Lesson 7: Inappropriate Clothing, and Modesty

Date: 2026-05-20 18:25:28 Location: SLCC Zoom Bible Class Instructor: Hubie Harris

Summary

This lecture series, led by Instructor Hubie Harris, explores "worldliness" as a significant challenge for the church, with this session focusing on inappropriate clothing and modesty. The instructor emphasizes that Christians should set a moral standard guided by godliness rather than worldly fads. The discussion defines inappropriate clothing—such as clothing that is too revealing, too tight, or that sends the wrong message—and delves into why Christians should avoid it, referencing biblical passages like 1 Timothy 2:9-10 and Deuteronomy 22:5. Class participants, including Mary, Valerie, Sister Houston, Brother John, Sister Gold Three, and Sister Wanda Moore, actively engage with examples of revealing tops, swimwear, and sports attire. The conversation extends to the cultural acceptance of male toplessness, which the instructor challenges. The group also debates whether a strict dress code is necessary for worship, contrasting the tradition of wearing one's "Sunday best" with the idea of "coming as you are." Key themes include the power of personal example in evangelism, the distinction between one's inner spiritual state and outer appearance, and the challenges of modern fashion. The consensus is that while scripture mandates modesty, it doesn't legislate specific garments, leaving it to personal conviction to present one's best self to God. The lecture concludes by stressing the importance of self-examination, avoiding being a "stumbling block," and providing proper guidance within the church and home to counteract worldly influences.

Knowledge Points

1. The Problem of Worldliness and the Call for Modesty

• Definition and Objective: The study aims to identify and avoid the practice of worldliness, described as a major problem for the church. Christians are "in the world, but not of the world," facing a challenge to live a Christ-inclined life against the devil's influence.
• The Power of Christian Example: A Christian's attire and conduct send strong messages. The example set by believers is crucial for evangelism and teaching new converts, who must be taught the principles of Christianity, including modesty, after baptism.
• Topics Covered: The lecture series has covered indifference to God, inappropriate language, alcohol, lying, lust, and more. Upcoming topics include bullying, dancing, gossiping, and racism.

2. Inappropriate Clothing: Definition and Biblical Perspective

• Definition and Context: Inappropriate clothing is defined as not suitable, respectful, or safe for a given context. It's a worldly issue trying to enter the church, and Christians should set the standard rather than follow the world's.
• Characteristics: Clothing is considered inappropriate if it is too revealing, tight, flashy, not gender-specific, or worn with improper motives. Examples mentioned include undergarments worn as outer garments, "all cut up" pants, and pajamas in public.
• Biblical Guidance:
  • 1 Timothy 2:9-10 & 1 Peter 3:3-4: Women should dress in modest apparel with propriety, focusing on the "hidden person of the heart" and good works rather than elaborate outward appearance.
  • Deuteronomy 22:5: Prohibits men and women from wearing each other's garments.
  • [Context of Exodus 20:26]: Illustrates God's concern about exposed nakedness.
• Reasons to Avoid: Christians should avoid inappropriate clothing because it could incite lust, send wrong messages, expose nakedness, seek attention, or be against the law of Christ.

3. Discussion on Attire, Lust, and Worship

• Inciting Lust: Clothing for both genders that is too tight or revealing can incite lust. Modern fashion, like the miniskirt, is sometimes designed to be provocative.
• Swimwear and Sports Attire: Swimwear (e.g., bikinis) is a problem area. While more modest options exist, Christian women must be careful. The instructor also expressed a personal issue with male bare-chestedness, viewing it as a form of nakedness. The revealing attire in sports like tennis, boxing, and cheerleading was also noted.
• Appropriate Attire for Worship:
  • A debate arose over "casual dress" for worship. Sister Janet Parham expressed concern that it could be a "slippery slope" to revealing clothing, questioning why one would "dress down" for God.
  • The concept of presenting one's "best" before God was discussed, noting "best" is relative to personal circumstances.
  • Brother Randy Washington argued against creating man-made rules, emphasizing the scriptural mandate of modesty and allowing for individual conviction. He shared an anecdote of a church leader requesting men wear jackets for evening service as a standard of practice, not a scriptural command.
• Inner vs. Outer Appearance: Barry Johnson argued that "bringing your best" is primarily an "inner man issue," and a godly inner person will naturally produce a modest outer appearance. Sister Parham countered that it's a "package deal" involving both.

4. Personal Responsibility and Guidance

• Personal Responsibility: Individuals must be conscious of their body type and the message their clothing sends to avoid being a "stumbling block." Cultural norms (e.g., male toplessness at a beach) should be secondary to how God views one's attire.
• Guidance and Accountability: It was noted that improper clothing can become common in churches when proper examples and guidance are lacking, especially in the home.
• The Ultimate Standard: The primary consideration for a Christian's attire is whether it is pleasing to God. The most important question to ask is, "Do you think God is okay with it?"

Assignments

• 1. Conduct a self-examination of one's wardrobe to see if it aligns with Christian principles of modesty.
• 2. Be mindful of clothing worn in various settings (mixed company, beach, etc.) to avoid being a stumbling block.
• 3. Consider how one's attire represents Christ to the church and the world.
• 4. Older members should reflect on setting a good example for younger members in dress.
• 5. For the next in-person devo, prepare to discuss the topic of bullying.
• 6. The instructor will research if scripture provides specifics on attire for worship services.
• 7. The class is asked to reflect on what garments are inappropriate to wear away from home but appropriate at home.