Modesty For His Majesty
Perth Bible Church Sunday AM October 28, 2007
Rev. Todd G. Leupold
PREAMBLE:
As you can see, I’m taking a little different approach this morning. No slide show, no pulpit - just the LORD, you and me with little in between. I believe that what the Lord has put on my heart to speak about from His Word this morning, is best shared as personally and face-to-face as possible. It is a subject that God addresses throughout His written revelation; that affects us all and, yet, can be a sensitive, personal issue for many. And, as such, one that has great potential for misunderstandings (and getting myself in trouble).
It is an issue that is too often mistaken as one pertinent mostly to young women. In reality, it is an issue for all of us to reflect, grow and seek Christ’s guidance – female or male, young or old. It is also an issue toward which there is great temptation to assume it is really meant for others but never oneself. Please, don’t give in to that temptation this morning. Do not assume that you so are so perfected in Christ that it doesn’t apply personally. Do not assume that because others may be easier to point the finger at, there’s nothing wrong with the one doing the pointing. Nor should anyone assume that it is my intention to address any one particular person or group through this message. It is a universal message that is communicated to all who would hear – especially believers – throughout the Bible.
In addition, allow me to make clear that this message and Biblical principle is directed specifically to those who have committed to Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. It is a standard expected of them, not necessarily others. If you are here today and you have not made that commitment, then I ask you to still pay careful attention and view this as a sort of “window” through which you may better understand why Christians take certain standards so seriously and how that reflects on the true greatness and holiness of God as we feebly attempt to represent Him!
SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 10:31-33
INTRODUCTION:
This morning, we will be examining in Christ how we may apply and live out this verse in relation to how we present ourselves. In doing so, I believe, we will clearly and powerfully see that through our modesty in appearance we may display His majesty!
I know, believe me, I know: “modesty” has become old-fashioned, unpopular, and wrongly attached to airs of foolishness and self-righteousness in our culture today. In fact, I do not think it too strong to assert that in the mainstream of our society the idea of modesty has become taboo. But, guess what? This has not been a progressive step forward but a horrible step backward! Many of the most common and destructive problems we hear about today, in my opinion, can be directly linked to our society’s abandonment of and attack upon modesty. Just think about it: low self-esteem, infatuation with public attention, eating disorders, sexual harassment, date rape, objectification of human beings, all-time low in personal happiness, murder for sneakers, an all-time high in depression, anxiety and suicide, even steroids.
Ultimately, if you look deep into the problem you’ll find personal idolatry toward the self. Fifty years ago, G.K. Chesterton penned these words:
“Modesty has moved from the organ of ambition. Modesty has settled upon the
organ of conviction; where it was never meant to be . . . Nowadays the part of
a man that a man does assert is exactly the part he ought not to assert – himself.”
Think about it. The moment someone suggests modesty or even hints at the possible immodesty of another, how do we typically respond: “That is sooo Victorian.” “What, you expect me to be a prude?” “What’s so wrong with wanting to look attractive?” “I just wear what’s comfortable.” “It’s my body, nobody can tell me what I should or shouldn’t put on it.” “If everyone dressed modestly like that, we’d all be the same – that’s a suppression of individual expression.”
Do you notice any common strains in these comments? It’s all about the self and nothing about others. My rights, my comfort, my taste, my worldly reputation. You see, my friends, modesty is not about the hemline. It is NOT simply a matter of style, clothes, make-up or adornments. It is NOT about a connection to the eye. Modesty, even and especially in appearance, is an issue of the heart!
Similarly, it is NOT about devising or imposing laws and dress codes. Nor imposing legalism It’s about each individual believer applying an important Biblical principle to every area of their life. It’s about extending grace and blessing unto others, even at the price of restricting oneself.
To expand the principle of 1 Corinthians 10:31, which we read earlier, “whether you eat or drink, walk or sit, are casual or formal, at the mall, the office, or school, whatever you do, however you behave, however you dress or make yourself up, do it all for God’s glory!"
Modesty and immodesty in dress are not issues of fashion, but of blessing. Is your appearance designed to bring blessing to yourself or to others, before God? You see, even how we choose (and, yes, it is a personal choice) to appear is a reflection of our love for God and others! How much of our appearance decision-making includes consideration of how it expresses an absolute love for God or a sacrificial love for others?
Remember, through our modesty we may display His Majesty! I don’t expect anyone to take my word for it. Instead, please, join me in reviewing God’s Word on the issue.
