The battle to serve God's always begins in the heart. n When a heart is tender to God's will, the outward practice in time will change. (Acts 10:32)

The battle to serve God's always begins in the heart. n (Acts 10:32 NKJV) “Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.”

The battle to serve God's always begins in the heart. n However when there is a desire only to appear to be a servant of God before men, there will be areas which are off limits to God. (Gal 1:10; 6:12, 14)

The battle to serve God's always begins in the heart. n (Galatians 1:10 NKJV) “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.”

The battle to serve God's always begins in the heart. n (Galatians 6:12 NKJV) “As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.”

The battle to serve God's always begins in the heart. n (Galatians 6:14 NKJV) “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”

The battle to serve God's always begins in the heart. n The purpose of this lesson is two-fold.

The battle to serve God's always begins in the heart. n The purpose of this lesson is two-fold. n To understand what is the will of God in the kind of clothes we wear.

The battle to serve God's always begins in the heart. n The purpose of this lesson is two-fold. n To understand what is the will of God in the kind of clothes we wear. n To test our hearts as to whom we are really serving.

Our apparel tells others something about us n Our society well recognizes this point.

Our apparel tells others something about us n Our society well recognizes this point. n This is behind the billions spent in the fashion industry!

Our apparel tells others something about us n Our society well recognizes this point. n This is behind the billions spent in the fashion industry! n We may be "wearing a sign" and be unaware of it.

Our apparel tells others something about us n Our society well recognizes this point. n This is behind the billions spent in the fashion industry! n We may be "wearing a sign" and be unaware of it. n The Bible clearly affirms this too. (1 Tim 2:9-10) KJV

Our apparel tells others something about us n " 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.”

Our apparel tells others something about us n Modest - (kosmios) - of good behaviour, well arranged, seemly.

Our apparel tells others something about us n Shamefacedness - (aidos) - perhaps..through the idea of downcast eyes; a sense of shame or honour, modesty, bashfulness, reverence, regard for others, respect.

Our apparel tells others something about us n Shamefacedness - (aidos) - perhaps..through the idea of downcast eyes; a sense of shame or honour, modesty, bashfulness, reverence, regard for others, respect. n sobriety - (sophrosune) 1) soundness of mind 2) self-control

Our apparel tells others something about us n Shamefacedness - (aidos) - perhaps..through the idea of downcast eyes; a sense of shame or honour, modesty, bashfulness, reverence, regard for others, respect. n sobriety - (sophrosune) 1) soundness of mind 2) self-control n A Godly woman is not to be seeking attention but rather have a meek and quiet spirit. (1 Pet 3:3-4)

Our apparel tells others something about us n (1 Peter 3:3-4 NKJV) “Do not let your adornment be merely outward; arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel; {4} 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.”

Our apparel tells others something about us n We face tremendous pressures from the world to conform. (Ex. High School)

Our apparel tells others something about us n Today immorality is openly encouraged and praised. The present day homosexual movement has an enormous impact on the fashion industry.

Our apparel tells others something about us n Today immorality is openly encouraged and praised. The present day homosexual movement has an enormous impact on the fashion industry. n God made men and women different therefore you will see emphasis towards women in these areas. Men are very stimulated by sight. (Mt 5:27-30)

Our apparel tells others something about us n (Matthew 5:27-30 NKJV) “”You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ {28} “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Our apparel tells others something about us n {29} “If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. {30} “And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.”

Our apparel tells others something about us n Women you may be wearing clothing that is an invitation to ungodliness and not be aware of it! Sadly some are aware. (Prov 7:10; Gen 38:13-15) (Ex. Fish)

Our apparel tells others something about us n (Proverbs 7:10 NKJV) “And there a woman met him, With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.”

Our apparel tells others something about us n We need fathers to take a strong stand in these areas! Do you give in?

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n Our ability to be ashamed is a powerful tool in the Lord’s hand.

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n Our ability to be ashamed is a powerful tool in the Lord’s hand. n Shame - “A painful emotion caused by consciousness of guilt, shortcoming, or impropriety which appears in the countenance by blushing.”

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n We do not like to feel shame, it is painful! But it is better to feel the pain of our conscience before an action, that after an action!

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n We do not like to feel shame, it is painful! But it is better to feel the pain of our conscience before an action, that after an action! n Our shame is a product of our teaching and experience, either good or bad! (Rom 6:21-23)

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n (Romans 6:21-23 NKJV) “What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. {22} But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. {23} For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n Why Do Men Feel Shame?

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n Why Do Men Feel Shame? n Because of the knowledge we have of right and wrong.

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n Why Do Men Feel Shame? n Because of the knowledge we have of right and wrong. n It is very common for new converts to say: “I never knew it was wrong!”

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n Why Do Men Feel Shame? n Because of the knowledge we have of right and wrong. n It is very common for new converts to say: “I never knew it was wrong!” n Because of a lack of knowledge, they had no shame.

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n Why Do Men Feel Shame? n Because of the knowledge we have of right and wrong. n It is very common for new converts to say: “I never knew it was wrong!” n Because of a lack of knowledge, they had no shame. n Because of the knowledge of others.

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n The knowledge of other people.

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n The knowledge of other people. n Women - Clothing, housekeeping.

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n The knowledge of other people. n Women - Clothing, housekeeping. n Men - dirty car, foul-up at work.

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n The knowledge of other people. n Women - Clothing, housekeeping. n Men - dirty car, foul-up at work. n The knowledge of God (2 Cor 7:9-10).

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n (2 Corinthians 7:9-10 NKJV) “Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. {10} For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n The Bible teaches that nakedness should produce shame in us.

