Does Culture Determine Modesty? Dealing With Worldliness Immodesty Does Culture Determine Modesty? Does It Matter How We, As Christians, Dress? How Should A Christian Dress? Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

In Our Culture, Almost Anything Goes! Dealing With Worldliness In Our Culture, Almost Anything Goes! When French designer Louis Reard introduced the bikini in 1946, Parisian models would not model it. He hired a nude dancer to unveil the swimsuit. Today, little is frowned upon in society. Thong bathing suits, “Daisy Duke” shorts, Micro-mini skirts, are championed on television and in movies, and are seen everywhere. Who sets the standard for what you wear? Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

World Parents Preacher Elders Always Thought / Done Don McClain What Is Our Standard? Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

To violate God’s standard is to act outside of God’s will If so – will listen, appreciate & follow (Jas. 1:21-22) If not – You will be rejecting God himself (Jno. 12:48) Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

“badly clad” or “not fully clothed” (Kittle, I:773-774) “Unclad, without clothing” . . .“Ill-clad” or “clad in undergarment only” (Thayer, p. 122) “badly clad” or “not fully clothed” (Kittle, I:773-774) “lightly clad” (Liddell & Scott, 170) One Can Have Some Clothing On & Still Be “Naked!” Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

Recognized as Still Naked V. 10,11,21 Recognized as Still Naked By All (Relatively) Apron [21] . . . the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.” V. 7 Naked (Nude) Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

From The Shoulder To The Knee Original I.S.B.E. article on “Dress” says chiton “resembled the Roman tunic, corresponding most nearly to our long shirt, reaching below the knee always, and, in case it was designed for dress occasions, reaching almost to the ground” (I.S.B.E., II:877). . . . the chiton of the peasantry was shorter like modern kamis of Syrian fellah which is to the knee. From The Shoulder To The Knee Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

From The Shoulder To The Knee KUTTONET--"a tunic...; generally with sleeves, coming down to the knees, rarely to the ankles" (Gesenius, 420; cf. Harris, 1:459; Brown, Driver, Briggs, 509). “The tunic . . . was a shirt which was worn next to the skin. It was made of leather, hair-cloth, wool, linen, or in modern times, usually of cotton . . . (Fred H. Wight, Manners and Customs of Bible Lands, 91). From The Shoulder To The Knee Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

From The Shoulder To The Knee . . . The simplest form of it was without sleeves and reached to the knees or sometimes to the ankles. . . . Women as well as men wore it [see Cant. 5:3, A.R.V.], although there was no doubt a difference in style and pattern in what was worn by the two” (Fred H. Wight, Manners and Customs of Bible Lands, 91). From The Shoulder To The Knee Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

} Exodus 28:42 (NKJV) Nakedness 42 And you shall make for them linen trousers to cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the waist to the thighs. Nakedness “Sobriety” - “Moderation” Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

} Nakedness Isaiah 47:2-3 (NKJV) 2 . . . Remove your veil, Take off the skirt, Uncover the thigh, Pass through the rivers. 3 Your nakedness shall be uncovered, Yes, your shame will be seen; . . . Nakedness “Sobriety” - “Moderation” Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

1 Timothy 2:9,10 (NKJV) 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. Examining Biblical Principles Modest Apparel ? Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

? (kosmios) - "Respectable; honorable" (Arndt and Gingrich, 445). "Well-arranged; seemly" (Thayer, 356). "Orderly; well-arranged; decent" (Vine, III:79). "The well-ordering is not of dress and demeanor only, but the inner life’s uttering indeed, and expressing itself in the outward conversation" (Trench’s Syn. 346). Examining Biblical Principles Modest Apparel ? Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

The People’s New Testament Commentary defines modesty as “In simple attire which doesn’t attract attention.” Bible Knowledge Commentary - “An appearance that is simple, moderate, judicious, and free from ostentation. . . . Christians must be careful about letting a pagan culture set their fashions. Examining Biblical Principles Modest Apparel ? Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

Reserved Humble Respectable Decent Orderly ? Don McClain Examining Biblical Principles Modest Apparel ? Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

Have we lost the ability to blush (Jeremiah 6:15; 8:12)? “With shamefacedness” –(aidos) – “A sense of shame or honor, modesty, bashfulness, reverence, regard for others, respect” - "A sense of shame" (Vine, IV:17; Thayer, 14). Have we lost the ability to blush (Jeremiah 6:15; 8:12)? Those who dress, (don’t dress), in such a way that the imagination has little else, if anything to imagine . . what would it take to get them to blush? Shamefacedness Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

SOPHROSUNE - Translated “sobriety,” KJV, ASV; - “moderation,” NKJV “Soundness of mind... ‘sound judgment’ practically expresses the meaning; ‘it is that habitual inner self- government, with its constant rein on all the passions and desires which would hinder the temptation to these from arising....” (Vines, Vol. IV, pp. 44-45). “Soundness of mind, i.e.(lit,) sanity or (fig.) self- control” (Strongs, # 4997). “Sobriety” - “Moderation” Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

“Devoutness, i.e. piety” (Strongs, # 2317). THEOSEBEIA - “Denotes the fear or reverence of God,…” (Vines, Vol. II, p. 162). “Devoutness, i.e. piety” (Strongs, # 2317). Darby: “profession of the fear of God”, NIV: “profess to worship God” “Sobriety” - “Moderation” Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

Someone’s at the door – Could someone answer it – I’m not dressed! I’m dressed – I’ll get it It’s probably my friends – we are going to Wild River Country Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

