The Head Covering Debate That's Dividing Churches
Are you confused about biblical headship? Wondering if women must wear head coverings to obey God? You're not alone. This controversial doctrine has caused division in churches for generations, with some claiming it's essential for salvation while others dismiss it entirely.
The truth is, most Christians have never heard a clear, biblical explanation of what 1 Corinthians 11:3 actually teaches about God's order of headship.
What 1 Corinthians 11:3 Really Teaches About God's Order
While culture shifts and philosophies change, God's order never changes. What 1 Corinthians 11:3 really teaches is the foundation of divine authority: "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."
This isn't about superiority or inferiority—it's about divine order and God-given roles.
What Does "Head" Really Mean?
When we let the Bible define itself, we discover that biblical headship involves several key aspects:
1. Authority and Position - Ephesians 1:22 shows us: "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church."
2. Growth and Development - Ephesians 4:15 teaches: "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ."
3. Love and Sacrifice - Ephesians 5:23 explains: "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."
4. Preeminence - Colossians 1:18 declares: "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."
5. Completeness - Colossians 2:10 assures us: "And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power."
The Truth About Head Coverings
Here's what many miss: the trap of the devil isn't about what goes on top of your head—it's being so distracted by head coverings that you've forgotten the clear command to witness to the lost.
What Scripture Actually Says About Women's Adornment
If God wanted to command an additional head covering, He would have mentioned it in the key passages about women's conduct:
1 Peter 3:1-4 addresses wives' behavior, conversation, dress, hair, and jewelry—but mentions no additional head covering requirement.
1 Timothy 2:9-10 discusses modest apparel, braided hair, gold, and pearls—again, no mention of mandatory head coverings.
The focus isn't on external coverings but on "the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price" (1 Peter 3:4).
The Proverbs 31 Woman: Active, Not Oppressed
Some point to Proverbs 31:22, which says the virtuous woman "maketh herself coverings of tapestry." But read the context—"her clothing is silk and purple." She's making clothes, not religious head coverings.
This woman is:
Trusted by her husband (v. 11)
Actively working and buying property (v. 16)
Helping the poor and needy (v. 20)
Far from oppressed or silenced
Understanding True Biblical Submission
For Men: Your headship means Christ-like leadership—loving, sacrificial, and protective. You don't force submission; you earn respect through godly character.
For Women: Biblical submission isn't about inferiority. Like Christ's submission to the Father, it's about roles, cooperation, and order. Jesus isn't inferior to the Father—they're equal in essence but different in function.
For Churches: Focus on the gospel—the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. People aren't saved by how you live but by faith in Christ alone.
The Gospel Priority
Remember: "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5). The exclusivity of the gospel is what matters most.
Your witness should be verbal proclamation of God's Word, not just silent living. While holy living matters, the gospel must be preached.
Jesus and the Crown of Thorns
Consider this: Jesus had an additional covering on His head—a crown of thorns—as He died for our sins. Yet with this covering, He:
Prophesied and spoke truth (John 19:11)
Cared for His mother (John 19:26)
Cried out to the Father (Matthew 27:46)
Did His head covering dishonor the Father? Absolutely not. Jesus Christ has the preeminence, and all glory goes to Him.
Major on the Majors
Don't let debates about head coverings distract from the clear commands of Scripture. Ladies, whether you choose to wear an additional covering or not, ask your husband—that's between you, him, and God.
But never let external practices replace the heart of the gospel. Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. That's the message that saves souls.
🎧📖 Want the Full Message? This blog post only scratches the surface of this powerful exposition of biblical headship. Listen to the complete verse-by-verse bible teaching for deeper insights into God's order and design. Experience this expository preaching style that lets Scripture interpret Scripture—you'll gain clarity on this controversial topic that many churches avoid.
[Listen to the Full Sermon Here - Expository Preaching on Biblical Headship]