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n The Bible has always expected men and women to be ashamed in their nakedness. (Rev 3:17-18)

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n (Revelation 3:17-18 NKJV) “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’; and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked;

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n {18} “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.”

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n Shame however is something that can be lost! (Jer 6:15; 8:12)

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n (Jeremiah 6:15 NKJV) “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; Nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; At the time I punish them, They shall be cast down,” says the LORD.”

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n (Jeremiah 8:12 NKJV) “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed, Nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; In the time of their punishment They shall be cast down,” says the LORD.”

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n We are facing a problem in the church where men and women are making judgments on how they feel and not on the word of God! This is a mark of apostasy! (Ex. The clothing at "liberal" churches.")

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n We are facing a problem in the church where men and women are making judgments on how they feel and not on the word of God! This is a mark of apostasy! (Ex. The clothing at "liberal" churches.") n What is “nakedness” according to the Bible?

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n We are facing a problem in the church where men and women are making judgments on how they feel and not on the word of God! This is a mark of apostasy! (Ex. The clothing at "liberal" churches.") n What is “nakedness” according to the Bible? n (Gen 2:25) - Adam and Eve were naked when they had no clothes.

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n (Genesis 2:25 NKJV) “And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.”

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n (Gen 3:7,10-11) - They were still naked when they made the equivalent of men’s swimming trunks!

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n (Genesis 3:7 NKJV) “Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.”

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n (Genesis 3:10-11 NKJV) “So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” {11} And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?”

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n (Gen 3:21) - They were no longer naked when God made them “tunics of skin”.

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n These are defined as: "generally with sleeves, coming down to the knees" (v. 21; Gesenius, Hebrew & Chaldee Lexicon, 420).

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n (Genesis 3:21 NKJV) “Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.”

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n “God replaced their shorts with garments covering from the shoulders down to the knees to cover the shame of their nakedness.”

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n (Ex 28:41-42; Isa 47:2-3) - God was very concerned with improper clothing that still left one naked! How much was covered? Look at the passages!

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n (Exodus 28:41-42 NKJV) “So you shall put them on Aaron your brother and on his sons with him. You shall anoint them, consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister to Me as priests. {42} “And you shall make for them linen trousers to cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the waist to the thighs.”

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n (Isaiah 47:2-3 NKJV) “Take the millstones and grind meal. Remove your veil, Take off the skirt, Uncover the thigh, Pass through the rivers. {3} Your nakedness shall be uncovered, Yes, your shame will be seen; I will take vengeance, And I will not arbitrate with a man.”

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n Have you lost your shame concerning nakedness?

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n Why do some men not feel shame?

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n Why do some men not feel shame? n By sinking deeper into sin. (1 Tim 4:2; Eph 4:19)

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n (Ephesians 4:19 NKJV) “who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n (1 Timothy 4:2 NKJV) “speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,”

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n Do you remember the first time that: you had a social drink… Told a lie?

We live in a society that has lost its shame. n Do you remember the first time that: you had a social drink… Told a lie? n Have you ever asked of someone: “How did he/she get like that?”

There are other things that speak of our character. n The Christian is also to respect human customs when they are more restrictive than God's laws. (Ex. Red Dress in the 20's and 30's)

There are other things that speak of our character. n The Christian is also to respect human customs when they are more restrictive than God's laws. (Ex. Red Dress in the 20's and 30's) n Our emphasis on material things. (1 Tim 2:9-10; Jas 2:2-7)

There are other things that speak of our character. n (1 Timothy 2:9-10 NKJV) “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, {10} but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.”

There are other things that speak of our character. n (James 2:2-7 NKJV) “For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, {3} and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,”

There are other things that speak of our character. n {4} have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? {5} Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? {6} But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts?

There are other things that speak of our character. n {7} Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?”

There are other things that speak of our character. n Who do we praise and seek to know?

There are other things that speak of our character. n Who do we praise and seek to know? n Are we caught up in the pursuit of clothes and homes?

There are other things that speak of our character. n Who do we praise and seek to know? n Are we caught up in the pursuit of clothes and homes? n Our hair also speaks as do our clothes. (1 Cor 11:14-15)

There are other things that speak of our character. n (1 Corinthians 11:14-15 NKJV) “Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? {15} But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering.”

There are other things that speak of our character. n The use of our tongues. (Mt 15:19-20)

There are other things that speak of our character. n (Matthew 15:19-20 NKJV) “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. {20} “These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”

There are other things that speak of our character. n What is really in your heart?

There are other things that speak of our character. n What is really in your heart? n Be honest, what do you think of when you hear such a lesson? (Jn 3:19-21)

There are other things that speak of our character. n (John 3:19-21 NKJV) “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. {20} “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. {21} “But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

There are other things that speak of our character. n When we cannot study these things we are fighting God, not men.

There are other things that speak of our character. n When we cannot study these things we are fighting God, not men. n Please do not view these things as "traditional views within the church.”

There are other things that speak of our character. n When we cannot study these things we are fighting God, not men. n Please do not view these things as "traditional views within the church.“ n Please fight your sensitivity and defensiveness and seek out the will of God.

There are other things that speak of our character. n When we cannot study these things we are fighting God, not men. n Please do not view these things as "traditional views within the church.“ n Please fight your sensitivity and defensiveness and seek out the will of God. n Ask questions of Godly men and women.

There are other things that speak of our character. n When we cannot study these things we are fighting God, not men. n Please do not view these things as "traditional views within the church.“ n Please fight your sensitivity and defensiveness and seek out the will of God. n Ask questions of Godly men and women. n Brethren let us show patience with one another in these areas! (Rom 15:1)

There are other things that speak of our character. n (Romans 15:1 NKJV) “We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”