To 160 th Ave Church of Christ

1 Tim. 2: Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, 10 but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.

A DIFFICULT TOPIC There is not a mandated explicitly clear line in scripture. – Not like stealing. – It is a matter of principle It’s a scary subject for women – Will I have to look like the Taliban The question: “Isn’t lust the real issue?” Hard for men to talk about WE MUST TALK ABOUT THIS! THE BIBLE TALKS ABOUT THIS

What Paul Doesn’t Say: Wear a sack (covering eyes to ankles) Dress frumpish and dowdy Like the Taliban Dress Ugly

What Paul Does Say: 1 Tim. 2:9 9 Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, Modestly: – Webster’s Def.: the quality of behaving and especially dressing in ways that do not attract sexual attention – to shrink back from the boundaries of impropriety – not deliberately suggestive or provocative “Not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments” – Possibly worn by cult prostitutes to attract men. – Could refer to over dressing. Becoming a fashion play making a show drawing attention

What Paul Does Say: 1 Tim. 2:10 10 but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. What Really Matters: The Heart/What you Do – Prov. 31; “Strength and Dignity are her clothing.” – Col. 3:12; “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,” (NIV). – Eph. 6;“Put on the whole armor of God” – 1 Pet. 3:3-4; “Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.” Don’t dress wrong, dress your life right!

Dressing Wrong Immodestly: Sexually Suggestive – Not Just a Man’s problem – Prov. 7:10; And there a woman met him, with the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart. – Key word: Provoking – A woman following 1 Tim. 2:9-10 wants no part in this!

Who’s the Judge on Modesty? What won’t work – No measurement are given so it’ just up to opinion – It’s whatever I decide Gal. 6:1 – In the body of Christ we all work together, no one is doing their own thing God is judge – Our dress will meet with God’s approval. – This understanding changes everything Just because something is a matter of principle, doesn’t mean that there is no standard at all!

Consideration to dress Modestly: Do not allow the World to Dictate your dress! – Rom. 12:1 – The World judges by superficial standards – Today’s Fashion is designed to draw as much sexual attention to your body as possible! “What is this saying about me?” – Clothing makes a statement

Consideration to dress Modestly: Think of Others!!! – Luke 17:1 – It is hard to be a Christian man in the world today Our culture is saturated in sexuality and sexual images Christian men must always be looking away Fellowship with Christians should be a safe-haven in this battle of lust. Sister, Help your brothers in Christ against this war of lust Listen to what others say! – Titus 2:3-5 – Young women heed the counsel of older women – Parents be thankful when others offer counsel to your children.