Text: 1 Timothy 2:9-10
Paul talks about women dressing in such a way as to profess godliness. Our clothing makes a statement. Are we making the right statement with our clothing? Though these verses are directed specifically toward women, the principles apply to all. In this lesson, we’ll notice some things we should profess with our dress.
Godliness
- God wants us to be godly (Titus 2:11-12) – godliness simply means to be like God
- Godliness in dress – obviously, God is spirit (John 4:24) & will not be clothed as we are in the flesh
- To dress in such a way as to profess godliness, we must first have the proper character – our character must then be apparent by our clothing choices
Humility
- God wants us to be humble (Matthew 5:3; 1 Peter 5:5) – recognize our place before God (Psalm 8:4) & others (Philippians 2:3-4)
- Humility in dress – Paul warns against dressing in such a way as to make one seem better than others (1 Timothy 2:9); adornment must focus on “the hidden person of the heart” (1 Peter 3:3-4)
- Wealth does not make one better than others (Proverbs 22:2) – in the end, it doesn’t matter (Luke 12:20); we must not be conceited or trust in riches (1 Timothy 6:17)
Self-Respect
- God expects us to have a degree of self-respect – humility does not mean self-deprecation; remember, you were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) & Christ died for you (John 3:16)
- Others will judge you by the way you dress – do not be influenced by the judgment of others (1 Corinthians 4:3-4)
- Self-respect in dress – remember: you don’t have to please anyone with your dress but God; those who dress as the world will be judged (Zephaniah 1:8); don’t be conformed to the world (Romans 12:2)
Shamefacedness
- God expects us to have a sense of shame – indicates a working conscience; a lack of shame indicates a seared conscience (1 Timothy 4:2; Jeremiah 6:15)
- Shamefacedness in dress – having a sense of shame when we are not adequately clothed; OT is helpful in defining nakedness (Genesis 3:7-10; Exodus 28:42; 20:26; Isaiah 47:2-3)
- This nakedness ought to cause shame & make one want to cover up (Genesis 3:7, 10) – How did God adequately cover Adam & Eve? … with garments (Genesis 3:21); word indicates a garment that would cover from the shoulders down
Love
- God wants us to love others (Colossians 3:14; 1 Corinthians 13:13)
- Love in dress – we must not equate love with lust and sex as the world does
- Love for our brethren – not wanting to place a stumbling block before them (Matthew 5:27-28)
- Love for our spouse / future spouse – our bodies are to be reserved for them alone (1 Corinthian 7:4)
