Focus On Modesty Romans 12:3-8

What is modesty?

“likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.” (1 Timothy 2:9–10, ESV)

Modesty Hearts Actions Apparel

Modesty In Our Hearts Focus On Modesty Romans 12:3-8

“freedom from conceit or vanity” Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. (Eleventh ed.). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc.

“attitude of humility, avoiding improper self-exaltation or excessive flamboyance” Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. London: Martin Manser.

Humility Moderation Prudence Unpretentious

Character

Mark 7:20-23

Proverbs 29:23

Romans 12:3

“modesty’s basic instinct is to ‘keep private,’ while immodesty’s preference is to ‘make public.’” Henry, G. (2015, July 31). Modesty (July 31). Retrieved October 28, 2015, from https://wordpoints.com/ modesty-july-31/

Modesty In Our Actions Focus On Modesty Romans 12:3-8

Modest Conduct

1 Peter 5:5

Colossians 3:5, 12 Sexually modest behavior, no improper looking, touching, etc. – Matt. 5:27-28

Modest Speech

Colossians 4:6

Colossians 3:8-9, 13-14 Sexually modest in our speech, no sexual banter, flirtation with opposite sex, etc.

Ephesians 5:11-12

Matthew 5:13-16

1 Corinthians 10:31

1 Peter 2:9-12

Modesty In Our Apparel Focus On Modesty Romans 12:3-8

Proverbs 7:10-21

1 Corinthians 8:9-13 It seems we are constantly confronted with immodesty no matter where we go, even when we assemble with the Lord’s people. Why is that? Some are ignorant and untaught. Some want to fit  in. Some want to attract attention  and “turn heads.” Some are naïve  and don’t know how they really look. Some are careless and don’t stop and think about divine principles. Some are careless about allowing the world’s standards to influence them. And even amongst our brethren, the standards are gradually getting looser.

1 Timothy 2:9-10

1 Peter 3:1-6

1 Corinthians 12:23

How can clothing be immodest? REMEMBER THE NEED FOR MODESTY IN OUR DRESS In the garden, man and woman’s nakedness was acceptable (Gen. 2:25). Yet after sin, God covered  man and woman’s nakedness (Gen. 3:7, 11, 21). God fully understood the sexual attraction between males and females and this is especially true when it comes to visual stimulation (2 Pet. 2:14; Job 31:1). Our nakedness isn’t to be uncovered by anyone except our spouse  (Lev. 18:6; Pro. 5:19). Nakedness can, and will, stimulate sexual desire in another (2 Sam. 11:2; Pro. 7:10). Using sexual attraction to draw attention to oneself isn’t lawful except for one’s lawful spouse (Heb. 13:4; 1 Cor. 7:1-5). Dressing immodestly is causing an occasion for another to sin whether you intend it or not (Mt. 18:6-7; Num. 31:16; 25:1-9; Rev. 2:14). God’s Purpose Of Clothing Was To Cover, Not Accentuate or Reveal Our Bodies!

Complete Nakedness "An astonishingly great number of men are of the opinion that women are more attractive partly dressed - than nude. They prefer to see women partially disrobed to the sight of complete nakedness." - Theodor Reik (Of Love And Lust).

Conceal Part Of The Body Uncover everything else. This is the so-called “bikini effect.” Note - A 2009 study revealed that when men viewed images of scantily clad women, the region of the brain associated with tool use lights up. In other words, they were seen as objects. Remember in the Bible, nakedness, includes partial nudity  (Gen. 3:7, 10-11, 21; Exo. 28:42; Isa. 47:2-3). The Back, the chest, the thighs, etc. Exposing these body parts will stimulate sexual desire.

Reveal Part Of The Body A tantalizing preview. Cleavage, low-slung jeans that reveal the small of the back, the midriff. Short shorts, skirts, split dresses that show the thighs. Remember in the Bible, nakedness, includes partial nudity  (Gen. 3:7, 10-11, 21; Exo. 28:42; Isa. 47:2-3). The Back, the chest, the thighs, etc. Exposing these body parts will stimulate sexual desire.

Cover The Body Tightly The form of the body is clearly visible. This is one thing that is wrong with a one-piece bathing suit, nothing is left to the imagination. Skin tight jeans, yoga pants, etc. Note - “Luxurious clothing that cannot conceal the shape of the body is no covering at all. Such clothing, clinging close to the body, takes the body’s shape and adheres to the flesh. It outlines the woman’s figure so that the whole shape of her body is visible to spectators, even though they cannot actually see the body itself. Such clothing is meant for looking, not for covering” (Clement, The Instructor, quoted from Will The Real Heretics Please Stand Up, David Bercot, Scroll Publishing, Tyler, TX, 1989, p. 29).

Cover The Body With Thin Fabric Where certain things can be seen. The color of a person’s undergarments. The kind of undergarments being worn.

Drawing Undue Attention Be brutally honest with yourself about why you are wearing what you’re wearing.

Matthew 5:13-16

1 Cor. 10:31

1 Peter 2:9-12

Focus On Modesty Romans 12:3-8

“First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.” (Matthew 23:26)

Modesty Hearts Actions Apparel

Are you modest from the inside out?