1. Principles and Applications of Modest Dress

2. Introduction
for many Christians, modesty is one of those topics that is acknowledged, then forgotten
not a day goes by that we don’t make a judgment on how we will present ourselves to the world
one of the first impressions we have of another’s character is their dress and demeanor
how much thought goes into the choices that you make concerning modesty?

3. The Requirement of Modesty
1 Tim. 2:8-10
I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 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, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.

4. The Requirement of Modesty
1 Pet. 3:1-4
Do not let your adornment be merely outward-- arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel-- 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. Concerning Nakedness all can agree that nakedness is immodest
however, by God’s standards, one can be clothed and still expose nakedness (Gen. 3:7, 10-11, 21)
further clarification for the lower body (Ex. 20:26; 28:42-43)(Is. 47:2-3)
nakedness of the upper body also associated with sin (Ezek. 23:3)
nakedness as God has defined it has only one lawful place: in marriage (Prov. 5:15-20)

6. Modesty & Marriage
revealing of the body is to remain within the holy relationship between husband and wife
chaste conduct requires modesty (1 Pet. 3:2) and is an aspect of submission to husband (v.5)
have no right to reveal body to one who is not your spouse (1 Cor. 7:4; 6:19)
if unmarried, recognize that while you can attract attention with your clothing, it may not be of the character you desire (Prov. 7:6-11; 31:25-30)

7. Situational Modesty? worship services (1 Tim. 3:14-15, cf. 2:8-10)
modesty accentuates the spiritual person, not the physical, so it should be second nature in worship
do not bring that which is unclean into the temple of God (2 Cor. 6:16-18)
daily life (1 Pet. 3:15-16, cf. 3:3-6)
every aspect of our life is governed by God’s law
may be seen as strange or extreme for insistence on modesty, but God will judge (1 Pet. 4:4-5)

8. Situational Modesty? recreation and sports
as there are no Scriptural exceptions for these, God’s law concerning modesty still applies
if it is in our own power to clothe ourselves, then we have no excuse for immodesty
I have no right to expose myself to others, and I have no right to observe others exposed
swimming and water parks

9. Conclusion
modesty is a daily decision, whether we think about it daily or not
are you willing to reevaluate your wardrobe?
are you willing to reevaluate your activities?
are you willing to reevaluate your priorities?