1. Modesty the forgotten virtue

2. Modesty, the Forgotten Virtue u In the last study we learned why God gave modest clothing to man. u It was an act of divine grace wherein God demonstrated: u Mercy toward fallen mankind. u That man apart from divine instruction cannot determine what is in his best interest. u Sin leaves man naked and ashamed before God and the world.

3. Modesty, the Forgotten Virtue u Modesty is the spiritual fruit produced by a properly instructed & trained heart. u A heart which is “meek” and “quiet,” that is, one subjected to & willing to do the Divine Will (I Peter 3:4). u “Shamefastness” or “shamefacedness” indicates a will rooted in a sense of shame. “Sobriety” indicates a realistic sense of self in relation to God & others (I Timothy 2:9).

4. “For our conversation is in heaven...” Three Life Principles

5. u Ownership— u My body does not belong to me, but to God: u It belongs to the Father by design, creation & purpose (Matthew 19:4–6; Romans 1:18–20, 25; Psalms 148:5; Ephesians 3:9–11). u It belongs to the Son by redemption & purchase (I Corinthians 6:19–20; 7:22–24; II Peter 2:1; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 1:14; Titus 2:14; I Peter 2:9). u It belongs to the Spirit by revelation, regeneration & sanctification (John 3:3–5; I Peter 1:2, 12, 22–23; I Corinthians 4:15; 12:13; James 1:18).

6. Three Life Principles u Lordship— u Jesus is Lord over all, including my dress. u The Christian has a Master (Matthew 11:28–30; Romans 6:11–23; 14:7–9; Galatians 2:20). u Grace is not license to sin (Jude 4; Romans 6:1–3; I Corinthians 9:19–22; I Peter 4:1–6). u Christ has the right to regulate every area of our lives (Matthew 28:18; Colossians 1:18; 2:10; 3:16–17; Ephesians 1:22–23; I Corinthians 10:31).

7. Three Life Principles u Citizenship— u I am a pilgrim and stranger in a foreign land. u Our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20; I Peter 1:1; 2:11; Hebrews 11:13–16). u We can lose our cultural identity by conformity to the influences of foreigners (Zephaniah 1:8; Joshua 7:21; Numbers 15:38–39; cf. Romans 12:1–2). u Our clothing reveals that we belong to a kingdom not of this world (I Peter 3:2; cf. 2:12).

8. Three Life Principles u Reflections through Query— u God says that you are His prized possession. How would you feel if someone took what was yours and trashed or gave it away? u Who should control us? Is it culture? Is it the media? Is it our peers? Or, is it Christ & His Word? u It has been said, “When in Rome…” What kingdom do you want to reflect?

9. Three Life Principles u Consider this lesson in relation to the statements made regarding modesty: 5.Our clothes and appearance reveal a lot about our values, character and beliefs. 6.What I wear should be no one else’s concern. 7.I should be free to wear the clothing I like and am comfortable wearing.