Category Archives: Christian Discipling

Matthew 28:18-20

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

How To Be Biblically Dressed For Church Modesty

In describing the mode of dress appropriate for people in the church, the apostle Paul exhorts them (women) to dress modestly with decency and propriety then goes on to contrast immodest dress with the good deeds which are appropriate for those who profess to be true worshipers of God. Much more valuable than pricey outfits and famous name brands are the good works that flow from a life committed to the Lord.

likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness with good works. 1 Timothy 2:9-10

  • While the Bible only specifically addresses the need for women to dress modestly, the same teaching would apply to men in principle. Both men and women should bring glory to God in their manner of dress. Modesty in the way we dress is not just for the church; it is to be the standard for all Christians at all times.
  • The key to understanding what constitutes modesty in dress is to examine the attitudes and intents of the heart. Those whose hearts are inclined toward God will make every effort to dress modestly, decently, and appropriately. Those whose hearts are inclined toward self will dress in a manner designed to draw attention to themselves with little or no regard for the consequences to themselves or others.

For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life- comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:16

A godly woman endeavors to do everything with a God-ward perspective. She knows that God wants His people to be concerned for His glory and the spiritual state of their brothers and sisters in Christ. If a woman professes to be a Christian yet she dresses in a way that will unduly draw attention to her body, she is a poor witness of the One who bought her soul by dying for her on the cross.

  • She is forgetting that her body has been redeemed by Christ and is now the “temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). She is telling the world that she determines her own worth on a purely physical basis and that her attractiveness depends on how much of her body she reveals to them. Further, by intentionally dressing in an immodest fashion

  • displaying her body for men to lust after, she encourages her brothers in Christ to sin, something condemned by God (Matthew 5:27-29) mentions a woman dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent here, the woman’s heart condition is displayed by her manner of dress.1024px-Ilhan_Omar,_official_portrait,_116th_Congress_(square) (1)
The Scripture says that we are to dress modestly, but what exactly does that mean in modern society? Does a woman have to be covered from head to toe? There are cults and religions in the world that demand this of women. If a woman’s heart is inclined toward godliness, she will wear clothing that is neither provocative nor revealing in public. Her clothing choices will not signal pride or ostentation and will not reflect negatively even if everyone else may be dressing immodestly,

she resists the temptation to follow everyone. She avoids clothing designed to draw attention to her body and causes men to lust, for she is godly and this attention only cheapens her. We dress appropriately and do not advertise ourselves as sex objects, like prostitutes might dress. Certain fashions and styles are meant to inflame lust and communicate a readiness to immorality (Proverbs 7:10). The idea of men to sin against God because of her dress is abhorrent because she seeks to honor, love God and wants others to do the same.

Definition of Lust:

The dictionary definition of lust is “1) intense or unrestrained sexual craving or 2) an overwhelming desire or craving.”

  • The Bible speaks of lust in several ways. Exodus 20:14, 17, “Do not commit adultery. . . Do not covet your neighbors house. Do not covet your neighbors wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else your neighbor owns,” or Matthew 5:28, “But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart.Job 31:11-12  sums up lust quite nicely:

Job 31:11-12 For that would be a heinous crime; that would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges; for that would be a fire that consumes as far as Abaddon, and it would burn to the root all my increase. Lust puts the body like an object to self-gratify. It makes a person not human, we were created by God in God’s image, but for your carnal pleasure.

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

Definition of Modest:

The Greek word translated modest is kosmios, which occurs twice in the New Testament, once as “modest” in this passage (1 Timothy 2:9-10) and once as “of good behavior” in 1 Timothy 3:2. It came to mean “well-arranged, seemly, and modest.”

King David walked upon the roof:

Consider for a moment 2 Samuel 11. King David is walking on the roof of the king’s house and he sees Bathsheba washing her-self, evidently unclothed to some degree. The Bible says she was very beautiful to look upon. David sent for her and committed adultery with her. If Bathsheba had been completely covered in a godly manner,

 

would she have had the same effect on David? The answer is easy. It is a fact our dress can tempt individuals in ways they would not otherwise be tempted another thing some might say is, It’s the person lusting who is sinning, not me or, Evil is in the eye of the beholder. That is not true, and it shows a low regard for the souls of others.

And it came to pass in an evening-tide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. 2 Samuel 11:2

What does the Bible say about Clothing?

Clothing has played a major role in the history of God’s interactions with man and is featured prominently from Genesis to Revelation. Outward attire sometimes symbolizes inward realities, clothing often has spiritual significance. The word clothes are Greek-katastole the meaning of the word was “to send or to let down or lower.

 Paul addressed an issue 1 Timothy 2:9-10 where the women in the church were trying to outdo each other in how they dressed, and the flashier the better. They were losing sight of the things that should adorn a godly woman humility, sobriety, godliness, and good works. The words “dress modestly” is not used here in the context of specific garments, but rather to be clad in a modest covering. It should not be used to prove a prohibition against wearing pants (also see 1 Peter 3:3-4).

