The document discusses biblical instructions regarding modest dress for both men and women. It notes that men struggle more with lust and are often targeted by ads promoting sensuality. While Christians are saved from sin, temptation still remains. The New Testament reveals that women should dress modestly and discreetly through good works rather than expensive clothing, and that inward character is more important than outward appearance. The document provides advice for both those struggling with immodesty and those whose dress may cause others to stumble.

1. Modestly Dressed
Biblical Instructions and Godly Suggestions

2. Men Have a Problem
 Men, generally more so than women, have
difficulty with lust. Matt. 5:28
 *2008 Internet Pornography Statistics:
70% consumers are men.
 A majority of ads promoting sensuality are targeted
at men.

3. Women Also Have a Problem
 They have been able to prey upon the weakness of
men.
“Do not desire her beauty in your heart, Nor let
her capture you with her eyelids. For on
account of a harlot one is reduced to a loaf of
bread, And an adulteress hunts for the
precious life.”
(Proverbs 6:25–26)

4. Christians Still Have Temptations
 The gospel (Rom. 1:16) has powerfully saved us
from our sins.
 Through the love and mercy of God His children
are continually being molded into the image of
Jesus by the renewing of our Spirit-driven mind.
Rom. 8:29, 12:1-2
 Even still, the battle rages on. Gal. 5:17,
Rom. 7:21-23

5. What Does The
New Testament Reveal?
1 Timothy 2:9-10, 1 Pet. 3:3-4ff

6. 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, NASB95)

7. 1 Peter 3:3-4…
“Your adornment must not be merely
external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold
jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the
hidden person of the heart, with the
imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet
spirit, which is precious in the sight of God….”
(1 Peter 3:3–4, NASB95)

8. Literal or Principle?
 If to be taken literally:
• “Adornment must not be external”
• No: braids, pearls or gold jewelry
 If Principally: inward, not (merely) external
adornment is what is important.
• The inward adornment: the hidden person of the heart.
• The outward adornment (reflecting the heart) would
manifest proper, modest, and discreet clothing.

9. “…Girls in my youth group
definitely have caused me
to stumble. It’s really hard
for a guy to worship God
when they’re standing right
in front of you with a
sleeveless shirt and tight
shorts… Sometimes I feel
as though I have to repent
for coming to church.”

10. “This really is a hard challenge that we all
must overcome and I would appreciate if
our sisters in Christ were the one group of
girls that we could count on to help us with
this challenge.”
Age 15

11.  Seek personal feedback on your attire from the
godly men and women in your life.
 Remember, modesty is first and foremost a matter
of the heart, not the wardrobe.
 Faithfully pursue the imperishable beauty of a
gentle and quiet spirit. (1 Pet. 3:4)
 Let your good works outshine your outward
appearance. (1 Tim. 2:10)
 Dress for the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31)
Alex and Brett Harris

12. Final Thoughts
 ALL – Do not discourage your fellow sisters in
Christ who love the Lord but may be immodest to you…
ENCOURAGE her!
 WOMEN – Do not shrug off the pleas from your
brothers in Christ who STRUGGLE MIGHTILY with
clothing that are considered immodest…
CONSIDER your brothers in Christ!