WELCOME
by Dena Ivie
"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" (1 Timothy 2:9-10).
There seems to be no concern for modest apparel in today’s world, and this lack of concern for modesty has filtered into the church. Does this command in 1 Timothy 2:9-10 not apply to women today?
In James 1:17 we are given insight into the nature of God the Father, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." Did you take note? There is no variation or shadow of turning with the Father! From that one verse, Christians must realize that any command in the New Testament is to be obeyed today!
Many women argue that modesty is something decided by each individual. Yet even the dictionary defines modest as "observing the proprieties of dress and behavior; decent." God has given to us the ability to think and reason; thus, we are able to discern what is decent according to God. The Bible gives us all we need to know in order to understand decency in appearance and in behavior. Note the aspect of behavior needing to be modest, as well as one’s appearance.
Other women use the excuse: "that’s the only clothing being sold today and everyone is wearing it, so it must be considered proper now." Do you really think that excuse will stand before God? Look at what Jesus said "And He said to them, you are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God." (Luke 16:15) Are you willing to become an abomination in God’s sight in order to be highly esteemed by the standards of the world?
Women say they are not able to find modest clothing in the stores. Yes, some stores no longer sell much decent clothing. It may take looking a bit longer, but it is possible to buy decent clothing. Some also express the idea that modest clothing is "too expensive." However, I have found just the opposite; modest clothing is not as expensive as the "latest styles of immodesty."
Older women often are deceived by the idea, "No one looks at older women, so it really doesn’t matter what we wear. Just go for comfort." There is no truth to that idea. All women, regardless of age, are noticed by others. But more important, all are noticed by God and are responsible for obedience to His word.
Attitude controls what appearance and behavior we display. Women desiring to truly please God are willing to be more careful about what is or is not "on display" with each item of clothing worn. (Here’s a helpful hint: stand before a mirror, full length, if possible, and look at top, bottom, sides, and all points between. Turn, twist, bend over, raise, and lower your arms, eyeing yourself from all angles. You may realize you are displaying more than you thought! Sit in a chair in front of the mirror, crossing and uncrossing your legs and note what is seen. Observe carefully every item of clothing you put on.) In Proverbs 27:19, we are told, "As in water face reflects face, so a man's heart reveals the man." Again, note Proverbs 11:20, "Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the LORD, But the blameless in their ways are His delight."
If we desire to be pleasing to God and glorify Him, we will gladly maintain a "Modest Wardrobe!"
Questions
1. "In like manner also, that the women ______ themselves in _________ apparel, with __________ and ________________, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is _________ for women professing _______________, with ______ ______" (1 Timothy 2:9-10).
2. If we are to adorn ourselves with good works, does that mean our appearance is not important? Explain your answer.
3. Describe clothing that would not be modest and explain why.
Here’s a helpful hint: stand before a mirror (full length, if possible) and look at top and bottom, sides, and all points between. Turn, twist, bend over, raise, and lower your arms, eyeing yourself from all angles. Sit in a chair in front of the mirror, crossing and uncrossing your legs and note what is seen. Observe carefully every item of clothing you wear.
4. Discuss this idea: modesty is a personal preference and can be interpreted by each individual.
5. List excuses that are used to justify immodesty. Give an answer, justifying or disproving each excuse. Use scripture when possible. We do not want the idea of modesty being just "our opinion."
6. Is behavior a part of modesty? Why or why not?
7. Does one’s attitude affect appearance and behavior? Explain your answer, using scripture to prove your answer.
8. Read Matthew 5:28 and discuss whether modesty / immodesty has any influence on adultery occurring within the heart.
9. Romans 12:1-2 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you _________ your _______ a _________ sacrifice, ____, acceptable to _____, which is your reasonable ___________. And do not be _____________ to this world, but be ______________ by the renewing of your ______, that you may prove what is that _____ and ________________ and perfect _____ of _____.
10. What do the verses in question 9 have to do with modest apparel and behavior?
All Scripture is taken from the NKJ Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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