STUDIES FROM BRETHREN IN CHRIST

SERMON MENU SELECTIONS

11/4/2007 ~ Apparel


What is the basis for God’s clothing of men and women?

And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
~ Genesis 2:25

Shame came with defiance.

... they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together
and made themselves coverings. ~ Genesis 3:6-7

Apparently, God was not pleased with the fig leaves.

... for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.
~ Genesis 3:20-21

TUNIC: A loose, gownlike garment
or blouse–like garment covering
the shoulders down past the thighs.

So public nakedness is a sign of sin, shameful.
→ We do not want to bring shame to God.

┌─> Men                                                        
... in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest
apparel, with propriety and moderation, ... ~ 1st Timothy 2:1-10

~ This is not rocket science;
the moral barometer is within each of our hearts.
We are all billboards for or against God.

... he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh. ~ Genesis 41:14

One does not come before the leader in filthy rags.

... he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. ...
~ Matthew 22:11-14

... With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart. ~ Proverbs 7:9-10

Skimpy clothing is a sign of disrespect and or an evil continence.

... resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall
in our brother's way. ... ~ Romans 14:12-13

Should we promote the flesh or the glory of God?
Anything that shows off bodily image should be avoided.

Why we should dress appropriately:

   1. PLEASE GOD
   2. INFLUENCE ON OTHERS
   3. NOT A STUMBLING BLOCK FOR OTHERS   

God wants flesh in public covered up.
~ It should be modest.
This involves all the time, not just at worship or church.
E X T R E M E S can be taken.
     I
     N
... Do not let your adornment be merely outward ... ~ 1st Peter 3:1-4

Wearing proper attire does not guarantee a proper
inward attitude of heart.

Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 10:7


   1. What we wear outwardly matters
   2. We should place a higher emphasis on our inner attire
   3. Our outward appearance should reflect our inner glory for God   

... you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes ... ~ James 2:1-4

Fine apparel does not mean you want to get close to God.

... But you have dishonored the poor man. ... ~ James 2:5-9

Clearly, some of the closest to God are ones dressed poorly.

... for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
~ 1st Samuel 16:7

"... They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders
of their garments." ~ Matthew 23:1-5

We don’t want to be an elitist society scaring off the humble hearted.
The emphasis should be about getting closer to God
and how are we helping others?
~
Some have attitudes of, “It doesn’t matter what I wear.”
If one truly cares, rudeness is a consideration.

... does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, ...
~ 1st Corinthians 13:4-5

~ Do you not come to worship because you have nothing to wear?
It’s not about fashion, it’s about modesty.
God wants us and accepts those for worship in school clothes,
~ just from work clothes, overalls, any modest wear;
→ some of these people are the most devoted.
● In most parts of the world, a man in a suit scares people away.

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. ~ Galatians 6:2

We have an obligation to help the underprivileged dress appropriately.
We must bear the burdens of brethren if their need is genuine.

Overly exposed flesh is an instinctive visual temptation.

"... whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed
adultery with her in his heart." ~ Matthew 5:27-28

We need to confront inappropriately dressed brethren in private.
It’s not about us, it’s about Christ.
                         \ | /
→ The FOCUS is CHRIST!
                         / | \

... cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. ...
~ Romans 13:12-14

... in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; ...
~ Titus 2:1-15

We must dress to suit the situation in order that God is always glorified.

... if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone
turns him back, ... will save a soul from death ...~ James 5:19-20

... you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness,
considering yourself lest you also be tempted. ~ Galatians 6:1

... "put away from yourselves the evil person." ~ 1st Corinthians 5:9-13

... "Evil company corrupts good habits." Awake to righteousness, ...
~ 1st Corinthians 15:33-34

"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."
~ John 7:24

... put on the breastplate of righteousness, ... ~ Ephesians 6:14-18

... put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, ... ~ Colossians 3:8-13

But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
~ Colossians 3:14

We are all members of Christ,
~ do we reflect that?



 

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