I. As in the Godhead, there is God-ordained structure of authority in marriage and life (v. 3).

II. In worship, we need to honor that authority (vv. 4-5a).

III. One’s appearance can carry a message. Our message should be fidelity and honor (vv. 5b-6).

IV. In creation God ordained different and complementary roles for men and women (vv. 7-10).

V. However, men and women are interdependent and equal in worth (vv. 11-12).

VI. Culture and custom can help us determine what’s appropriate (vv. 13-15).

VII. Biblical teaching must be upheld (vv. 2, 16).

Main Point: God-glorifying worship joyfully conforms to his ordering of relationships.

*Main Point: Paul gives two biblical principles to govern all of life, including disputable matters:

I. Live for the good of others (vv. 23-30).

II. Live for the glory of God (10:31—11:1).

*Main Point: Israel’s disobedience and God’s judgment warn us against spiritual arrogance and carelessness toward sin.

I. Spiritual blessings don’t guarantee spiritual obedience (vv. 1-5).

II. Learn from negative examples in the Bible to avoid sin (vv. 6-11).

III. Beware of spiritual pride and self-sufficiency. Instead, look to God in order to stand (vv. 12-13).

Gospel freedom and faithfulness mean:

I. Living like a servant to win people to Christ (vv. 19-23).

II. Living like an athlete to win the (imperishable) prize (vv. 24-27).

*Main Point: For the sake of the gospel, we may be called on to give up our God-given rights.

I. Paul affirms the right of gospel workers to earn a living from the gospel (vv. 1-14). He argues from:

II. Paul waives his rights for the sake of the gospel (vv. 12b, 15-18).

III. Application.

*Main Point: Love must govern our choices in disputable matters.

I. Love is more important than knowledge (vv. 1-3).

II. There is only one God, so idols are nothing (vv. 4-6).

III. However, for those with a weak conscience, eating idol-meat can be a sin (v. 7).

IV. Loving, spiritual responsibility for others must supersede personal freedom (vv. 8-13).

*Main Point: There are spiritual advantages to singleness, but to marry or not marry is a case of Christian freedom, situational wisdom, and proper biblical perspective, the last of which must extend to all of life.

I. A gospel understanding of time and reality should inform all of life, including marriage (vv. 25-31).

II. Marriage can distract from devotion and service to the Lord (vv. 32-35).

III. We should consider our calling and gifting from God (vv. 36-38).

IV. Application to widows (vv. 39-40).

*Main Point: Citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven are characterized by storing up the right treasure and not worrying about tomorrow.

1. Where is your treasure and who do you serve? (vv. 19-24)

2. God wants us to trust Him rather than worrying (vv. 25-34)