus Christ delivered us from that bondage and the victory is ours in the moment we put our faith and trust in Him and His work for us. We should mortify the members which are upon the earth and put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him (Col 3:5, 10), but it is not required for soul salvation. To avoid unnecessary judgment, let us press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:14).

1 Corinthians 11:32
But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Those times where we act selfishly and out of the flesh and are caught doing it is a time of chastening. God will let us know the right direction in which to walk if we quench not the Spirit. Acting in the flesh leads to death

Romans 6:15-16

15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

The choice is available to us, and the obvious choice may not be the easy one. Time and time again, we are given lists of the lusts of the flesh. In each of those lists we are reminded that those who do such things are worthy of death, or that they will not inherit the kingdom of God, meaning they are not translated from the authority of darkness into Jesus Christ (Col 1:12-13). Observe:

Romans 1:28-32

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10

9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:16-

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

We see the contrast to the life we ought to live now that we are in Christ. We should put off all of these and walk in newness of life. We should rejoice always because our life is hid in Christ. As the passage in 1 Corinthians 6 continues:

1 Corinthians 6:11-12

11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any

We can do anything we want in Christ and still be in Christ, but there is a choice to do those things which are expedient, rather than take part in those things that God will pour out His wrath for. The world is on a course of destruction and we were a part of it:

Ephesians 2:2-3

2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But for those that have trusted the gospel of the grace of God, our identity is in Christ and we are no longer children of wrath. Therefore, we ought to act as children of God should.

Ephesians 2:4-9

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

1 Corinthians 11:33
Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.

Now that the saints in Corinth understand their error, they are reminded to partake in meals together instead of selfishly. Wait for each other and behave as the Body should: in unity. There will be no judgment against the behavior or tarnished witness to the truth of Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:34
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.

In the situation that someone is hungry, then they should satisfy themselves at home first and eliminate selfish behavior when the saints come together. Practical advice to correct the wayward saints for the time being. Interesting to read how Paul finishes this thought that he will set the rest in order when he comes in person. Perhaps he had more on his mind about this subject to discuss with those in Corinth, but was only inspired to include what we have here into scripture.