Modesty is integral to God's way of life, reflecting humility, purity, and holiness in attire. It begins in the heart, expressing a humble estimation of oneself before God, and governs outward appearance with moderation and propriety, as urged in I Timothy 2:9 and I Peter 3:3. Clothing should cover the body appropriately, from just below the neck to the knees, avoiding extravagance or sensuality. Immodesty, linked to idolatry and lewdness, contrasts with God's standard, seen in the covering of Adam and Eve and the robes of the saints. As future kings and priests, we must embody modesty now, rejecting worldly trends and reflecting Christian character in daily life and worship.

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Modesty (Part One): Moderation and Propriety

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The way we dress reflects the values and beliefs with which we identify, revealing the true culture and religion of a people. Immodest dress often emerges in societies that prioritize idolatry, sensuality, or material possessions, leading to dissatisfaction with modest standards and a push toward extravagant or revealing fashion. In contrast, cultures adhering to true Christian principles aim for personal holiness as the standard for their attire, consciously designing a dress code rooted in moral considerations rather than accepting default cultural trends driven by the fashion world's intent. Modesty, decency, purity, and holiness are integral to God's way of life and will characterize the saints in the Millennium and the Kingdom of God. Those who fail to embrace modesty now may find themselves at odds with the standards of God's Kingdom. As the firstfruits, called to be kings and priests, we must prioritize moderation and propriety in our appearance, reflecting the holiness God commands. Modesty, as a broad concept, transcends mere sexual connotation; it is a state of mind expressing a humble estimation of oneself before God. It opposes boldness or arrogance, avoiding attention-seeking or unseemly display. Linked with chastity, modesty stems from moral purity in thought and conduct, rejecting both sensuality and flamboyance. Scriptural guidance, such as in I Peter 3:3, urges moderation in adornment, warning against excessive focus on outward appearance like elaborate hair, gold, or fine apparel, emphasizing instead the adornment of the heart with virtues like modesty and self-control. Similarly, I Timothy 2:9 instructs women to dress in modest apparel with propriety and moderation, avoiding extravagance that could exploit physical charms or cause emotional disturbance among others. The term "modest" here conveys respectability and honor, while "moderation" implies self-control and good judgment, and "propriety" suggests a reserve in matters of sexuality. Modesty begins in the heart; if the heart is aligned with God, it governs itself in purity and humility, expressing itself outwardly in modest attire. A heart ruled by self-indulgence or pride will not manifest modesty in dress. Christian modesty is an inner self-government, rooted in a proper understanding of oneself before God, displaying humility and purity from a genuine love for God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, rather than self-glorification. God Himself sets the standard for modesty, as seen in the clothing He provided for Adam and Eve, using the Hebrew term labash, which implies adorning or protecting rather than concealing shame. This clothing covered the body for propriety and consideration of others, not because the body is inherently evil, but to avoid temptation and maintain decorum. Throughout scripture, from the tunics of Adam and Eve to the garments of Jesus Christ and the white robes of the glorified saints, God's people are depicted as covered from at least just below the neck to the knees, reflecting a consistent testimony of modest attire. As Christians, we have a duty to dress modestly, a requirement that begins in the context of worship and extends to daily living. Our clothing should express truth, modesty, and witness to Christian character, guided by principles of moderation and propriety, ensuring it is not offensive through immodesty. Preparing as future kings and priests for Christ's return, we must embody these standards now, anticipating the rich, white, modest robes of God's Kingdom.

Modesty (Part Two): Put On Righteousness

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In a world inundated with immorality and lewdness from the entertainment industry, the call to modesty stands as a stark contrast. The Bible addresses nakedness early in Genesis 3, revealing that sinful man and woman must be covered, and public nakedness, termed lewdness, is a sin. Historically, Christian peoples were noted for their modesty, while heathen peoples were marked by immodesty. Today, however, the distinction has blurred as many professing Christians adopt revealing trends, mirroring pagan practices. Modern America has been publicly undressed, accepting lewdness as normal and even preferable. Within the church, immodesty in clothing, such as plunging necklines, exposed midriffs, and tight or thin garments, causes embarrassment and raises questions about reverence before God. Husbands and fathers bear responsibility to guide their families in modest attire, reflecting love and care for their wives and daughters. God's Word in Leviticus 18:6-7 explicitly forbids uncovering nakedness, particularly in unlawful contexts, labeling it sinful and shameful. Public displays of nakedness often accompany idolatry, as seen in ancient Israel with the golden calf and in Corinth with temple prostitution, revealing a persistent human tendency toward such sins. Scripture associates nakedness with shame, as seen in Isaiah 47:3, Ezekiel 16:37, and Nahum 3:5, where public exposure of private parts is linked to disgrace and divine judgment. Clothing, as God's gracious covering for human rebellion, contrasts with being unclothed, which symbolizes exposure to His judgment. Even partial nakedness, such as removing an outer garment, is considered shameful by biblical standards, as illustrated by Peter in John 21:7, who covered himself before approaching Christ on shore. Historically, God's people covered their bodies in public, while pagans often uncovered theirs, a practice tied to demon possession and perversion, as seen in Luke 8:26-35 with the demon-possessed man who wore no clothes until healed by Jesus. Satan and demons strive to strip humanity of clothing, promoting lewdness as a means of defilement. Exposing the female body, which should be covered from just below the neck to at least the knees, contradicts the biblical model of modesty. The fashion industry, particularly through swimwear, has intentionally shifted public opinion against modesty, undressing America by design since the 1800s. Swimwear evolved from functional attire to fashionable garments meant to reveal and arouse, challenging legal and moral limits of public nakedness. This cultural shift, driven by secular influences and supported by media, has eroded the biblical worldview of covering the body, replacing it with an exhibitionist display that eroticizes human anatomy. As Christians, the call is clear: do not conform to this world but be transformed by renewing the mind, as urged in Romans 12:1-2. The choice of clothing reflects whether God or man is the lawgiver in one's life. Modesty, decency, purity, and holiness are essential to God's way of life and must be evident in the dress of those aspiring to be kings and priests in His Kingdom. Righteousness, both spiritual and physical, should be the garment we wear, reflecting moderation and propriety in all cultural circumstances.

