Dress that Comes From a Good Conscience Dress that Comes From a Good Conscience

Everything we do outwardly comes from the heart. Ultimately it is our hearts that are presented before God. (Deut 30:6; Jer 4:4)Ultimately it is our hearts that are presented before God. (Deut 30:6; Jer 4:4)

Everything we do outwardly comes from the heart. Deuteronomy 30:6 - And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.Deuteronomy 30:6 - And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.

Everything we do outwardly comes from the heart. Jeremiah 4:4 - Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, And take away the foreskins of your hearts, You men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, Lest My fury come forth like fire, And burn so that no one can quench it, Because of the evil of your doings.Jeremiah 4:4 - Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, And take away the foreskins of your hearts, You men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, Lest My fury come forth like fire, And burn so that no one can quench it, Because of the evil of your doings.

Everything we do outwardly comes from the heart. Our study today, while making application about clothing, is actually about the heart.Our study today, while making application about clothing, is actually about the heart.

Everything we do outwardly comes from the heart. This subject is highly sensitive because of our desire to be acceptable to others and because of possible correction to what allowed to be practiced by parents.This subject is highly sensitive because of our desire to be acceptable to others and because of possible correction to what allowed to be practiced by parents. To those with a “circumcised heart” this will not be difficult but welcomed. (Jn 3:21)To those with a “circumcised heart” this will not be difficult but welcomed. (Jn 3:21)

Everything we do outwardly comes from the heart. John 3:21 - "But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God."John 3:21 - "But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God."

Everything we do outwardly comes from the heart. We continue to examine how a “good conscience” is maintained by a joyful strife to avoid offence before God and men. (Acts 24:16)We continue to examine how a “good conscience” is maintained by a joyful strife to avoid offence before God and men. (Acts 24:16)

Everything we do outwardly comes from the heart. Acts 24:16 - "This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.Acts 24:16 - "This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

Everything we do outwardly comes from the heart. strive - exercise (oneself), take pains, labor, strive; followed by an infinitive (AC 24.16) - Thayer’s Lexiconstrive - exercise (oneself), take pains, labor, strive; followed by an infinitive (AC 24.16) - Thayer’s Lexicon

Everything we do outwardly comes from the heart. This kind of heart is mocked and condemned by the world and worldly religion. Some say this “strife” is against the “grace of God” and hinders our “assurance” before God. The Gnostics would have said this!This kind of heart is mocked and condemned by the world and worldly religion. Some say this “strife” is against the “grace of God” and hinders our “assurance” before God. The Gnostics would have said this! This is the real product of the real love of God! (1 Jn 3:19-21)This is the real product of the real love of God! (1 Jn 3:19-21)

Everything we do outwardly comes from the heart. 1 John 3: And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. 20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God1 John 3: And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. 20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God

Everything we do outwardly comes from the heart. 22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

How the heart affects outward clothing For a Christian woman being a “daughter of Sarah” is her goal (1 Pt 3:6)For a Christian woman being a “daughter of Sarah” is her goal (1 Pt 3:6)

How the heart affects outward clothing 1 Peter 3:6 - as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.1 Peter 3:6 - as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

How the heart affects outward clothing What makes one a daughter of Sarah? Look at the heart! (1 Pt 3:1-5)What makes one a daughter of Sarah? Look at the heart! (1 Pt 3:1-5)

How the heart affects outward clothing 1 Peter 3:1-5 - Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.1 Peter 3:1-5 - Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.

How the heart affects outward clothing 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward -- arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel -- 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward -- arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel -- 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,

How the heart affects outward clothing chaste - as a quality of behavior that is morally clean purity, sincerity, blamelessness (2C 6.6)chaste - as a quality of behavior that is morally clean purity, sincerity, blamelessness (2C 6.6) fear - in a positive sense respect, reverence, awe, (wholesome) fearfear - in a positive sense respect, reverence, awe, (wholesome) fear quiet spirit - as possessing inward calm quiet, tranquil, peaceful, at restquiet spirit - as possessing inward calm quiet, tranquil, peaceful, at rest

How the heart affects outward clothing not - arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel / rather let it be the hidden person of the heartnot - arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel / rather let it be the hidden person of the heart

How the heart affects outward clothing Our dress should reflect a good conscience. (1 Tim 2:9-10) KJVOur dress should reflect a good conscience. (1 Tim 2:9-10) KJV

How the heart affects outward clothing (1 Timothy 2:9-10 KJV) - 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.(1 Timothy 2:9-10 KJV) - 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.