A BIBLICAL OVERVIEW: God’s Reflections on Our Appearance
Genesis 2:25 - sinless Adam & Eve appear naked and “it is good”
3: 7 - sinful Adam & Eve make their own clothes, loincloths, as a covering (barely)
:21 - The LORD is not pleased with their choice of clothing/covering. He replaces their loincloths with clothes made of animal skins. A covering that is much greater and more ’modest.’ This, in spite of the fact they were the only 2 people on the face of the earth at the time – and married.
Note: Sin DOES change things! The cry that if God cared how we were dressed, He wouldn’t have said it was ’good’ when Adam & Eve were naked (as created) completely ignores sin! The world we live in today is a very different one, distorted and decayed from sin. It is the presence and temptation of sin that we acknowledge and fight through our modesty – or embrace in our immodesty!
Deuteronomy 22:5 - clothing to reflect separately created genders.
1 Samuel 16:7 - The choosing for anointing of young David. God judges us according to the condition of our heart.
Be careful! The reference to appearance is primarily in relation to strength, experience and ability to lead. The point is that God judges the conditions of our hearts, a condition that can and is often reflected by our chosen appearance.
Psalm 31 - The Godly, Virtuous Woman. No physical description. Nothing about importance.
- Why? Ordinary. Unremarkable. Expected. Focus is on character: v. 30
NT Women: Mary, mother of Jesus, Elizabeth, Anna, Mary & Martha, Tabitha/Dorcus, etc.
All pointed out in the Bible as godly women who served and loved the LORD, as examples to those desiring to be godly women today. Yet, again, no mention of physical appearance. Only the dress of their “character” which, clearly, their physical appearance does not take away from.
The same can generally be said of the godly men, except John the Baptist and his camel hair!
Matthew 5:28 - looking w/ lust = adultery. Intended or not, is our chosen appearance tempting and/or leading others into adultery? Is our personal freedom of choice in this area really that important?
- expand on visual orientation and weakness of men, ignorance of many girls and women about his.
Matthew 18:6-7 - to cause another to stumble = millstone
Luke 14:11 - This applies to appearance as much as fighting over royal positioning.
Romans 12:1-2 - bodies, a sacrifice. Not about us!
Romans 15:1-2 - Strong should protect, not tempt the weak. Just because something wouldn’t be a temptation to you, doesn’t mean it can’t be a great and grave one to another!
1 Corinthians 6:12 - permissible does not always mean beneficial
6:19-20 - if we are in Christ, then it is NOT our body.
8:9,12 - (food) again, to cause the weak to stumble is a sin against Christ Himself!
10:23-24 - so important, the Lord inspires Paul to repeat it again.
10:31-33 - “wrapping up” an expanded theme.
Ephesians 5:1-3 - imitation of God, sacrificial and fragrant offering . . . not a hint!
1 Timothy 2:8-10 - as men are to be self-controlled, esp. in anger, so women are to be self-controlled in appearance.
- a didactic generalization; both apply both ways.
- notice, attention/focus is to ’dress’ in “good works”
2 Timothy 2:21 - (Approved Workmen) purified . . . set apart (holy)
- Do we dress to ’fit in’, to set ourselves apart for our own attention/benefit, or does it contribute to others seeing us as specially set apart in purity for Christ?
Titus 2:1-5 - again, men self-controlled, women modest. Older responsible for teaching younger . . .
1 Peter 3:3-4 - Recap.
DRAWING GOD’S PRINCIPLE FOR HIS PEOPLE RE: MODESTY
1.It’s a Heart Issue.
2.It’s NOT About Me
3.It IS About God
4.Appearance Witnesses like it or not, fair or not, true or not
5.THE GOSPEL is the foundation!
6.It is An Expression of Grace.
7.It Corresponds to Maturity.
Unbelievers, new believers should not be looked upon, talked to, or judged on the same level as mature ones. Remember, it’s about checking yourself, not everybody else!
APPLICATION: Discerning Modesty for His Majesty
(adapted from C.J. Mahaney, Sovereign Grace Ministries)
1.What statement does your appearance make about your heart?
2.In choosing your clothes/jewelry/body piercing/painting/make-up, whose attention do you desire and whose approval do you crave?
3.Who inspires your dress/appearance?
4.Who, through your dress, are you identifying with and seeking to emulate?
5.Is there anyone who might be unnecessarily tempted, offended or led into sin by your appearance?
6.When you shop for your clothes or accessories, when you dress and look into the mirror, are your decisions grounded in moderation and self-control? Is Jesus looking with you? Agreeable?
7.To what degree does greater or lesser demonstrate an absolute love for God and a sacrificial love for others?
