September 5, 2012
CHOOSE MODESTY
1 Timothy 2
Merrill Stubbs
Central Truth
God calls us to dress modestly and worship Him.
Key Verse | 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)
1 Timothy 2
Pray for All People
1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man 1 2:5 men and man render the same Greek word that is translated people in verses 1 and 4 Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.
Footnotes
[1] 2:5 men and man render the same Greek word that is translated people in verses 1 and 4Dive Deeper | 1 Timothy 2
As a girl, I am aware that modesty is not always popular. I am constantly faced with the choice of presenting myself as a young woman of Christ or drawing attention to myself with immodest clothes. One choice requires me to rely on God for my confidence, and the other allows me to do what I want and let others deal with the consequences.
When I'm at the mall or even church, I see girls in clothes that are very revealing. Often, I am tempted to wear clothing like that, but I am reminded that I should glorify God and not myself. I'm tempted to tell myself, "It's not my fault if someone is looking at me! They should know better." But it really is my fault; causing someone to have impure thoughts is just as bad, if not worse, than having the thoughts myself.
My school has strict rules about the clothes we wear because girls should be seen for who they are, not just as pretty objects. Still, many times, girls wear immodest clothes to get attention from others. We always hear that our friends should like us for who we are and not how we look. When I hear that, I hate to admit that I think, "Well, how are they supposed to get to know me if I can't get their attention?" Yet, I know in my heart that I need to follow God's plan for my life and not my own. Others should see the Christ IN me, not just the clothes ON me.
Last, but not least, think of the children that watch your every move. I have two very young sisters, and they do everything I do. It's my responsibility to be a good role model. It's my character that speaks for who I am, not my clothes.
Discussion Questions
1. Have you ever been tempted to wear immodest clothing or look at someone wearing immodest clothing?
2. Have you ever seen someone at church dressed immodestly? If yes, how does it feel to see someone like that at a place of worship?
3. What can you lovingly say to someone when you see them dressed immodestly?
WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY
September 3-7 (2 Thessalonians 3- 1 Timothy 4)
Read 1 Timothy 4:7-12.
• What sports or physical exercise do you like to do?
• What do you have to do if you want to be good or better at one of them?
• What does Paul tell Timothy is more important than physical exercise?
• How can you train yourself for spiritual fitness?
• What does verse 12 say about young believers?
• What are the ways verse 12 says you can be an example to older believers?
Activity: Write all the words to verse 12 on separate pieces of paper. Place them all face down on the other side of your room or backyard. Everyone make a line. Now, one at a time, run down and grab one and bring it back. Keep doing this until the words of the verse are in order. Repeat until you have the verse memorized. You can also make it fun by timing yourself each time to see how fast you can put it in order.