Q4. Fancy Clothing

[Moses 4]

Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus? How do we apply the principle of Paul's directive in twenty-first century churches without instituting a new legalism?

I like to quote from a resend meeting on this subject:

Spiritual qualities should mark a Christian lady always, of course.

However, Paul's concern was that they be outstanding in the church

Meetings. There the lady's character and conduct would contribute to the

Orderly and edifying activities rather than detracting from them

"A woman's adornment, in short, lies not in what she

herself puts on, but in the loving service she gives out.

Perhaps Paul gave these instructions to the men and to the women

partially to counteract the natural (fleshly) tendencies in males

and females. Most men tend to be active, so it is important that they give

attention to praying, which is more contemplative than active. Women like

to look good, so they need to remember that good deeds are more

important than good looks

Pax

[dsantos81]

The women by dressing like that, were drawing attention to themselves, instead of living a life that would honor God. They were behaving like the women outside the church, therefore compromising the teaching of the gospel, which is to leave a simple life, a life that should be all about God. I believe the only way to implement this in church, is by reminding the church what the church really is, the body of christ. We were once lost, but now we are blessed to know Christ and to be saved through His sacrifice on the cross, and that we're being transformed into his image, so let's stop making the gospel means to make as feel good, when we do that we are diminishing the work of Christ. People wake up its all about Him.

[Jen]

Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus? How do we apply the principle of Paul's directive in twenty-first century churches without instituting a new legalism?

It would seem to put the emphasis on materialism and outward appearance rather than on our Lord and Savior. God looks at the heart and this doesn't seem to witness to that.

Maybe by the quiet example those who truly love the Lord set in their dress and behavior.

God Bless!

Jen

Numbers 6:24-26

[Helen Williams]

Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus? How do we apply the principle of Paul's directive in twenty-first century churches without instituting a new legalism?

The women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus becasue it draws attention to themsevles and not the message. We (male/female) should be modest in dress. We all want to keep the focus on God through Jesus Christ. There should be reverence, respect and shrinking away from what is inappropriate. We should also have sound judgement or self control We can apply the principle by urging christian women that beauty is her godly character and her love for the Lord and demonstrated in all types of good works.

[Patriciaa]

Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10)

How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus?

Church is a place to go and worship God. It is very important for women to dress in a manner not to draw attention to themselves. A woman's beauty should not be her outward appearance of gold, or pearls, or fancy clothes. Her beauty should be from within. Women, who are modest in apparel and in their behavior, are a blessing in the church.

How do we apply the principle of Paul's directive in twenty-first century churches without instituting a new legalism?

The appropriateness of clothing and jewelry cannot be set in stone for all time. It must be applied within a particular culture on the basis of principle, not of law. Women need to "cloth themselves" with good deeds rather than emphasis on outward appearance.

[McCollum]

Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus? How do we apply the principle of Paul's directive in twenty-first century churches without instituting a new legalism?

Clothing was to show profess to worship God and if they worship God they would dress decency and propriety not in a way of causing attention to themselves but in a way of suitable, sobriety, and discreetly.

[Mrstoler]

Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus? How do we apply the principle of Paul's directive in twenty-first century churches without instituting a new legalism?

Women dressing fancy would cause those who could not afford to buy the latest fashion would resent the women who could and nothing but back biting and gossip would get out of control. Clicks would form and fights will eventually break out. At that point the Word of God is not going forth. I would compare what goes on in the church today with the church in Paul's time. There is not that much difference. We would have to stop conveting what other wear and have a sincere heart open to God. We should do what God said to do and be content with what we have. "God will supply all our needs." This chose should be made individually we should humble ourselves and love everyone without favoritism then there would be no legalism.

[Robin D]

The wearing of fancy clothes threatened to compromise the church's witness because the women were apparently dressing to draw attention to themselves.

Today, I believe women should still be dressed modestly in order to uphold a godly example and portray what is in their heart.

[Snaps]

Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus? How do we apply the principle of Paul's directive in twenty-first century churches without instituting a new legalism?

Modesty in women is terribly important. Less than modesty veres towards the temple prostitutes that got Eli's sons into trouble. Women can easily fall into seduction, even in church, and modesty helps prevent that. Modern fashions tend to draw attention to the female body in a seductive manner which is no less than witchcraft. This will certainly take attention away from the message which is to be preached.

