Modestly DressedBiblical Instructions and Godly Suggestions

Men Have a ProblemMen, generally more so than women,

have difficulty with lust. Matt. 5:28

*2008 Internet Pornography Statistics: 70% consumers are men.

A majority of ads promoting sensuality are targeted at men.

Women Also Have a Problem

They have been able to prey upon the weakness of men.

“Do not desire her beauty in your heart, Nor let her capture you with her eyelids. For on account of a harlot one is reduced to a loaf of bread, And

an adulteress hunts for the precious life.” (Proverbs 6:25–26)

Christians Still Have TemptationsThe gospel (Rom. 1:16) has powerfully saved us

from our sins.

Through the love and mercy of God His children are continually being molded into the image of Jesus by the renewing of our Spirit-driven mind. Rom. 8:29, 12:1-2

Even still, the battle rages on. Gal. 5:17, Rom. 7:21-23

What Does The New Testament Reveal?

1 Timothy 2:9-10, 1 Pet. 3:3-4ff

1 Timothy 2:9-10“Likewise, I want women to adorn

themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and

gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper

for women making a claim to godliness.”

(1 Timothy 2:9–10, NASB95)

1 Peter 3:3-4…“Your adornment must not be merely

external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the

imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of

God….”

(1 Peter 3:3–4, NASB95)

Literal or Principle?

If to be taken literally:• “Adornment must not be external”• No: braids, pearls or gold jewelry

If Principally: inward, not (merely) external adornment is what is important.• The inward adornment: the hidden person of the

heart.• The outward adornment (reflecting the heart) would

manifest proper, modest, and discreet clothing.

“…Girls in my youth group definitely have caused me to stumble. It’s really hard for a guy to worship God when they’re standing right in front of you with a sleeveless shirt and tight shorts… Sometimes I feel as though I have to repent for coming to church.”

“This really is a hard challenge that we all must overcome and I would appreciate if our sisters in Christ were the one group of girls that we could count on to help us with this challenge.”

Age 15

Seek personal feedback on your attire from the godly men and women in your life.

Remember, modesty is first and foremost a matter of the heart, not the wardrobe.

Faithfully pursue the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. (1 Pet. 3:4)

Let your good works outshine your outward appearance. (1 Tim. 2:10)

Dress for the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31)

Alex and Brett Harris

Final ThoughtsALL – Do not discourage your fellow sisters

in Christ who love the Lord but may be immodest to you… ENCOURAGE her!

WOMEN – Do not shrug off the pleas from your brothers in Christ who STRUGGLE MIGHTILY with clothing that are considered immodest… CONSIDER your brothers in Christ!