Modesty (052423)

We will have lunch in the Faulk Fellowship Hall after the morning service. Everyone should bring enough food for themselves and someone else. We will not be providing any food. This will be completely a potluck dinner.

After lunch, the Calvary Quartet will give us a concert beginning at 2 PM.

There will be no other evening services or activities.

Annual Business Meeting on Wednesday, June 7

2 changes to church by laws

Summers At South Charlotte Baptist Church

We need sodas!

Message

Modesty

Each year, right before Neighborhood Bible Time, I like to share with our church family a message regarding modesty.

The two passages that are most often used are:

1 Timothy 2:9–10 KJV 1900

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

…And...

1 Peter 3:1–5 KJV 1900

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

What is modesty?

Webster’s 1828 dictionary:

Modesty, as an act or series of acts, consists in humble, unobtrusive deportment, as opposed to extreme boldness, forwardness, arrogance, presumption, audacity or impudence.

Moderation; decency.

In females, modesty has the like character as in males; but the word is used also as synonymous with chastity, or purity of manners. In this sense, modesty results from purity of mind, or from the fear of disgrace and ignominy [bringing dishonor upon oneself] fortified by education and principle.

Before giving you my definition of modesty, I would like to make to points:

Modesty begins in the heart.

1 Peter 3:3–4 (KJV 1900)

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

James, 1, 2 Peter, & Jude b. The Nature of True Beauty (vv. 3, 4)

Humility means seeing oneself as lowly, and meekness is the way one relates to God or others that grows out of that humble disposition.

Modesty encompasses a person’s entire world.

While we most often apply modesty to the subject of how you dress, modesty should affect/does affect everything about us.

Notice this verse:

1 Timothy 3:2 (KJV 1900)

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

Good Behavior is the Greek word which, in 1 Timothy 2:9 is translated, modest apparel.

But then I draw your attention back to our passage of Scripture in 1 Peter:

1 Peter 3:3 KJV 1900

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

When we think of adorning, we think off:

An American Dictionary of the English Language ADORNING

ADORN´ING, ppr. Ornamenting; decorating; displaying beauty.

However, the Greek word behind the word adorning is...

Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament) 3180 κόσμος

3180 κόσμος (kosmos), ου (ou), ὁ (ho): n.masc.; ≡ Str 2889; TDNT 3.868—1. LN 1.1 universe, as an ordered structure (Ac 17:24); 2. LN 1.39 earth, the surface of the earth, where mankind dwells (Mt 4:8; Mk 16:15 v.r.); 3. LN 41.38 world system, godless world standards (Gal 6:14); 4. LN 9.23 people, those estranged from God (1Co 6:2); 5. LN 79.12 adorning (1Pe 3:3), for another interp, see next; 6. LN 6.188 adornment, an object which adorns (1Pe 3:3); for another interp, see prior; 7. LN 59.55 tremendous amount, figurative extension (Jas 3:6); 8. LN 12.44 αἰὼν τοῦ κόσμου τούτου (aiōn tou kosmou toutou), supernatural power (Eph 2:2)

John 3:16 (KJV 1900)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

In the original sense of the word it means order, beauty, adornment. It is the source of our word, cosmetic.

The Biblical principle of modesty should affect our entire world!

our dress

our behavior/our actions/our attitudes

our social media

our homes

our cars

our vacations

Thus, I give people the following definition of modesty:

Not drawing too much attention to yourself or drawing the wrong kind of attention to yourself.

With that definition in mind, now consider two familiar verses:

Matthew 5:16 KJV 1900

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV 1900

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Now, allow me to ask you these questions:

Question: In your world, who or what are you drawing attention to?

Matthew 5:16 KJV 1900

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Question: As a Bible-believing Christian, are you drawing the right kind of attention or the wrong kind of attention to God?

1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV 1900

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Because of your modesty, is the world getting the correct impression of God?

2 Samuel 12:14 KJV 1900

Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.

David’s actions/behavior - His sin with Bathsheba and his murder of Uriah - drew the wrong kind of attention to himself and to God!

Now, some might say,

“Come on…how I dress isn’t that important!”

First of all, remember that modesty isn’t simply a matter of dress.

