MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES 1 Tim. 2:9-10 [By Ron Halbrook]

MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES Introduction Why 1 Tim. 2:9-10 in the Bible:

10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 1 Tim. 2:9-10 9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES Introduction Why 1 Tim. 2:9-10 in the Bible: Part of God’s Word—Means Something! Principle True through the Ages

MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES Introduction 2. Not Ashamed of the Truth: Acts 20:26-27; Rom. 1:16-17; 2 Tim. 4:2

Acts 20:26-27 Not Ashamed of the Truth 26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Rom. 1:16-17 Not Ashamed of the Truth 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

2 Tim. 4:2 Not Ashamed of the Truth 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES Introduction 2. Not Ashamed of the Truth: One God, Savior, Revelation, Baptism, Church Principles of Morality & Modesty

MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES Introduction 3. God Teaches Principle of Modesty: True from the beginning In the Patriarchal Age In the Mosaic Age In the Gospel Age God’s people are salt, light, holy

I. True From the Beginning MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES I. True From the Beginning Matt. 19:3-9 God’s Ideal for Marriage

Matt. 19:4, 8 God’s Ideal for Marriage 4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

I. True From the Beginning MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES I. True From the Beginning B. Heb. 1:1-2 Three Ages of Bible History

Heb. 1:1-2 Three Ages of Bible History 1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

I. True From the Beginning MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES I. True From the Beginning B. Heb. 1:1-2 Three Ages of Bible History Patriarchal Age: Adam to Moses (Rom. 5:12-13) Mosaic Age: Moses to Christ (Gal. 3:19) Gospel Age: Reign of Christ to End (Matt. 28:20)

I. True From the Beginning MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES I. True From the Beginning C. Some Things Distinctive to Each Age Patriarchal: Noah & the ark Mosaic: Sabbath law Gospel: baptism into death of Christ, & kingdom of Christ

I. True From the Beginning MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES I. True From the Beginning D. Some Things True in All Ages One true God God’s ideal for marriage Sanctity of human life One Savior promised Principle of modest dress

II. In the Patriarchal Age MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES II. In the Patriarchal Age Gen. 2:25 Innocence of Adam Before Sin “And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.”

II. In the Patriarchal Age MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES II. In the Patriarchal Age B. Sin Changed the World Nakedness a danger Experienced guilt of sin, shame of nakedness Gen. 3:7-11

Experienced guilt of sin, shame of nakedness Gen. 3:7-11 Experienced guilt of sin, shame of nakedness 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

Experienced guilt of sin, shame of nakedness Gen. 3:7-11 Experienced guilt of sin, shame of nakedness 9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?

II. In the Patriarchal Age MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES II. In the Patriarchal Age C. God Covered the Shame of Their Nakedness with Proper Clothing Gen. 3:7 Apron covered waist, upper thighs Gen. 3:21 Coat, tunic covered shoulders to knees

APRON: Girdle, loin-covering Gen. 3:7 Apron covered waist, upper thighs 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. APRON: Girdle, loin-covering (Brown, Heb. & Eng. Lexicon, p. 292) Gen. 3:21 Coat, tunic covered shoulders to knees 21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. COAT: Generally with sleeves, coming down to the knees, rarely to the ankles (Gesenius, Heb. & Chaldee Lexicon, p. 420)

II. In the Patriarchal Age MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES II. In the Patriarchal Age C. God Covered the Shame of Their Nakedness with Proper Clothing Modest clothing not unique to one age, but suited to nature of male & female in every age God set principle of modest dress for all mankind

MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES III. In the Mosaic Age A. Same Principle of Modesty True in Mosaic Age Ex. 20:26; 28:42 Men cover thighs (nakedness)

Ex. 20:26 Men cover thighs (nakedness) 26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon. Ex. 28:42 Men cover thighs (nakedness) 42 And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:

MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES III. In the Mosaic Age A. Same Principle of Modesty True in Mosaic Age Isa. 47:2-3 Women cover thighs (nakedness)

Isa. 47:2-3 Women cover thighs (nakedness) 2 Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers. 3 Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.

MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES IV. In the Gospel Age A. Same Principle of Modesty True in Gospel Age 1 Tim. 2:8-10 Modest dress reflects woman’s holy character in worship

1 Tim. 2:8-10 Modest dress reflects woman’s holy character 8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

MODEST: Orderly, well-arranged, decent (set by God, Gen. 3:21) 1 Tim. 2:8-10 Modest dress reflects woman’s holy character 8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. MODEST: Orderly, well-arranged, decent (set by God, Gen. 3:21)

SHAMEFACEDNESS: A sense of shame or modesty rooted in character 1 Tim. 2:8-10 Modest dress reflects woman’s holy character 8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. SHAMEFACEDNESS: A sense of shame or modesty rooted in character

SOBRIETY: Sound mind & judgment, self-control 1 Tim. 2:8-10 Modest dress reflects woman’s holy character 8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. SOBRIETY: Sound mind & judgment, self-control

NO CARNAL DISPLAY OF BODY 1 Tim. 2:8-10 Modest dress reflects woman’s holy character 8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. NO CARNAL DISPLAY OF BODY

10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 1 Tim. 2:8-10 Modest dress reflects woman’s holy character 8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. GODLINESS: Reverence for God

10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 1 Tim. 2:8-10 Modest dress reflects woman’s holy character 8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. LIFE ADORNED WITH GOOD WORKS: True worshipper of God

MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES IV. In the Gospel Age A. Same Principle of Modesty True in Gospel Age 1 Pet. 3:1-5 Modest dress reflects woman’s holy character in daily life

1 Pet. 3:1-5 Modest dress reflects woman’s holy character 1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

1 Pet. 3:1-5 Modest dress reflects woman’s holy character 5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: PRINCIPLE OF TRUTH TODAY: “For after this manner” TRUE IN PAST AGES: “in the old time”

1 Pet. 3:1-5 Modest dress reflects woman’s holy character 5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: “The rule for the holy women of the N.T. time extending down to our day is not different from what was the rule for the holy women of the O.T. time, resting as it does on a Divine appointment in the earthly constitution” (Pulpit Commentary: 1 Pet., p. 163)

V. God’s People Salt, Light, Holy MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES V. God’s People Salt, Light, Holy Matt. 5:13-16 Distinct from the World

A. Matt. 5:13-16 Distinct from the world 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

V. God’s People Salt, Light, Holy MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES V. God’s People Salt, Light, Holy Matt. 5:13-16 Distinct from the World Examples of dress exposing the shame of nakedness

Exposing the shame of nakedness Skirts above knees (stand, sit) Miniskirts Shorts above knees (stand, sit) Low cut dress, blouse (front, back) Strapless dress Backless dress Tube top, tank top Swimsuit Cheerleader Majorette Flag, drill team Tight, formfit

V. God’s People Salt, Light, Holy MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES V. God’s People Salt, Light, Holy A. Matt. 5:13-16 Distinct from the world The world admits unholy influence of immodest dress

(“Beach Motives,” Psychology Today, SURVEY: WHY GO TO BEACH 69% Men go to see women in swimsuits 7% Women go to see men (“Beach Motives,” Psychology Today, Dec. 1982, p. 10)

WEAR SKIRT ABOVE KNEES? “Should a business or professional woman ever wear a skirt above her knees to the office? The biggest mistake women make is that they believe they see the world the way men do—but they see the world differently. We did a study with women wearing conservative suits with skirts above the knees. Woman would comment that the women were very attractive and could be very capable, very talented. Men, on the other hand, said they saw legs,” which was “sexy.” (John Mollory, “Issues & Answers,” Houston [TX] Chronicle, 9-19-93, p. 4F)

V. God’s People Salt, Light, Holy MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES V. God’s People Salt, Light, Holy B. Rom. 12:1-2 Transformed Not Conformed

B. Rom. 12:1-2 Transformed Not Conformed 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

V. God’s People Salt, Light, Holy MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES V. God’s People Salt, Light, Holy C. Rev. 18:4-5 Separate from the World, or Destroyed with the World

C. Rev. 18:4-5 Separate from the World, or Destroyed with the World 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES Invitation Accept & apply 1 Tim. 2:9-10 as a blessing Principle True through the Ages

MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES Invitation 2. Not Ashamed of the Truth: One God, Savior, Revelation, Baptism, Church Principles of Morality & Modesty

MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES Invitation 3. God Teaches Principle of Modesty: True from the beginning In the Patriarchal Age In the Mosaic Age In the Gospel Age God’s people are salt, light, holy

MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES Invitation 4. Erring saint, repent & return now! 1 Jn. 1:9 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

MODEST DRESS THROUGH THE AGES Invitation 5. Child of Satan, be born again now! Jn. 3:5 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.