Know that modern fashions originate in witchcraft in may senses. The church needs to teach a beautiful,decorative form of dress that takes emphasis away from the seductive body parts. This must begin with those who are on stage, and flow through to young women in the congregation. When a girl comes to church first in street clothes, she should be accepted as she is. But once she receives Jesus and develops in her faith, she should also develop in her dress sense past depending on her visual effect on men. Relationship (this is what God is interested in) is not a function of the eyes, but of the state of the heart. That takes a lot more discernment than external adornment.

I don't know why we are so worried about legalism these days. If a person is in love with Jesus they will dress accordingly and not like a seductress. If they are dressing like a seductress then they have no leadership function in the church because they haven't cottoned on to this simple teaching about dress and don't love Jesus enough to dress quietly. If they still have to be taught in a legal fashion (these are the rules) then they haven't entered into the love of God which surpasses all understanding, and incidentally, all law as well. Galatians 5:22,23 says there is no law against self-control (including dress). If the fruit is seductive they don't take leadership roles. Fashion can be a bit difficult these days, but not impossible. I don't know why we have to be so timid in addressing such questions for fear of disquieting the seductive spirit in women. We need to teach openly about modest dressing and what that means in church life. It could just be a sermon on what is looked for in leadership, so that people know what the issues are. If we are not afraid to teach about tithing (everybody is very keen on that these days) then why should we fear teaching on modesty.

[nurselaino]

Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus? How do we apply the principle of Paul's directive in twenty-first century churches without instituting a new legalism?

Paul was warning of two different things. 1. that woman should not be dressing provocatively...they should not be bringing attention to their bodies and showing of loose morals which is against the teachings of Christ and 2. they should not be trying in their dress show their riches. The first would of course tempt men to sin and the second places a great divide between those rich and those poor. We are not to flaunt our bodies or our wealth if so blessed

Today of course styles of dress have changed but it should still be that woman dress properly. I believe it is up to the older woman of the church to teach the young. We should never turn anyone away because of the way they dress...but once someone has surrendered to the Lord and their style has not changed it would be proper to very privately speak to this person...also as back in the past we still should not be flaunting our wealth. Again speaking to a saved person privately would be the best way.

[Roxanne]

Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus? How do we apply the principle of Paul's directive in twenty-first century churches without instituting a new legalism?

NOT WEAR FANCY CLOTHES BAIDED HAIR OR GOLD JEWERLY....YOU ARE THERE FOR GOD NOT TO IMPRESS OTHER PEOPLE..YES WE DRESSUP FOR OUR FATHER FOR SERVICES BUT BE DECENT ABOUT IT.

[nerraw20]

Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus? How do we apply the principle of Paul's directive in twenty-first century churches without instituting a new legalism?

Its was offensive and poor taste which accentuated the difference between the rich and the slaves.

We don't want to make it a rule on how to dress. People should be thoughtful on how it could affect others. If there is a problem someone needs to inform the person in a loving way. They may not realise how their dress could cause conflict.

[squirt1]

Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus? How do we apply the principle of Paul's directive in twenty-first century churches without instituting a new legalism?

They were bringing attention to themselves. Reminds me of the teens today. You can look nice and not look as if you walked out of a brothel. Focusing on what is on the inside shold be more important than what is on the outside.

[servant for Christ]

Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus? How do we apply the principle of Paul's directive in twenty-first century churches without instituting a new legalism?

They were drawing attention to themselves, did not have their mind or heart on God. They cared more about what the people thought. Today, we are to dress modest, but God looks on the heart. Let His righteousness be our clothing. That people will see Him.

[randi]

Q4

This kind of dress, immodestly, hinders the brethren from worship and causes their Christian sisters to become jealous distracting both from the worship service.

Now in the 21st century it is still the same, we should dress modestly not because it is depended of us but in respect to God, ourself, and to fellow believers. In order to glorify God we must fit what His standards are. We are not going to impress others, if we are we might as well stay at home.

[s8nfighter]

Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus? How do we apply the principle of Paul's directive in twenty-first century churches without instituting a new legalism?

I don't think that Paul was condemning the dress as much as he was encouraging the practice of good works as a witness to the glory of Christ. I say this because in Philippians Paul says, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (NIV) You see Paul knows that the position we have in Him is greater than any positon we have in this world.

