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Retaining the Standard 2 Tim. 1: ) Retain the standard of sound words which you have here from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. (NASB) 13) Hold fast the pattern of sound words…(NKJV) 13) Hold fast the the form of sound words…(KJV) 13) Keep as the pattern of sound teaching…(NIV) 13) You have a pattern of healthy words…(Greek) 14) Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you. (NASB)

Retaining the Standard If we do not retain the standard: We will not know the certainty of things – Luke 1:4 We will turn to a different gospel – Galatians 1:6 We will be given to a debased mind – Romans 1:28 We will be destroyed – Hosea 4:6 There are to be no divisions in the church 1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I plead with you, brethren by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and judgment.

Retaining the Standard This series will include: God’s Standard for Authority God’s Standard for Organization God’s Standard for Worship God’s Standard for Discipline God’s Standard for Evangelism God’s Standard for Modesty God’s Standard for Benevolence God’s Standard for Marriage God’s Standard for Salvation

God’s Standard for Modesty RETAINING THE STANDARD

Why is our appearance important? Only God looks at the heart of man – 1 Samuel 16:7 Adornment should reflect the heart – 1 Peter 3:3-4 Our light shines before men – Matthew 5:16 Wear what is proper for good works – 1 Timothy 2:8-10 Man does not set the standard – Genesis 3:7, 21

God’s Standard for Clothing Garments for the priests – Exodus 28:2, 41 Garments to cover their nakedness – Exodus 28:42-43 What is nakedness? ▪ Waist to the thighs – Exodus 28:42 ▪ The backside – Isaiah 20:4 ▪ The front side – Ezekiel 23:3 What is proper? – 1 Timothy 2:10

God’s Standard for Clothing “But I can’t help it if someone lusts after me” ▪ Judah’s sin with a “harlot” – Genesis 38:13-15 ▪ Do not cause anyone to sin – Matthew 18:6 ▪ Do not put up a stumbling block – Romans 14:13 “But that is just the style today. I’m just doing what everyone else is.” ▪ Do not conform to the world – Romans 12:2 ▪ A lot of clothing styles originate from harlotry.

God’s Standard for Hair Styles Not with arranged (braided hair) – 1 Pet. 3:3, 1 Tim. 2:9 Hair can be arranged in a way that causes attention. A woman’s hair is a glory – 1 Corinthians 11:15 Shame in a shaved head (women) – 1 Corinthians 11:5- 6 Men are not to have long hair – 1 Corinthians 11:4, 14 What does nature teach about long hair? ▪ Song of Solomon 4:1; 2 Kings 2:23-24

God’s Standard for Body Piercing and Tattoos Body piercing is not foreign to the bible. ▪ Rebekah given a nose ring – Genesis 24:22 ▪ Earrings were made to make the golden calf – Exodus 32:2-3 ▪ Earrings and nose rings used in building the tabernacle – ▪ Exodus 35:22 ▪ Slaves had their ear pierced – Exodus 21:1-6 ▪ Earrings and nose rings were considered signs of beauty- ▪ Ezekiel 16:12

God’s Standard for Body Piercing and Tattoos Jewelry was a sign of harlotry – Hosea 2:13 Certain body piercings are for enhancing sexual pleasure. ▪ Private areas and tongue ▪ When they can be seen, it is the same as wearing the attire of a harlot. Not allowed for Israel – Leviticus 19:28 Not allowed for the priests – Leviticus 21:5

The Appearance of the Priests The conduct of priests – Leviticus 21:6 Could a Levitical priest offer acceptable sacrifices if he was not properly dressed? We are all priests under Christ – 1 Peter 2:4-5 Our bodies are living sacrifices – Romans 12:1 Can we offer acceptable sacrifices when we are not properly dressed?

Why go to the Old Testament? Do not bind the Old Law – Galatians 5:3-4 If we bind modesty from the Old Law, then we must also bind circumcision, animal sacrifices, etc. Old Testament is our example – Romans 15:4 All things lawful, but not helpful – 1 Corinthians 10:23

Bring your body into subjection – 1 Cor. 9:27 27) But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. Will your body’s appearance be what disqualifies you? Deny yourself – Luke 9:23 23) Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

Philippians 3:16 16) Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. Let us retain the standard! John 8: ) Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed in Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32) “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”