Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Mark A. Copeland
desires, which would hinder the temptation to these from arising...” - Trench
-- Will not a sound mind take into consideration the affect one’s apparel has on another?
4. “not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing”
a. Excess, rather than actual adornment, is what is being condemned here - cf. Isa 3:
16-26 with Ezek 16:10-14
b. This is an example of the comparative use of “not” found frequently in the Bible:
1) “Not” is sometimes used absolutely - Exo 20:14
2) “Not” is sometimes used conditionally (not...if) - Ga 5:21
3) “Not” is sometimes used comparatively (not...but) - Jn 6:27; 1 Co 1:17; 1 Jn
4:10
-- Outward adornment is not wrong absolutely, but in comparison to the adorning of the
inner person by good works, it is to be of lower priority and lesser importance
5. “proper for women professing godliness”
1) That which is fitting, seemly, suitable, becoming - cf. Ep 5:3; Ti 2:1
2) For women claiming to be reverent, pious - cf. Ti 2:3-5
3) Would a woman who professes to be godly knowingly adorn herself in a way that
excites lust in another person?
A. CONSIDER ALSO 1 PETER 3:1-6...
1. Note first the potential value of chaste conduct - 1 Pe 3:1-2
a. Good behavior can influence one for good
b. Likewise, improper behavior (e.g., immodest clothing) can have an adverse effect!
2. In verse 3-4, we have another example of the comparative use of “not”
a. The emphasis should not be one’s adornment (arranging the hair, wearing gold, putting
on apparel)
b. Rather, it should be adorning one’s inner person
3. The adornment that greatly pleases God - 1 Pe 3:4-6
a. The incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit
b. As worn by women like Sarah, who trusted God and submitted to her husband
-- When a person disregards the effect their apparel may have on another, can it be said they
are adorned with a gentle and quite spirit?
CONCLUSION
1. As noted in the beginning, it has not been my goal to establish specific rules for what is modest
apparel...
a. To do so would be to do what the Bible itself does not do
b. Rather, to offer the general principles that can help the Christian who desires to please God
rather than self or man
2. When faced with the question “What shall I wear?”, may I suggest the following...
a. Prayerfully consider whether your adornment in any circumstance reflects your profession of
godliness, and the principles found in God’s word
b. Seek counsel from those who are mature in the faith, whose senses have been exercised to
discern good and evil (cf. He 5:14)
Do this, and one is more likely to fulfill that goal set for us by the apostle Paul, that we be...
Topical Sermons 386