Modesty Dress and Demeanor

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“Well arranged”, orderly, becoming; “akin to kosmos, in its primary sense as ‘harmonious arrangement, adornment’” (Vine) – Used by 1 st century writers in contrast to revealing clothes New Testament: – Behavior, 1 Tim 3:2 – Dress and demeanor, 1 Pet 3:3-4 4

“It is the character of the inner life that forms and is expressed in conversation, demeanor, and clothing preferences.” Jim Harmon “Modesty: Virtue Ignored” (Contending for modesty in the church) 5

The inner character of modesty: Holiness of mind, 1 Pet 1:13-16 – The well-ordering is not of dress and demeanor only, but of the inner life, uttering indeed and expressing itself in the outward conversation.” (Trench, Syn., Sec. xcii) 6

Shamefastness (aidos): – A sense of shame, modesty (Vine) ; “bashfulness” (Thayer) “That modesty which is ‘fast’ rooted in the character” Used for opposite of promiscuous The ability to blush (Jer 8:12) 7

Sobriety (sophrosune): – “Soundness of mind…judgment” “It is that habitual inner self-government, with its constant rein on all the passions and desires, which would hinder the temptation to these from arising...” (Vine) Free from the intoxicants of worldly values and lusts (1 Pet 4:2-4) 8

Restrained conduct, not ostentatious (showy), 1 Tim 2:9 – Clothing that is consistent with your profession of godliness, 1 Tim 2:10 “Modesty is an element of Christian character, and our dress should make the same ‘profession’ that we do.” (Jeff Pollard, Christian Modesty: The Public Undressing of America, 3) Until the heart is modest, one’s demeanor and dress will not be modest! 9

Elder is to be modest in behavior – His life is well-behaved, orderly, moderate and dignified (Titus 2:2) In the home: Leader, 1 Tim 3:4-5 In the community: Blameless, 1 Tim 3:2 In the church: Steadfast and faithful, Heb 13:7 10

Every Christian is to be modest in behavior, 1 Pet 2:11-12 – Decently, not revelry and carousing, Rom 13:13 (1 Pet 4:3) In the home (Col 3:18-21) In the community (Col 4:5) In the congregation (Eph 4:16) 11

(1 Timothy 2:9) Apparel (katastole) “A lowering, letting down” “a garment let down” (Thayer) 12

God considers exposing the thigh to be nakedness, Exo 28:42-43 God considers exposing the thigh to be nakedness, Exo 28:42-43 – Even though the worldly do not! Rom 1:31 – Priests wore trousers that covered both the waist and the thigh to cover their nakedness, Exo 11:4-5; 18:13-14 Shame of nakedness is seen when the thigh is exposed, Isa 47:2-3 Shame of nakedness is seen when the thigh is exposed, Isa 47:2-3 Covering and clothing are different! Gen 3:7-10, 21 Covering and clothing are different! Gen 3:7-10, 21 13

Our clothing must be orderly – Arranged by shamefastness and sobriety Our clothing must be orderly – Arranged by shamefastness and sobriety – Some object, saying there is no “dress code” in the Bible. But… Bible demands modest clothing (conceals rather than reveals), 1 Tim 2:9 Bible demands modest clothing (conceals rather than reveals), 1 Tim 2:9 Bible forbids nakedness (exposure of thigh, less than full compliment of clothing), Gen 3:21 Bible forbids nakedness (exposure of thigh, less than full compliment of clothing), Gen 3:21 Bible commands shamefastness and sobriety as proper, 1 Tim 2:9-10 Bible commands shamefastness and sobriety as proper, 1 Tim 2:

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“Parents who are indifferent to their preteen’s or teen’s (boys and girls) desire to dress in many of today’s fashions are putting their children at risk for social and spiritual problems later.” (Jim Harmon) Do we have the sobriety to be wise about our modesty? Eph 5:17 16