What Is Proper Women's Dress (I Timothy 2:9)?

Bible Questions & Answers

God's guidelines regarding clothing and dress are very general. God expects Christian women to dress in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation (discretion, margin) (I Timothy 2:9) that is, in clothes that are not flamboyant and garish. A Christian woman should not be an exhibitionist in attracting undue attention to herself by wearing clothing that is provocative, suggestive, or outrageous. This does not mean that Christian women should be drab, colorless, or tasteless dressers. A Christian is to be a light to the world (Matthew 5:14-16), an example of balance and good taste. Clothes can be fashionable without being immodest or peculiar. Apparel should be appropriate for the occasion decent swimsuits for the beach, jeans for yard work, and usually a dress or other nicer outfit for special occasions. A Christian woman should especially strive to look nice for her husband and family. In the Old Testament, God gives this law: A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman's garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the LORD your God (Deuteronomy 22:5). This refers to transvestitism or cross-dressing, not to a woman's wearing of pants that are designed for women. The simple principle is that men should look and dress like men masculine and women should look and dress like women feminine. By doing so, we will both glorify God. The meek and quiet spirit of a truly converted Christian woman will be reflected in the kind of clothing she selects (I Peter 3:1-4). She will wear what is appropriate and stylish for any given occasion, but with proper modesty and decorum. God will look on the heart of such a woman with approval.

Is It a Sin to Wear Jewelry?

Bible Questions & Answers

It is certainly not a sin to wear jewelry if worn in moderation and in a wholesome manner. The attitude and motive of the wearer are the important factors.

Does the Bible Prohibit Women From Cutting Their Hair (I Corinthians 11:6)?

Bible Questions & Answers

Because Paul mentions long hair, some have been afraid to cut their hair at all. Yet I Corinthians 11:15 does not read 'uncut hair'; it reads 'long hair.'

Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Clothing and hair length signal and reflect areas of rebellion, defiled attitudes, and spiritual health, providing a barometer of a person's character.

The Writing of Prostitutes

'Prophecy Watch' by Martin G. Collins

What is pornography? Is nudity wrong? Discover the attitudes behind pornography and why Christians must strive for purity.

The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Two Demon-Possessed Men Healed (Part Three)

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Jesus performed numerous exorcisms of demons, like His casting out of the evil spirits from the men near Gadara. Once freed, these men changed significantly.

Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the matter of godly standards for dress, we must adopt the humble, childlike, sincere, unassuming, and teachable attitude, loving God intimately.

Evaluating Culture

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Under humanistic liberalism, cultural standards exist on a sliding scale, depending on the tastes of the individual. In the end, there are no standards.

Essential Characteristics of Our Calling

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Doctrine and practice be evenly balanced. If the behaviors are detached from principle and doctrine, the weightier matters of the law will be neglected.

Hair Care?

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

Experimentation with hair has always been associated with rebellion. Absalom's rebellion seemed to be inextricably tied to his vanity over his long hair.

Thou Shall Not Covet

Sermon by John O. Reid

Because virtually every sin begins as a desire in the mind, the command against coveting (lustful cravings) could be the key to keeping the other commandments.

Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The notion that it does not matter what we wear if our heart is right on the inside is foolish. Our clothing ought to reflect our inward character.

Imagination

Sermon by John O. Reid

Satan works on us through our imagination; he broadcasts images to our minds. To counter this, we must resist him, practice humility and draw close to God.

Displaying Gentle and Patient Conduct

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God's people must follow the spirit of the law regarding the treatment of others, being humble, sincere, and gentle, esteeming others before themselves.

God's Pattern of the Family

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The family structure, with assigned orders of responsibility (not orders of importance implying superiority or inferiority), is paramount to God's plan.

What's Wrong With 'Here Comes the Groom'?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Radical feminism has tried to empower one gender by disabling and marginalizing the other gender, creating a pathological, dysfunctional society.