The Bible speaks of "coverings" in many places. This morning, in my own Bible Study, I read about Head Coverings (1 Corinthians 11). It was kind of an odd subject, if I'm completely honest with myself. A woman must wear head coverings? Is he (Paul), talking about hair, or a scarf, or something else entirely? When I dug a little deeper, and got in to the context of the chapter, I began to understand. In Corinth, it was considered proper by the gentile context that a woman should wear a head covering as a sign of submission to her husband. Though the Corinthians had freedom in Christ, to show the rest of the world that they understood this, Paul goes deeper: Jesus submits to the Father, the Husband submits to Christ, the wife submits to the husband, so that all may bear witness that in our submission we are covered under Christ and His Sacrifice. This is OUR covering: that we submit to Christ and His word, and do things HIS way, in spite of what the culture around us does. We must bring ourselves in to perfect submission to God so that all others may see His glory, and sing praise to His name. The Blood of Christ covers our sin, but that comes through confession (if you don't need a savior, are you truly saved?), repentance (did Christ die for you to continue in your sin?), Baptism (submission to Christ, being Crucified with Him, dying to self, being buried, and being resurrected in Him a new creation!), remission of sin (the debt in our sin is CANCELLED!) and submission to His will in using our gifts for His glory (guess what, baptism is just the beginning, not the end!). Submission to Christ is Kingdom work, it helps us focus on Christ, and keep our focus there. It also guides us as we bring our bodies in to submission to the Holy Spirit, so that He may produce fruit with lasting effects in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23). Are you covered? 1 Peter 4:
Stewards of God’s Grace
1Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh,a arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
7The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Suffering as a Christian
12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of gloryb and of God rests upon you. 15But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And
“If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”c
19Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Footnotes: a 1 Some manuscripts add for us; some for you b 14 Some manuscripts insert and of power c 18 Greek where will the ungodly and sinner appear?
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