How the heart affects outward clothing Modest - (kosmios) - of good behaviour, well arranged, seemly.Modest - (kosmios) - of good behaviour, well arranged, seemly. Shamefacedness - (aidos) - perhaps..through the idea of downcast eyes; a sense of shame or honor, modesty, bashfulness, reverence, regard for others, respect.Shamefacedness - (aidos) - perhaps..through the idea of downcast eyes; a sense of shame or honor, modesty, bashfulness, reverence, regard for others, respect. sobriety - (sophrosune) 1) soundness of mind 2) self-controlsobriety - (sophrosune) 1) soundness of mind 2) self-control

How the heart affects outward clothing How can a woman gain such a heart?How can a woman gain such a heart? She must have a genuine and reverent faith. (Mal 1:6; Psa 89:5-8)She must have a genuine and reverent faith. (Mal 1:6; Psa 89:5-8)

How the heart affects outward clothing Malachi 1:6 - " A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence? Says the LORD of hosts To you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, 'In what way have we despised Your name?'Malachi 1:6 - " A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence? Says the LORD of hosts To you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, 'In what way have we despised Your name?'

How the heart affects outward clothing Psalm 89:5-8 - And the heavens will praise Your wonders, O LORD; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints. 6 For who in the heavens can be compared to the LORD? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the LORD? 7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him. 8 O LORD God of hosts, Who is mighty like You, O LORD? Your faithfulness also surrounds You.Psalm 89:5-8 - And the heavens will praise Your wonders, O LORD; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints. 6 For who in the heavens can be compared to the LORD? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the LORD? 7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him. 8 O LORD God of hosts, Who is mighty like You, O LORD? Your faithfulness also surrounds You.

How the heart affects outward clothing She must be secure in her relationship with God.She must be secure in her relationship with God. She wants the praise of God above men.She wants the praise of God above men. She does not want to draw undue attention to herself in clothing and actions.She does not want to draw undue attention to herself in clothing and actions.

Why God gives emphasis towards women on clothing Consider some possible reasons.Consider some possible reasons. Women tend to be more focused on relationships.Women tend to be more focused on relationships. Men are more affected by the dress of a woman. (Mt 5:28)Men are more affected by the dress of a woman. (Mt 5:28)

Why God gives emphasis towards women on clothing Matthew 5:28 - "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.Matthew 5:28 - "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Why God gives emphasis towards women on clothing Nakedness should cause the painful emotion of shame!Nakedness should cause the painful emotion of shame! Adam and Eve were naked when they had no clothes. (Gen 2:25)Adam and Eve were naked when they had no clothes. (Gen 2:25)

Why God gives emphasis towards women on clothing Genesis 2:25 - And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.Genesis 2:25 - And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

Why God gives emphasis towards women on clothing They were still naked when they made the equivalent of men’s swimming trunks! (Gen 3:7, 10-11)They were still naked when they made the equivalent of men’s swimming trunks! (Gen 3:7, 10-11)

Why God gives emphasis towards women on clothing Genesis 3:7 - Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.Genesis 3:7 - Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.

Why God gives emphasis towards women on clothing Genesis 3: So he said, "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself." 11 And He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?"Genesis 3: So he said, "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself." 11 And He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?"

Why God gives emphasis towards women on clothing After God made them “tunics of skin” they were not “naked.” These are defined as: "generally with sleeves, coming down to the knees" (Gen 3:21)After God made them “tunics of skin” they were not “naked.” These are defined as: "generally with sleeves, coming down to the knees" (Gen 3:21)

Why God gives emphasis towards women on clothing Genesis 3:21 - Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.Genesis 3:21 - Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.

Why God gives emphasis towards women on clothing God was very concerned with improper clothing that still left one naked! How much was covered? Look at the passages! (Ex 28:41-42; Isa 47:2-3)God was very concerned with improper clothing that still left one naked! How much was covered? Look at the passages! (Ex 28:41-42; Isa 47:2-3)

Why God gives emphasis towards women on clothing Exodus 28: "So you shall put them on Aaron your brother and on his sons with him. You shall anoint them, consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister to Me as priests. 42 "And you shall make for them linen trousers to cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the waist to the thighs.Exodus 28: "So you shall put them on Aaron your brother and on his sons with him. You shall anoint them, consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister to Me as priests. 42 "And you shall make for them linen trousers to cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the waist to the thighs.

Why God gives emphasis towards women on clothing Isaiah 47:2-3 - Take the millstones and grind meal. 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; I will take vengeance, And I will not arbitrate with a man."Isaiah 47:2-3 - Take the millstones and grind meal. 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; I will take vengeance, And I will not arbitrate with a man."

Why God gives emphasis towards women on clothing Have you lost your shame concerning nakedness?Have you lost your shame concerning nakedness?

