I don't think that one should refuse to preach to individuals on the basis of their dress. I do however think that a christian would be moderate in dress as well as other areas of his life.
__________________ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Well you have to figure that Jesus and his followers would have dressed very similarly to the way the rest of the population dressed although very likely in much less finery than even a simple worker would have worn.
Take into account the environmental conditions and I would bet that he would be hardly very different in appearance than bedouin nomads found in the region today.
Deut.22:5
[5] The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
1Tim.2:9-10
[9] In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
[10] But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
The Bible's rules about dress cannot be applied directly to today's situation. Attending church in a cloak, tunic, sandals and a turban or veil would cause quite a disruption in most churches! But the general principles of modesty and propriety can be applied. We should dress for public worship in a way that is generally considered appropriate. Standards of dress change over time and are different from church to church, but we should avoid any style of dress that is offensive or sends a message opposing the church community's values.
__________________
Jesus said, "he who stands firm to the end will be saved" Mark 13:13.
Live Life in such a way that those who do not know Christ will come to know Him because they know you
James2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2:2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 2:3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 2:4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
I believe Jesus does not want us to judge others concerning their clothing.
I don't think it's about judging others. The scripture you mention are pertaining to one dressing richly and poorly. It's funny how this topic always goes off into folk dressing in suits and costley array as compared to folk that don't have the means or the desire to dress in what is considered finery. I don't believe mosy scripture is refering to that at all, but scripture does decree modesty in dress.
Ya'll have been talking a lot about the lust of the flesh and lust of the eyes . . .many times it's clothing . .or the lack thereof that provokes these lusts. I do believe that a christian should dress in such a way that they could possibly be identified by their appearance:1Ti 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
1Ti 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
1Ti 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
1Pe 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
1Pe 3:2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
1Pe 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
1Pe 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
1Pe 3:5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
Paul told women to dress according to certain standards, and listed them in order . .modesty,inexpensive, non ornamental,clothing that becomes Godliness.
A woman that has dedicated herself to Christ should carefully and prayerfully select her clothes in order not to expose her body to the stares of the public. She should be deliberately methodical in choosing her clothing that will dignify her womanhood without provoking the stares of the opposite sex. She avoids expensive extravagant clothing, ornamental jewelry, permitting only the functional use of a wristwatch and a weddingband to designate her wedlock. In this manner she professes a godliness that stems from a heartfelt desire for holy living.
Let me go ahead and stir the pot because the Bible teaches that she is to let her hair grow uncut: 1Co 11:13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
1Co 11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
1Co 11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
This is the picture of scriptural womanhood.
Also, the scriptures teach a great difference between femininity and masculinaty as to dress: Deu 22:5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
The New Testament does not provide scripture for a man's clothes. Apparently indecent dress in men wasn't much of a problem in those days. But the trend to indecent exposure is having an impression on the male sex today. Comfort seems to be the overall objective instead of a cautious, considerate thought for decorum and dignity. We can honestly say that the basic principles of godly appearance that apply to christian women should also apply to men. . .modesty, moderation, decency, lack of ornamentation and costly finery, distinction between male and female in hair and dress. Basically meaning non-tight body-hugging clothes, long sleeve shirts, etc. (My opinion.)
__________________ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
I agree Leaf....until we begin making it a dress code. I believe it should be a personal conviction and not a law. But I have neen at some churches where shorts are worn and T shirts for church. I think we can do better than that.
I do remember how the Pharisees were all caught up on making th ecup look holy on the outside and yet they were wolves on the inside. I believe inside holiness will affect outside godliness. But I believe it starts on the inside first. When folks start trying to make others fit in a certain mold they only have another dead religion.
Chuck7
Clothing????
