Biblical Modesty

1Timothy 2:9-10 "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."

Le 18:17 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter,

Modesty - what does it mean and what does the Bible say about it?

This is a very important question for every Christian to answer,

because we all need to deal with it. Unfortunately, many Believers in
the Lord Jesus Christ have chosen to simply adopt the World's
standard for what is considered appropriate or modest clothing.
However, we understand from Scripture, that God does not want His
children conforming to the World's Standards and the World's
Philosophies. So, when it comes to dress and clothing styles, we need
God's word to show us what is and is not acceptable from God's Holy
perspective.

First let's deal with a heart principle that Jesus discussed in Mt 5:28,
"But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after
her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." Let's not
be blind to human nature! Yes man's sinful nature is attracted to
lustful things. True, it's wrong to lust, but it is just as wrong to dress
in such a way as to cause others to lust? That's why the apostle Paul
says "that women adorn themselves in modest apparel." Of course it's
not just the ladies that need to be modest. The men also need to be
very careful about what they wear.

Let's consider what is acceptable according to God's word:

It's good to dress clean and neat for church meetings!

Obviously at church work days you have to get a little dirty!

It's good to wear clothing appropriate for the function:

Really nice Clothes for Worship Service

 Wedding Clothes if you're going to a wedding, especially if you're
the one getting married, by all means wear a fancy wedding gown or
tux.

Modest casual shorts and shirts at a church picnic.

Now, let's consider what is NOT acceptable according to God's word:

Revealing clothes that attempt to draw attention to yourself in a

sexual way, that begins to reveal your "nakedness" , that will cause
others to "lust" or "commit adultery" even in their imagination.

Short's that are Too short, dresses that are too tight or too
short

Clothes that begin to reveal what should be covered, such as

low necklines and skirts with slits up the side. Many young ladies
have fallen to the trend of wearing spaggetti straps that don't
cover their under garments. Don't be a temptrous!

Read Proverbs 7: Pr 7:10 And, behold, there met him a

woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.

Some young ladies (and men) will dress to look attractive, but
they fail to use Biblical discretion as to what is honoring to God.
Consider Proverbs 11:22, As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout,
so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

Guys you need to use biblical discretion as well! In the gym

class and on the athletic field, tank tops may be appropriate, but
not in church services and perhaps not even at casual events. *
More to come for the guysŠŠ

God has given a special relationship for men and women to

reveal their bodies to each other. That is the marriage
relationship. Hebrews 13:4 "Marriage is honourable in all, and
the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will
judge."

The harlot of Proverbs 7:10, intentionally dresses in such a

way to lure men to her body in a sexual way. This is WRONG!
We need to understand that in the setting of the Jewish culture
in biblical times, much of the modern ladies clothing that we see
today would be even more revealing than the harlot's clothing
years ago. Has the nature of men changed? Absolutely not!
What has changed is our culture's attitude towards God and His
moral Standards and Principles.

What should men and women see when they observe each
other? Should they see someone trying to tempt and lure others
or should they see "CHARACTER", godliness and clothing that
represents inner godliness? For the Christian, this answer should
be obvious!

Things to ask yourself about specific clothing:

Am I buying this because I want to look sexy? Don't buy it!

Am I wearing this because I want him/her to look at me and

want me in a sexual way? Don't wear it!

Am I trying to draw attention to myself from those of the

opposite gender by being immodest or even slightly immodest?
Don't do it!

Am I trying to be more like the world and less like Christ? You
need to have a heart and attitude change! * Read Romans 12:1
&2

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that

ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto
God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to
this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and
perfect, will of God."

Other passages to read:

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall
not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

1John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and
the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father,
but is of the world.
When it comes to the clothing you wear, don't help someone
else feed his or her flesh! Be careful what you wear.

You also need to care about others. God's word tells us a

number of times not to set "stumbling blocks before our
brethren."

1John 2:10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and
there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

Romans 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine,

nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or
is made weak.

Key thoughts concerning Biblical Modesty:

Your clothing on the outside should represent godliness on

the inside (see 1Tim. 2:9-10).

Your clothing should not be a stumbling block for believers or

unbelievers.

Would you feel uncomfortable with what you're wearing or

thinking of wearing if our Holy Lord Jesus were standing next to
you?

Would the older men & women in the church be offended at

what you're wearing?

Some Christians just don't care about others when it comes to

modesty, but they are wrong biblically. They may cry out, "but
what about my Christian Liberty?" Please turn your attention to
what God says in Galatians and Romans:

Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty;

only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love
serve one another.

Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make
not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
 One last thought:

When in doubt about a type of clothing fashion, ask a godly

woman or a godly man in what they think (ladies ask ladies and
men ask men).