The scriptures are the same, when Christ gave the scriptures to the Apostles. It’s the same today, because God will not change. He has given us the final message and we are to follow it today. It is the applicable message, no matter what the year might be.
From infancy we must teach our children, God’s word.
From infancy to about the age of 5 a child learns more than they learn throughout the rest of their lives.
What About Modesty?
Modesty, may be a topic that offends some. But, if scripture is what offends we must know that it’s to teach us to make a change in our lives. Modesty is something we need to be concerned about in our society. From the time the sun comes up, and it begins to get warmed, it seems that clothes come off.
We must be concerned about these things.
Modesty: in Greek - Kos-mee--kos: of good behavior
Immodest - Indecent or improper
In the Greek it is simply the opposite of good behavior.
- 1 Timothy 2:9
This is addressed to women, but it is to be sure that all Christian men and women alike are to present themselves in a modest way.
- 1 Timothy 3:2
It is the idea that there is a modesty among those who serve as elders and those who serve as deacons. They should behave in such a way that is to be of guidance to all. Thus, we should follow their examples. And, it must be true that this applies to all Christians.
The Bible is ... "A book of principles that teach us how to live in this present world." — Brother Ivy Powell, "The Christian Apparel"
The scriptures give us the direction, the guidance for how to live our lives. The Bible is the guide for mankind to live by, not only in this country, but around the world.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- 2 Peter 1:3
- 1 Corinthians 2:10-13, read on your own, what Paul is saying concerning the mind of God and how it’s revealed for us in scripture.
Immodesty verses Modesty
Some try to say that modesty is in the eye of the beholder. They try to say that there is no basis to determine what is and is not modest. But, we know that is situational ethics. We have the word of God, the mind of God revealed to us for how to live our lives.
- Genesis 2:25
- Genesis 3:6-7
- Genesis 3:21
Even in our own understanding we see what is modest and what is immodest.
Obstacles on the Road to Heaven
“One would deny the teachings of God and try to apply things of man's thinking.” — Tom Bright
This is the result of those who are leaving God’s way, and trying to justify their own way of thinking, or what they are doing.
We are talking about logic and reasoning of scripture rather than man’s thoughts.
Nakedness
After Adam and Eve partook of the fruit, they were made aware. Their eyes were opened. They were aware of their nakedness. They had a shame about them, and tried to cover up as best they could.
- Genesis 9:20-21
When God confronts Adam, He covers them completely.
Noah, after becoming drunk is uncovered. He is naked. There was much shame associated with that.
- Revelation 3:18
Shame is described in the idea of nakedness. Nakedness is a shameful thing that needs to be covered up.
The word naked doesn't always mean fully unclothed, or nude.
- John 21:7
Gomonos - The outer coat, the outer garment. Be ony in their undergarment. When Peter realizes he is being called, by Jesus, he covers himself up. The word naked here, refers to peter in his undergarments, but not fully nude. He understood that he needed to cover up, though he wasn’t fully nude.
The Wearing of Clothes
The very essence of the type of clothing that reveals the body, is that they are not taking care of themselves and clothing themselves.
- 1 Timothy 2:9
The way that a woman, or man, dresses reveals the mind of the person.
- 1 Peter 3:3-4
The outward appearance promotes the inward person and reveals the inner man.
- Matthew 5:27-28
Whosoever looketh upon a woman… the mind whenever it is provoked to that point, it is lustful and becomes a mental adultery.
- 2 Peter 2:14
Eyes full of adultery. When one looks for the sinful, when one doesn’t control thoughts, that is lustful. When one reveals their body to entice others, they are both sinning.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:22
Just because our culture, the fashion of the day, accepts immodest as acceptable, it doesn’t mean the Christian does.
Excuses for Immodesty
Everyone’s doing it,, so it’s OK
- Exodus 23:2
- Romans 12:2
In this state of modesty, it’s not OK to do it just because others are doing it. The point is our society can do what they are going to do. But we can’t conform to those things. And, we should try to teach them to do better. The world does look and thinks ill, advertisements shows us.
Lasciviousness, to bring forth desire, lustful, giving into temptations.
- Galatians 5:19-21
10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Buy and Wear Clothing
Brother Ivy Powell, "The Christian Apparel"
- Would the most godly person I know wear this garment?
- If we could send pictures to heaven, would I pose in this garment then sent the picture to Christ?
- If the best, most respectable person I know asked me for a date would I want to wear these clothes?
- If I had to be out on the street at night would this garment contribute to my safety?
- Even if I had no motive, would wearing this be willfully contribute to sin? Matthew 5:28
- Paul said: "keep thyself pure." Does this garment promote purity and portray it?
- If you had a choice of dress at Judgment day what would it be?
- Does what I am wearing cause me to be spiritually mined or worldly minded?
- What kind of influence will this clothing have on those outside of Christ?
- If the wearing of bathing suits, bikinis, etc., is modest; what is immodest?
We know that the way that individuals should cover themselves in a modest way is not what we see in society. As Christians, we need to make sure we are teaching these things to our young people. If it is contrary to the will of God we need to deny those things which are in the world.
This lesson let's us see the way we need to be as Christians the way we need to be in regards to modesty.
The invitation of Christ is a simple but it does require action from the person. First we must hear and believe the word of God. Then accepting in belief that Jesus is the Son of God, repenting of sins, and confessing His name. We must be baptized, to be immersed in order to be cleansed from our sins. When we are baptized we are buried into a watery grave being buried into His death, and coming into contact with the blood of Christ which is the agent that cleanses us from our sins. We then rise again to walk a new life with Him.
But, as a Christian, if you have turned again to the sinful ways you can be restored, you can be forgiven, 1 John 1:1,2 we have that advocate with the Father who acts on our behalf to forgive us from sins, and God is faithful to forgive those who live a repentant life.
Gospel Meeting, Current Issues Kevin Smith, Guest Speaker, Evangelist