Modesty affects - either positively or negatively - our entire world.

As believers, modesty does affect - either positively or negatively - God’s reputation.

So, yes, I would say that the matter of modesty is quite important!

In working with our young people, we unwrap the Biblical principle of modesty (as it relates specifically to how they dress) in the following way:

The “MILK” Principle of Dress

“M” stands for Modesty

In the SCBA Student Handbook, we have the following:

THE PRINCIPLE OF MODESTY

Modesty means decency—not being showy or drawing attention to one’s self. It means propriety in dress, behavior, and speech—not wanting to offend or lead others astray. Attire should not draw attention to physical features, but to one’s countenance and Christ’s purity and holiness. By his or her example in grooming, dress, and actions, each student should exhibit a lifestyle of godliness in thinking and living.

“I” stands for Illustrating Godliness

An individual’s attire (or dress) is the expression of tastes, interests, and even inner character. Consequently,

The manner in which a man or woman dresses and behaves indicates a great deal about what sort of person he or she is.

Once someone is saved and has been taught the biblical principles and admonitions on outward appearances and the wearing of apparel, dress tends to reveal one’s heart attitudes.

To understand this, turn to and read Proverbs chapter 7:6-11.

Notice that, in verse 10, it does not say that this women is a harlot but that she is wearing the attire of a harlot.

Also, notice, in verse 11, that our attention is next drawn to a general description of her behavior. It says that this woman is loud and stubborn.

“L” stands for loose-fitting.

“K” stands for knee-length.

These two parts give some practical application to the first two parts.

These two parts have a lot more to do with the physical appearance while the first have to do with the inward attitude.

Two additional principles that we attach to the "MILK" Principle is..

The Principle of Appropriateness

I would hope that this is easily understood but what would be considered to be appropriate attire when whitewater rafting would not be the same as appropriate attire for attending a funeral service. (Those are two extreme situations used to make the point.)

I will also state that, I do not believe that I can categorically say that slacks or pants on a lady are immodest.

I must allow for Individual Soul Responsibility.

The Principle of Distinctiveness

Deuteronomy 22:5 KJV 1900

The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God.

God created two distinct genders. Genesis 1:27 states, “Male and female created he them.”

By doing so, He purposely planned basic differences between them. These distinctions should not be altered. Distinctively feminine apparel enhances a woman’s appearance and communicates a sweet spirit. Distinctively masculine apparel communicates the manly roles of leader, protector, and provider.

Men/Boys - Dress and act in a way that distinctively demonstrate that you are a male!

Women/Girls - Dress and act in a way that distinctively demonstrates that you are a female!

Application

As we prepare for Neighborhood Bible Time, I like to remind our church family of the corporate standard which we have regarding dress and attire.

We would ask that all of the ladies that participate wear a dress or a skirt and a blouse. We would ask that all of our men where a pair of khakis and a collared shirt / polo shirt.

This would also be our standard for those serving in Master Clubs.

This is also the standard which we would ask individuals to abide by for Soul-Winning Saturdays.

We have lost church members in the past because of this. I do not want the same to thing to happen in the future.

Prayer

Dismiss congregation in prayer.

Ask Barbecue volunteers to move up.

Community Barbecue @ The Pines

Pass out list of volunteers.

Mr Rideout, 3 families, 3 games. I’ll put you in charge of actually working with these three families to arrange all of that. I’ll also make you responsible for securing candy/gum, etc. to give away with the games.

Mr and Mrs Manzoni in charge of setting up Gospel Table.

Time: Saturday, June 3, 11 AM - 1 PM (Set up will begin at 10 AM)

Place: Same location as last year, in front of main office

Thursday Night Preaching Schedule

The following is the schedule for preaching on Thursday nights during the months of July and August:

July 6 - Jon Griffeth

July 13 - John Whited

July 20 - Alex Motus

July 27 - Chris Heater

August 3 - Scott Peterson

August 10 - Kevin Conner

August 17 -

August 24 - Mark Manzoni

August 31 - Pastor Campbell

Theme: He Taught Me Also

Proverbs 4:1–4 KJV 1900

Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, And attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, Forsake ye not my law. For I was my father’s son, Tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: Keep my commandments, and live.

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