Prepare your heart for the Sermon by looking through these suggestions that will assist you in making the most of our time together hearing God's Word.

You will find suggestions for thinking more critically through the passage, meditating more intently on the text, and prayerfully seeking wisdom to deepen your understanding of the passage to be preached this Sunday.

Carefully Think

• Read 1 Corinthians 11:2-10. For what does Paul praise his original audience? What basically does he want them to better understand? What are the key words in this passage? 
• Are there any dangers or consequences referenced in this passage if the instructions are not followed? If so, what are they?
• Which uses of “head” refer to the physical part of the body and which uses refer to one in authority? What is the rationale listed for these instructions (vs. 7-9)? Specific to wives, what additional reason is listed for the covering of their heads (vs. 10)?
• How does what is stated about the physical head correlate with the “head” as in authority? What does Paul say about the order of creation? How does that add to your understanding of the point Paul is making here? 
• The Sermon Study equipping class notes are available online for anyone wanting to dig deeper. Please review this week's notes to help study this passage. Click here for the notes.

Prayerfully Meditate

• What does Paul state in this passage that is different from our current cultural norms? Why do you think these difference exist?
• How have you personally heard or seen portions of this passage applied?
• Does how men and women are instructed here add to your understanding of the relationships between men/women, husbands/wives, men/Christ? If so, how?
• What are some common objections to the topics addressed in the passage? Based on your observation of the passage, do you think these instructions are relevant today or were they only specific to the original audience in the midst of their culture?