Jesus looked on the scribes and Pharisees and admonished them: “Ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. . . . cleanse first that which is within . . . that the outside of them may be clean also. . . . Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity”

(Matthew 23:25-28 KJV).

The Pharisees dressed in such a way that they might look righteous and holy before the people. Jesus knew their hearts and instructed them to “cleanse first” the inward man. Far more important than the type of clothing is the condition of heart before God. Some people today do as the self-righteous Pharisees of yesterday. They not only seek for justification through their good works and modest clothing but they glory in it. Jesus taught that it was not the outward things that defile a man but the things which “come forth from the heart” (Matthew 15:17-20). If the heart is not right with God, all outward standards and works will be in vain. An outward standard to hide unrighteousness in the heart is hypocrisy.Read more

It was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.  —Jude 1:3

The burden for this quarter is on the subject of “Outward Appearance or Christian Dress.” God still has a standard of dress, regardless of many going the way of the world. The margin of difference between God’s people and the world will grow as wickedness increases in these last days. May the Lord help us to contend for the faith that was delivered through the Word of God. I challenge the reader to hold fast to sound doctrine. If there are things you do not understand, be very careful about removing the ancient landmarks which have stood the test of time.Read more

I. Importance of the Outward Man

A. 1 Samuel 16:7 Man looketh on the outward appearance.
B. Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world.

II. The Inward Man

A. Matthew 15:17-20 Things which defile.
B. Isaiah 57:15 Contrite and humble spirit.
C. 1 Peter 5:5 Be clothed with humility.
D. 1 Peter 3:4-5 The hidden man of the heart.Read more

Modest: Restrained by a sense of propriety; not forward or bold; Not loose or lewd. Decent; orderly. Moderate; not excessive or extreme; not extravagant..

Sobriety: Temperance or moderation; seriousness; sedateness; sober.

Shamefaced: Very modest; bashful or shy.

Called Out of Darkness

The Church of God in this generation is still a holy nation. God’s people are separate from the world as Christ Himself was in the world but not of it. Every child of God has been called “out of darkness into his marvelous light”(1 Peter 2:9). It is not only a responsibility, but the privilege, of God’s people to let their light shine that others might see the holiness of God (Matthew 5:14-16). Although many churches today have compromised the scriptural teaching on modesty and dress, God’s Word has not changed. The world places much importance on clothes and appearance. There is great pressure on people today to dress fashionably or in ways that place the physical body on display. The Word of God gives instruction and guidance on issues of the outward appearance.Read more

Welcome

The saints of God welcome people to their worship services who are not fully measured to the Biblical standard of modesty.

Leadership

It is required by the scripture for those who are in leadership to be blameless and examples of the flock in every area of life. Ministers, Sunday school teachers, song leaders, and deacons are to dress, not only at worship service but elsewhere, in a way that becomes holiness. Failure to live according to these scriptural teachings disqualifies one from a position of leadership.Read more