Want to be bold and “turn heads” Don’t know how they really look Ignorant & Untaught Want to fit in Want to be bold and “turn heads” Don’t know how they really look Careless – Don’t stop & think About Divine principles Allow world’s standards to influence them Brethren gradually get looser Why do people (even Christians) dress immodestly? One reason is that the general looseness of our society, having come through the sexual revolution, has impacted our dress, causing it to become more seductive, and revealing. This has also had a severe impact on Christians. Many just want to be stylish. Some are bold, daring, wanting to be seductive. Peer pressure has played a large part in immodesty, especially among our young people. The problem is getting worse! More and more young people are walking around BIBLICALLY NAKED. A lack of knowledge is another possibility – there is little or no public, private study, or parental teaching, and therefore maybe some don’t realize that they are naked, (Rev. 3:17), even though they should. Some are simply careless – they just don't stop and think. All of these reasons are unacceptable and inadequate in the sight of God. Those who “Fear God,” strive to please God – Do YOU?. Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

Sets a poor example (Mt. 5:13-16), which could put others in danger. Our dress says something to others about ourselves - “Attire of a harlot” (Prov. 7:10) Create sexual temptation, causing others to sin (Matt. 5:28; Prov. 6:25; Jas. 1:14; Mt. 18:6-7); [David saw Bathsheba & lusted (2 Sam. 11)] Sets a poor example (Mt. 5:13-16), which could put others in danger. Create sexual temptations for others (Jas. 1:14; 2 Sam. 11:2). Cause others to sin (Mt. 18:6-7). Weaken the home (1 Sam. 3:13; Deut. 21:18-21). Set a poor example (Mt. 5:13-16). Bring shame on Christ and His children (Eph. 5:25-27; Jas. 1:27). Discourage faithful Christians (1 Thes. 5:14). Mislead weak Christians (Phil. 3:17). Ultimately, you lose your soul unless you repent and may cause others to be lost too (Gal. 5:21). Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

Bring shame on Christ and His children (Eph. 5:25-27; Jas. 1:27). Discourage Christians (1 Thes. 5:14). Mislead weak Christians (Phil. 3:17). Ultimately, you lose your soul unless you repent and may cause others to be lost too (Gal. 5:21). Create sexual temptations for others (Jas. 1:14; 2 Sam. 11:2). Cause others to sin (Mt. 18:6-7). Weaken the home (1 Sam. 3:13; Deut. 21:18-21). Set a poor example (Mt. 5:13-16). Bring shame on Christ and His children (Eph. 5:25-27; Jas. 1:27). Discourage faithful Christians (1 Thes. 5:14). Mislead weak Christians (Phil. 3:17). Ultimately, you lose your soul unless you repent and may cause others to be lost too (Gal. 5:21). Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

Too short, (revealing the thighs). Too low off the shoulders, (showing shoulders/chest/back). Too sheer (can see through them). Too tight (fits like a sausage wrapper - more suggestive/ appealing to men). Careless body positioning and movements. OK when participating in sporting event? OK when participating in a school function? OK when at a swimming pool or the beach? “Sobriety” - “Moderation” Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

Short Dresses / Mini Skirts Split Dresses Backless Dresses Sun Dresses Low-Cut Blouses & Dresses Revealing Cleavage - Swimsuits Tight / Formfitting Short Shorts (revealing the thigh) Jogging Shorts See-Through Styles Majorette Uniforms Cheerleading Outfits “Sobriety” - “Moderation” Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

Can I stand, walk, sit, kneel, bend over, etc Can I stand, walk, sit, kneel, bend over, etc., in this clothing without being "naked" by biblical standards? Does my clothing emphasize certain body parts or area that would tend to provoke lust in others? Does my clothing stir admiration and respect for me or does it prompt opinions otherwise? “Sobriety” - “Moderation” Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

Would I wear this if Jesus was in my personal physical presence? Since clothing can indicate character (cf. Prov. 7:10), would my clothing suggest an abundance or lack of upright character? What kind of influence will my clothing have on those who are not Christians? What kind of influence will my clothing have on those who are Christians? Would I wear this if Jesus was in my personal physical presence? “Sobriety” - “Moderation” Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

Be consistent in standards and application of standards. Begin early - don't allow immodesty until 12 or 13, and then expect sudden correction. Take the lead in teaching children about modesty; don't wait for someone else to do it. Teach children by word of mouth - in our homes, and teach them by example - children can identify inconsistency quickly and easily. Be consistent in standards and application of standards. Mothers, teach your sons and daughters what God teaches, and do not undermine godly husbands and fathers as they properly lead. “Sobriety” - “Moderation” Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

Disregard God by disregarding His word (Jn. 12:48-49; cf. 1 Sam. 8:7). Defile and sear your conscience (1 Cor. 8:7; 1 Tim. 4:2). Lose your sense of shame (Jer. 6:15; 8:12). You conform to the world (Rom. 12:1-2). Will likely move to more immodesty (2 Tim. 3:13). Will likely move to other forms of worldliness (2 Tim. 3:13). Will resent questions and teaching on the subject (Acts 22:22). “Sobriety” - “Moderation” Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

Be Modest – reserved, decent, respectable Exhibit Shamefastness – can blush, have shame Show Good Judgment – common sense Show Godliness – devoted to God Respect Others – opposite sex could lust Cover our nakedness – cover from the shoulder to the knee Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, So is a lovely woman who lacks discretion. - Proverbs 11:22 Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

World Parents Preacher Elders Always Thought / Done Don McClain What Is Our Standard? Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009

Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / May 17, 2009