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Christian Dress

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Many don’t know why they dress the way they do or why they wear jewelry. Some were taught that jewel showed their status. Other might have been told that it was the dignified thing to do. Still, some were told that what they wore was what constituted beauty and style. In the end, customs, traditions or social norms are usually responsible for how most dress. But does God have a dress code for His people? And if so, does He demand that they follow it? Further, does His dress code supersede cultural, social or traditional norms once a person surrenders to Him?

The Bible is not silent on this issue of Christian attire and the wearing of jewelry. You might be surprised what God has to say. Let’s discover the truth together.

 

1.    What does Scripture says we as Christians are?

“Now then we are ______________ for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” (2 Cor. 5:20)

No greater dignity or honor can be bestowed than to be an ambassador or representative for the King of the Universe. With that in mind, how much thought should go into what we wear since we represent Him?

2.    What does the Bible says about Jesus’ physical appearance while He lived on earth?

“For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor ___________; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.” (Isa. 53:2)

Comeliness: The Hebrew word is hadar. It means ornament, splendor, majesty, glory or honor. Isaiah is saying that Jesus did not wear anything that made him stand out. No expensive clothing or jewelry. The Bible describes Him as meek.

3.    Is the Lord interested in how clean we keep ourselves and our clothing?

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them ______ their clothes,” (Ex. 19:10).

4.    When the Lord was about to come into the midst of Israel, what did he tell them to take off?

5For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy __________ from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee. 6And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb.” (Ex. 33:5-6)

Israel had been in captivity for 400 years. As a result, they adopted pagan customs and wearing jewelry was one. Now God comes and demands that they remove their jewels. They did “by the mount Horeb.” The RSV and the Amplified Bibles translate that statement to read, “from Mount Horeb onward.” God expected Israel to remain jewel free, but Israelites apostatized again.

5.    What ornament is pleasing to God?

3Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a _____ and ______ spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” (1 Peter 3:3, 4)

6.    What is one of the first things the women of Israel did when they departed from God?

And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she _________ herself with her __________ and her _______, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD.” (Hosea 2:13)

Change in dress is often one of the first signs that a person is having spiritual problems.

7.    What instructions did Paul give concerning dress?

9In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in _________ apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with ________ hair, or ______, or ________, or ________ array; 10But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” (1 Tim. 2:9-10)

One of the biggest complaints among Christian when it comes to jewelry is their wedding ring. Many see no harm in it and some ever believe that it is biblical. However, every search that I have done has produced the same finding; it is pagan. Whatever the case might be, the Christian should strive to please God in all things; using His written word to be their guide. They should purpose in their hearts to follow what the Bible says, regardless of what they feel. Anyway, it is clear for this passage that godly individual did not wear gold, pearls or costly attire.

8.    What was jewelry associated with when God called Jacob back to Bethel?

2Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the _______  ____ that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments. 4And they gave unto Jacob all the strange ___ which were in their hand, and all their _______ which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.” (Gen. 35:2, 4)

A false god is anything that you cannot give up for God.

9.    What good use did Israel make of their jewelry?

“And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an _________ of gold unto the LORD.” (Ex. 35:22)

10. Because everybody is doing something, does that mean that we must too?

Thou shalt ____ ________ a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment.” (Exo. 23:2)

11.  What can happen because of our dress?

“But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a _________________ to them that are weak.” (1 Cor. 8:9)

Although there is freedom in Jesus, Christians should dress in such a way as to not become a stumblingblocks to their brothers. (see Matt 18:6; Rom 14:13)

12.  What can our attire invoke in a person?

 But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to __________ after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”(Matt 5:28)

       14But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and ______. 15Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”(James 1:14, 15)

While lust is an individual issue, external factors, like dress, can cause others to lust and be enticed. Satan understands this. He is the true agent behind all temptation; however, he enlists individuals to dress in ways as to cause weak individuals to fall. The Christian does everything, in his power, not to be used this way. (see Matt. 4:1-3; 1 Thess. 3:5; Phil. 2:3, 4)

13.  If we love the Lord, what kind of things will we do?

“And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are ________ in his sight.”(1 John 3:22)

14.  Can you disregard God and still be on His side?

He that is ____ with me is ________ me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” (Matt. 12:30)

Jesus does not leave room for neutrality. You are either wholly with Him or wholly against Him.

15.  Are you willing to Christ over entertainment?

Answer ___________________

 

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    - Christian Dress

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