MODESTY

1 Timothy 2

Introduction:

1. Most frequently, the subject of MODESTY relates exclusively to “apparel.” While it is certainly a part of the subject, as we shall see, MODESTY is NOT limited to discussion of apparel. In fact, MODESTY has application to what we say, what we do and how we say it and how we do it.

2. Though few if any of us are Greek scholars (and by in large we are left to accept the given definitions of such Greek terms as we may or may not use) there is an interesting study within the word MODESTY. The Greek is “kosmios” and properly means, “orderly, decorous, of good behavior; and orderly arrangement.” It is the same word from which we derive our English word “cosmos” being the “orderly creation of existence.” The word itself appears only twice in the Scriptures: here at 1 Timothy 2:9 and again at 1 Timothy 3:2 where the KJV renders the word, “of good behavior.” Thus we find the word MODEST truly has to do with CONDUCT – CONVICTION OF ONE’S MIND TO DO THINGS ORDERLY!

3. The purpose of Paul leaving Timothy in Ephesus is found at 1 timothy 1: 1 – 4. Chapter 2 relates the PRAYERFUL conduct required of each member: men and women. Just as there had been difficulty with the women’s role at Corinth (1Corinthians 14:34-35) so it was at Ephesus. Paul does NOT go from one subject to the next as though working his way through a list of “must do” items, but rather retains the subject of MODESTY as he deals with the need for prayer and the RIGHTEOUS CONDUCT exhibited among these brethren!

IV. THE INITIAL INSTRUCTION OF PURPOSE

A. 1 Timothy 2: 1- 4

B. Four kinds of “earnest pleadings”

1. supplications

2. prayers

3. intercessions

4. giving of thanks

5. These are made for ALL men

a. Kings

b. All in authority

C. Result

1. lead a quiet and peaceable life

2. IN ALL GODLINESS AND HONESTY

3. This latter is MODEST BEHAVIOR: “ORDERLY ARRANGEMENT”

D. The reason:

1. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour

2. God desires all men to be saved and come unto the knowledge of the truth.

3. SEEING MODEST BEHAVIOR IS INFLUENTIAL TO THIS GOODNESS!

V. THE EXAMPLE AND PRECIDENT GIVEN

A. 1 Timothy 2: 5 – 7

B. Paul’s teaching of this truth was in FAITH and VERITY.

C. The FAITH and TRUTH (verity) he taught was indeed MODEST for it was ORDERLY ARRANGED by the Creator!

1. Hebrews 1:1-2

2. The orderliness of hearing, believing, repenting, confessing and being immersed is GOD’S DESIGN. It clothes the soul in RIGHTEOUSNESS and is thusly ORDERLY ARRANGED – MODEST!

VI. NOW THE CONDUCT OF BOTH MEN AND WOMEN

A. Men

1. “lifting up HOLY hands”

2. “without wrath and doubting”

3. While nothing is said HERE regarding the physical apparel of men, examine 1 Timothy 3:2 with the phrase “of good behavior;” shown earlier to mean “modest” (kosmios).

4. These qualifications include DECORUM of the man: WHAT OTHERS THINK OF HIM BASED SIMPLY IN HIS CONDUCT BEFORE OTHERS!

5. If his speech, his conduct, his appearance is questionable, what about his FAITH? Attire DOES make a difference, JUST AS SURELY AS ATTITUDE. The arrogant have less appeal than the humble. The manipulative have less appeal than the gentle. The dictator has less appeal than the teacher/leader who understands the pupils/students. IT IS A MATTER OF MODESTY

B. Women

1. “In like manner” = with the same ATTITUDE OF HOLINESS, LACKING WRATH AND DOUBTING

2. Their adorning

a. MODEST APPAREL (specific here!) Note also 1 Peter 3:1 – 6.

b. Shamefacedness = reverence for her superior; God and the man! Relates to “bashful” and SOBRIETY – alertness due SELF-CONTROL (conduct/modesty!)

c. NOT WITH, broided hair (plaited with gold ornamentation), gold, pearls, costly array.

d. BUT WITH GOOD WORKS – CLOTHING THAT BECOMES (beautifies) WOMEN PROFESSING GODLINESS.

VII. CONDUCT DEMONSTRATES MODESTY IN PUBLIC

A. What do you tell others by your display in public?

1. “Most popular” may also hold the reputation of “unsavory conduct; less than moral.” Rumors start because SOMEONE had a basis upon which to make them believable! Whether true or false, the BEST WAY to avoid ugly rumors is NEVER GIVE SOMEONE AN OCCASION TO THINK EVIL OF YOU!

2. This is why dancing is wrong! It carries the idea of “less than extremely moral.” The attire is often less than MODEST as it calls attention to what is NOT for “publication” to one you do not own as a husband or wife. IT CAUSES OTHERS TO LUST FOR THAT WHICH IS NOT THEIRS! All of it is precipitated by a lack of MODEST BEHAVIOR!

3. The closeness you have with you boy/girl friend or even husband/wife can be less than modest (orderly arranged) if let to the selfish thoughtful displays often seen in public. In the presence of God, remember others are watch as well … are you hindering their ability to worship because of your immodest behavior?

B. Speech

1. Colossians 3:17

2. Col 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

3. Titus 3:1

C. The examples we have in our midst

1. Titus 2:2 – 5

2. The OLDER ones are best. Look at their marriages. Look at the retained respect. Look at what they AVOID.

D. Societies problem

1. Immodesty sells --- is the product worth the price of the soul?

2. The influence of television and radio – is the attention to such immodesty worth the price of the soul?

3. Associations with those of immoral conduct – does their lack of self-control to be ORDERLY ARRANGED/MODEST equate with the value of your soul?

Conclusion:

Modesty DOES have to do with what we wear. COVER UP … God may have brought us into the world naked, and we may leave their world naked. BUT WHILE WE ARE HERE, WE’RE TO BE MODEST – CLOTHED IN HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS SO OUR CONDUCT FROM THE INSIDE OUT IS SUITABLE TO STAND IN HIS PRESENCE WITHOUT SHAME!