Some basic applications on dress Let godly fathers speak out! Godly women need to seek advice of godly men.Let godly fathers speak out! Godly women need to seek advice of godly men. Some women do not realize the message they are sending. (Prov 7:10)Some women do not realize the message they are sending. (Prov 7:10)

Some basic applications on dress Proverbs 7:10 - And there a woman met him, With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.Proverbs 7:10 - And there a woman met him, With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.

Some basic applications on dress “Modesty is nothing to be ashamed of!”“Modesty is nothing to be ashamed of!” Carefully study these things before being a part of public events.Carefully study these things before being a part of public events.

Some basic applications on dress There are not public situations where modesty does not matter! (Ex. Sports)There are not public situations where modesty does not matter! (Ex. Sports) Please think through the wedding dress and the bridesmaids’ dress carefully. A Christian must refuse to be a part of that!Please think through the wedding dress and the bridesmaids’ dress carefully. A Christian must refuse to be a part of that!

Some basic applications on dress Dress Test for Women by Mary MartiniDress Test for Women by Mary Martini 1. Look at yourself in a full length mirror – front, back and sideways and ask:1. Look at yourself in a full length mirror – front, back and sideways and ask: 2. Will what I am wearing bring God glory and portray me as a godly woman?2. Will what I am wearing bring God glory and portray me as a godly woman? 3. Does what I am wearing meet or exceed God’s standard for being modest? (Genesis 3:21; Exodus 20:26; 28:40-43)3. Does what I am wearing meet or exceed God’s standard for being modest? (Genesis 3:21; Exodus 20:26; 28:40-43)

Some basic applications on dress Exodus 20:26 - 'Nor shall you go up by steps to My altar, that your nakedness may not be exposed on it.'Exodus 20:26 - 'Nor shall you go up by steps to My altar, that your nakedness may not be exposed on it.'

Some basic applications on dress 4. Is it appropriate and respectful? (Genesis 41:14; Matthew 22:11-14)4. Is it appropriate and respectful? (Genesis 41:14; Matthew 22:11-14)

Some basic applications on dress Genesis 41:14 - Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh.Genesis 41:14 - Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh.

Some basic applications on dress 5. Will my clothing help or hurt my influence for Christ? (Romans 13:10)5. Will my clothing help or hurt my influence for Christ? (Romans 13:10)

Some basic applications on dress Romans 13:10 - Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.Romans 13:10 - Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Some basic applications on dress 6. Is it too short? Sit down, cross your legs, bend over, reach up and squat down. At any time, does the garment reveal any of your leg above your knees?6. Is it too short? Sit down, cross your legs, bend over, reach up and squat down. At any time, does the garment reveal any of your leg above your knees?

Some basic applications on dress 7. Is it too tight? Am I revealing my body form (which highlights or emphasizes my feminine sexuality), thus tantalizing, enticing, or tempting men (young or old) to have impure thoughts (Matthew 18:7; Gal 5:19 – lasciviousness)?7. Is it too tight? Am I revealing my body form (which highlights or emphasizes my feminine sexuality), thus tantalizing, enticing, or tempting men (young or old) to have impure thoughts (Matthew 18:7; Gal 5:19 – lasciviousness)?

Some basic applications on dress Matthew 18:7 - "Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!Matthew 18:7 - "Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!

Some basic applications on dress 8. Is it too sheer? Can I see my skin or undergarments through the material? (John 21:7 – undergarments exposed = naked in God’s eyes)8. Is it too sheer? Can I see my skin or undergarments through the material? (John 21:7 – undergarments exposed = naked in God’s eyes)

Some basic applications on dress John 21:7 - Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea.John 21:7 - Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea.

Some basic applications on dress 9. Is the neckline too low? Bend over – what can you see? Sit. Have another female tell you what they can see while looking down at you. This is a real situation – be honest.9. Is the neckline too low? Bend over – what can you see? Sit. Have another female tell you what they can see while looking down at you. This is a real situation – be honest.

Some basic applications on dress Watch out for the “non-traditional” scoffers (2 Pt 2:19-20)Watch out for the “non-traditional” scoffers (2 Pt 2:19-20)

Some basic applications on dress 2 Peter 2: While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.2 Peter 2: While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.

Some basic applications on dress Some of the greatest threats to keeping a good conscience come from within the church. How many scoff at social drinking and “rules?”Some of the greatest threats to keeping a good conscience come from within the church. How many scoff at social drinking and “rules?” You will find that a stand in this area will cost you relationships!You will find that a stand in this area will cost you relationships! God’s wisdom will always be for our good! (Deut 6:24)God’s wisdom will always be for our good! (Deut 6:24)

Some basic applications on dress Deuteronomy 6:24 - And the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day.Deuteronomy 6:24 - And the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day.