The sermon "Why It Matters" by Jeffrey Johnson examines the biblical directives regarding women wearing head coverings during worship, as discussed in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. Johnson begins by linking his sermon to the story of Jonah and his own avoidance of difficult biblical passages, humorously referring to "3 Corinthians" before diving into the actual text.
He outlines the context of Paul's instructions in Corinth, where cultural norms demanded that married women wear veils or head coverings to signify their marital status and purity. Johnson interprets this as not merely a preference for long hair as a covering, but as a fabric covering used to indicate a woman's submission to her husband, paralleling this to the veils worn on wedding days in Roman culture.
Johnson argues that Paul's insistence on head coverings is rooted in a broader theological framework that includes the order of authority (Christ over man, man over woman), the creation order (man was created first), and the need for clear, visible symbols of this order within the church. He suggests that these practices were meant to communicate important truths about God's design for authority and submission within the family and the church.
The sermon also addresses contemporary issues, questioning whether the church has drifted from biblical teachings by comparing the debate over women pastors in modern times to the first-century context of Paul's letter. Johnson challenges listeners to consider the implications of dismissing such practices as outdated or legalistic, emphasizing the need for obedience to scripture rather than cultural conformity.
Johnson concludes by encouraging a thoughtful, scriptural examination of the role of appearances, customs, and authority structures in worship and daily life, urging a commitment to uphold these principles even if they seem counter-cultural or controversial today. He leaves open the possibility that while the specific practice of wearing head coverings may not be mandated for all times, the underlying principles of authority, submission, and visible symbols of these truths remain relevant.