Lesson 473

(Lesson 473)(12-01-12) 1 Corinthians 11:1-16, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. 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. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. 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. 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. 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. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of god. Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God."

　

In this lesson, Paul appears to cite along list of restrictive ordinances as to how both men and women are to conduct themselves in the service of the Church. That, however is clearly NOT what is intended in this lesson.
It is easy to understand how some, who don't do due diligence in their studies, might take from this lesson as many of the pentecostal assemblies do, the notion that women are to always have long hair and are to cover their heads while in prayer and, that it is a shame for a man to wear long hair or to pray with his head covered.
Those who believe such things should carefully read what Paul says in the final verse of today's lesson, "But if any man seem to be contentious, WE HAVE NO SUCH CUSTOM, NEITHER THE CHURCHES OF GOD." Paul makes if very clear that the above traditions and customs are NOT a requirement within the "Churches of God".
In essence, Paul is telling us, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." If some wish to observe these customs, there is no sin in it. However, the gospel of Jesus Christ does NOT require it.~