06-08-08 Sermon Review

Summer Here I Come! pt. 2 Modesty

We finish up our two part series today by touching on the topic of modesty. When we hear that word, we usually think of clothing, especially for women. But the biblical teaching on modesty encompasses so much more than that and affects both men and women. Modesty is a word that I have to cherish more and one that means much more as I have grown in my walk with the Lord. Why? Christian life is much about modesty. Is it really?

Well, let's take a look at dictionary.com's definition of "modest": 1. Having or showing a moderate or humble estimate of one's merits, importance. 2. Free from ostentation or showy extravagance. 3. Having or showing regard for the decencies of behavior, speech, dress. 4. Limited or moderate in amount.

If that is the definition of modesty, Christian life is indeed much about modesty. By virture of being Christ, we are to be modest. "Modest" should not just be a word that describes our dress, but our lives as well. Let me take you to 1 Peter 2:11-12 to show you come principles concerning Christian Modesty.

1. Having or Showing a Moderate or humble estimate of one's merits, importance - The Apostle Peter here addresses Christians as aliens and strangers. Christians can not be boastful, but must recognize their humble estate. They are saved, yet saved by grace and mercy. We are in this life nothing more than aliens and strangers. We are but pilgrims. That shouldn't discourage us, but rather excite us, knowing that this life is not what we're living for. Amongst ourselves we are not better. The Apostle calls us brethren.

2. Free from ostentation or showy extravagance - If we are but aliens and strangers, then we ought not make this life our home, much less our boast. It is sad to see many, many making bigger barn-houses when our lives will soon be demanded from the Lord. It is sad to see many, many so concerned by what kind of cars they drive, what kind of gadgets they have, what kind of houses they live in. They love to show people that they are doing well in this life and build a sense of identity with the perception they give off. Remember Christian, we are freed form these things for our identity comes only from the citizenship we have, the citizenship of heaven. We are pilgrims waiting for that heavenly home.

3. Having or showing regard for the decencies of behavior, speech, dress, etc - The text has two exhortations to us Christians; their importance stressed by the opening words: "Brethren, I urge you." Peter calls Christians to "abstain from fleshly lusts" as well as to "Keep our behavior excellent among the Gentiles."

The Lord called us the light of the world; yet, we sometimes do more to add to the darkness than shine the light of righteousness. I was shocked to read of the kind of darkness this world is in. A recent CNN story recounts the shameful acts done by high school students: teenagers taking nude pictures of themselves and sending them to their boyfriends and girlfriends. A comment on the article almost brought me to tears. "Brianna Moran, 15, ... said she is not surprised by such behavior. 'They probably think they're hot or something. If you look at people's MySpace, all the pictures are slutty,' she said" (emphasis mine). This is the kind of world we live in, but we Christians care little about how we act in such a culture. We look just like the world. Friend, we ought to reflect the glorious righteousness of God. We must then have great regard for the decencies of behavior, not just in our dress, but also in our speech, our spending, our xangas, our facebooks, our music, our lives.

4. Limited or moderate in amount, extent - Though we are aliens and strangers, and need to have a high standard of morality, that does not mean that we cannot do anything in this world. The Lord first made this world good and there's much to be enjoyed in this fallen world. But, we are expecting greater things, and having enjoyed better things, must not be addicted to the pleasures of this world. Let us learn from Jonathan Edwards as he writes, "God is the highest good of the reasonable creature, and the enjoyment of him is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. - To go to heaven full y to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accomodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows. But the enjoyment of God is the substance. There are but scattered beams, but God is the sun. These are but streams, but God is the fountain. These are but drops, but God is the ocean." Oh Christian, if we think like this, we cannot long indulge in this world, but take from it what is good until we are met with eternal goodness.

Conclusion

Now what does that mean for us. Most of us are drawn so much to our pagan culture. I pray you'll learn to be moderate and careful with your interaction with it. There's much temptation to dress like the world, but especially for our sisters, I pray you'll find pleasure in the beauty of modesty. Adorn yourselves, beautify yourselves with that which is proper for those claiming godliness (2 Timothy 2:9,10). I pray all of us will not spend our summers chasing fads and getting sucked in to this world and forget our Christian goals. Do this and the Lord is not slow to reward those who are gripped by His authority. Our Gentiles friends are promised a blessing though our respectful behaivor - they will glorfiy God in the day of visitation (1 Peter 2:11-12). Stay strong in the Lord in the pursuit of Christian modesty, and may He bless you strive onward.