3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. 5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. 6 For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. 7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man is not from woman, but woman from man. 9 Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. 10 For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord. 12 For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God.
1 Corinthians 11:3-12 (NKJV)
Discussion Questions:
- The Bible is like an ‘operating manual’for mankind—how can studying Scripture help us avoid unnecessary struggles in relationships, whether now or in the future? Why is submission to God’s order (God > Christ > husband > wife) key to unity in marriage and family? As the Trinity functions harmoniously with distinct roles, how can couples (or aspiring couples) embrace different roles while maintaining oneness? What practical steps can we take to reject individualism and prioritize ‘one flesh’ unity? (1 Corinthians 11:3-12; Acts 10:38; Ephesians 5:23-24)
- In practical terms, how can husbands lead through Christlike service and wives strengthen the home through godly support, creating unity rather than conflict? For those not yet married: How can you cultivate Christ-centered character today—like humility, patience, and sacrificial love—to prepare for either marriage or singleness in God’s perfect will? (1 Corinthians 11:3,8-11)
- How does a wife’s Christ-centered character become a transformative witness in her home, especially when facing challenges like an unbelieving spouse or cultural pressures? How can women honor their God-given roles with wisdom, balancing strength in their gifts with biblical submission in marriage, without viewing these callings as conflicting? For all believers, married or single: How might cultivating ‘the hidden person of the heart’ prepare us to reflect Christ’s love in every relationship, while trusting God’s perfect plan for our lives?(1 Peter 3:1-4;1 Timothy 3:11;Ephesians 5:33)
Sermon Summary
This week’s sermon examines God’s perfect blueprint for marital relationships through 1 Corinthians 11:3-12 and related scriptures. Just as we need an instruction manual to properly operate new equipment, the Bible provides essential guidance for building Christ-centered marriages. God has established a loving order of authority (God > Christ > husband > wife) not to restrict but to bring harmony, mirroring the beautiful unity yet distinct roles within the Trinity itself. We’ll explore how Christlike servant-leadership differs radically from worldly dominance, the transformative power of a wife’s gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:1-4), and practical ways to balance God-given gifts with biblical roles. The message will particularly highlight cultivating the “inner beauty” of Christlike character that truly honors God. Whether married or single, all believers are called to reflect God’s wisdom in relationships through lives surrendered to Christ’s lordship. Join us for this timely study on how God’s design leads to truly fulfilling marriages that glorify Him.