Yes we must dress respectfully because God is worthy of our respect and He demands it also. He told Moses to remove his sandels because he was standing on "Holy Ground". Respect, in order to be returned, must be given. How can we expect God to respect our prayers if we do not show Him respect?

Darrell

[WenC]

I am sure there were probably class distinctives between the women, as there will always be. To emphasise one

[sahala p.s.]

Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus? How do we apply the principle of Paul's directive in twenty-first century churches without instituting a new legalism?

Women dressing in fancy clothes threatened to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus in these ways: it made the church more emphasize outward show than good seed, and it accentuated the divide between the rich and the poor

We apply the principle of Paul's directive in twenty-first century churches without instituting a new legalism in this way: we must do it within a particular culture on the basis of principle, not of law

[Roseangela Agunda]

Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus? How do we apply the principle of Paul's directive in twenty-first century churches without instituting a new legalism?

Women dressing in fancy clothes was drawing attention to themselves and not to God, they focused on competition.

Culture and territories should be taken into consideration.

[hungry for more of God]

They were concentrating on others opinion of them rather than Gods. This could make others who were more 'poorly' dressed feel unwanted or excluded. We should be known by our love which means we should be accepting of all not just those who dress the way we like. How do we apply this without being legalistic? Focusing on being considerate and loving to one another rather than setting rigid rules, Consideration may stop you wearing a particular type of outfit but it may also mean treating someone with respect regardless of how they are dressed.

[Craig]

Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus? How do we apply the principle of Paul's directive in twenty-first century churches without instituting a new legalism?

Dressing in name brand clothes and dripping in fine jewery can cause one to be unapproachable by the less fortunate in and out of church causing division. I want people of any social class to be able to relate to me in order that I might be a witness and minister for Jesus Christ. I will down play anything that would cause me to be unapproachable. How we dress can reveal where our priorities lie.

I don't think it is an issue of a new legalism, but a love for people issue.

[Jewell]

Dressing in fancy clothes emphasized the division between rich and poor, taking away from representing oneself as one who puts God first.

In the 21st century, I believe dressing modestly is as important now because the tendency for women to draw attention to themselves through their clothing (or lack of) can easily lead men into temptation and sin (from Matthew 5: "if a man even looks at a women with ****...."), and I believe in those circumstances, the woman is as guilty as the man.

As for braided hair and jewelry, under most circumstances it does not show a division of class as it would have when there were slaves. Taking care in what type and when we wear jewelry, however, is important to ensuring that we are now presenting ourselves for "show".

[emmaus]

The church would not have a very good witness if they thought the most important thing about going to church was how they dressed. By dressing in fancy clothes they were drawing attention to themselves instead of focusing on the Lord and being his servants. A person should dress appropriately as a Christian. I go to a little country church and we don't dress to draw attention to ourselves but we dress with respect for God as we go into his church.

[KWADWO]

Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus? How do we apply the principle of Paul's directive in twenty-first century churches without instituting a new legalism?

Dear all,

Paul was simply trying to avoid the situation where the dressing of some of the women could put off others from coming to church. Dressing in such ostentatious manner could have prevented the poor from serving God. It could also be a way of discouraging unnecessary expenditure so that resources could be channeled to the work of God. There were the poor to be taking care off and therefore an act of irresponsibility if people ignore the weightier matters and rather spend on dressing. In the 21st century, I believe the message is still relevant but is should not be an issue of dos and not. People must be taught to be modesty and use resources rather for the furtherance of the Gospel. After all, we don't not have to build our treasures on perishable things as the bible says.

Thank you all,

Collins

[KWADWO]

Q4. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) How did women dressing in fancy clothes threaten to compromise the church's witness in Ephesus? How do we apply the principle of Paul's directive in twenty-first century churches without instituting a new legalism?

The dressing in those days cannot be taking out of context. They dressed according to their culture. I think the problem was that people wanted modesty so that those who could not were not deterred from coming to church. He perhaps was avoiding class establishments in the body of Christ. In today's world, the same applies. Culture plays a key role here. In some cultures, women can wear trousers to church whilst in some cultures, it is frown upon when a woman wears a trousers. Strict adherence to dressing must be avoided since there is not fast rule about that. Dressing cannot be said to be sinning. People must be encouraged to be modest but not that the bible says so.

Thanks.

Collins