Together in Christ: 'Not Independent from Each Other' — 1 Corinthians 11:11-12

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

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But among the Lord's people, women are not independent of men, and men are not independent of women. For although the first woman came from man, every other man was born from a woman, and everything comes from God.

— 1 Corinthians 11:11-12 NLT

Key Thought

God made all of us — male and female — in His image. [1] He did not create us to live alone, but to need each other. [2] After the Fall, however, the connection God intended between men and women became brittle, difficult, and often full of blame-casting. [3] Yet "among the Lord's people," God made a fresh creation, [4] the Kingdom of God. Jesus valued men and women equally in His ministry,[ 5] as did the apostle Paul. [6] This re-creation of God's original plan for men and women was not only revolutionary but also "very good!" just like the original plan. [7] After all, "the first woman came from man, every other man was born from a woman, and everything comes from God." Our job isn't to argue about the lesser or greater worth or importance of men and women. Jesus' followers must all value each other as precious members of His family with key roles to play in the Kingdom of God. [8] A mature disciple of Jesus will have healthy and holy relationships with both men and women. [9]

[1] Genesis 1:26-27, 31.
[2] Genesis 2:18-25.
[3] Genesis 3:10-13, 16-19.
[4] 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 3:1-7; Titus 3:3-7.
[5] Jesus spoke, served, healed, and blessed both women and men, as well as children, throughout His earthly ministry. His apostles were men (Matthew 10:2-4), but a group called "the women" provided financially for Jesus and His disciples as they ministered to others, and "the women" followed Jesus faithfully all through His Passion and resurrection (Luke 8:1-3, 23:49, 55, 24:1, 5, 22, 24; Acts 1:14).
[6] In addition to key women (Lydia, Euodia, and Syntyche — Acts 16:13-15; Philippians 4:2-3) who were important in the church at Philippi, Paul lists a number of key women and men and their ministry roles in the church in Rome (Romans 16:1-16) as well as the important influence of Timothy's mother Eunice and grandmother Lois (2 Timothy 1:5, 4:14-15). Luke emphasizes the importance of both men and "prominent women" converts in Macedonia (Acts 17:4, 12). Some men who ministered with Paul were Timothy, Titus, Silas, and Aquilla (Acts 17:15; Romans 16:3; 2 Corinthians 8:23).
[7] Genesis 1:31.
[8] Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-31.
[9] 1 Timothy 5:1-3.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, thank You for making clear that You value men and women equally. Thank You for Jesus' example of working with both women and men in ministering to and serving others. We confess that we let Satan twist our hearts and create rivalries and misunderstandings about each other's importance and value in your family. We long to have holy, respectful, and appreciative attitudes toward each other so that we can help others find their way into Your family. We ask for Your help in making this true among us today. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 16:1-16
  • Luke 8:1-3

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Illustration

Illustration of 1 Corinthians 11:11-12 NLT — But among the Lord's people, women are not independent of men, and men are not independent of women. For although the first woman came from man, every other man was born from a woman, and everything comes from God.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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