The first clothing Garden of Eden. Their eyes were opened (Genesis 3:6-7), which means they had a new awareness of nakedness. Clothing has symbolized the need to cover our sin and shame, God, in His mercy, killed for them and made garments of skins (Genesis 3:21). The fact that blood had to be shed in order to cover Adam and Eve’s shame is a foreshadowing of the later sacrifice of Christ. Our inability to cover our own sin necessitated God’s Son coming to earth to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves (Philippians 2:6-8; Titus 3:5)

Throughout human history, clothing styles and colors have been indicators of a persons status, wealth, position, and gender. The Bible examples of clothing used to communicate different things. Royal robes were worn 1 Kings 22:30, Sackcloth to morn, repent, or political tragedy (Joel 1:8), (Jonah 3:5), ( 2 Kings 19:1 )
Prostitutes had a certain dress and easily recognized by their clothing (Genesis 38:14-15; Proverbs 7:10). Leather belts were a sign of poverty or asceticism (2 Kings 1:8; Mark 1:6) Throughout the Bible white clothing symbolized purity (Matthew 17:2), (Revelation 3:18; 4:4; 6:11 ) in visions (Daniel 7:9; Mark 9:2) and angels (Matthew 28:3; John 20:12).
Clothing is good, bodies covered, both for protection and for modesty. God pronounced judgments upon those who uncovered the nakedness of others improperly (Exodus 20:26; Leviticus 18:6; Isaiah 47:3). In Scripture, nakedness is almost always associated with sexual sin and/or shame. God considers our earthly attire significant as well.

How Fashion Should be seen by Christians:

The fashion industry does not set the standard for beauty. That standard is set by God alone and is unchanging. In fact, beauty has nothing really to do with clothing or a fashion or purse. First Peter 3:3-4 says, Your beauty should not come from outward adornments, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold, jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

Fashion should never become an idol in our lives. The fashion industry and its products should not be something we worship. The vicissitudes of the fashion world reflect the fleeting nature of the world in general: The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever (1 John 2:17).

It isn’t wrong to wear nice things or be fashionable or operate in the world of fashion as long as it can be done modestly it shouldn’t be flashy fashion. Jesus said, Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes (Luke 12:22-23). It isn’t wrong to be fashionable as long as we keep things in perspective and the fashions we choose do not contradict biblical standards. Fashions that are immodest, selfishly draw attention to oneself or blur the lines of gender are off-limits. Like leggings they create fashion, so no need for skirts or you make them shorter, the leggings make there own modesty, have to think these things.

Fashion Tells Us – Love Your Curves

 High Heel’s are immodest because: 
They point the calf muscle for a “seductive” look and heels symbolize “seductive” in our culture. Heels have your legs for the rear to stick out more and magazines show women with revealing pants, skirts designed to accompany women’s shoes, to give that height and angled legs. It’s hard to wear plain modest clothing with a pair of high heel stilettos and feel to be dressing pleasing the Lord. Heel’s angle the leg and bring attention to oneself, which is considered immodest you are dressed to please God and not people.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age (Titus 2:11-12).

Should a Christian woman wear a bikini?My Post (13) (1)

Whether or not to wear a bikini is a question many women struggle with, but for a Christian woman, the issue is clear. The Bible tells us that God calls women to modesty, which means to not draw attention to themselves: “I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,

but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God” (1 Timothy 2:9-10). God also calls us to purity: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). The question is whether or not wearing a bikini is consistent with modesty and purity the answer is no, also going to the beach where you will see others needs to be thought about.

Example: While wearing yoga pants I stopped at the store, coming home from training would be a problem. In the store, there was a man looking at a butt-ox of a near women shopping. He was very fixed in what he was looking at I have since stopped wearing yoga pants in public.

Another issue to consider is that God calls all people to control their thought lives, so as women, help our brothers by dressing modestly: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-29). When we dress immodestly, it can lead them to commit the sin of lust and displeases God.

A lot of women think/say freedom through Christ means we can wear what is comfortable, or attractive or practical. Men will battle in their minds sometimes when they see a contour of a women’s body through clothing. Please understand that men are visual which is different from women and each person is responsible for their own actions. In this instance, women are responsible for dressing modestly men are responsible for their eyes and thoughts.

A further consideration is that our bodies, like our minds and hearts, belong to God and are to be used for His glory, not our own. Romans 12:1 tells us, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God this is your spiritual act of worship.” When we offer our bodies to God living sacrifices, we are saying, in effect, My body is yours, Lord. Use it for your glory. It’s hard to imagine a bikini-clad body being used for God’s glory.

Of course, wearing a bikini in a private location, like a fenced-in back yard, is probably acceptable, providing there is no visual access to the yard by the neighbors but even then there could be a risk, men will find a way. According to the verses above, we have the responsibility not to put the males around us in a position that they might lust or have impure thoughts. Matthew 18:7).

How we should dress:

The Bible does speak to how we are to dress and how to view the role of adornment in our lives. Here are a few passages we can look to for guidance: I believe From scripture and definitions, clothing Jesus wore and examples. Women should be wearing dresses/pants and pants for (men) to foot level. The clothing also had sleeves that would be to the wrist level but cannot confirm sleeves length by scripture, other than John 21:7 but they wore garments and coats. A coat alone was considered nakedness and shoulders covered and shirts/blouses should be to the neck without chest/shoulders showing John 19:23 showing and a collar as Jobs, as Priests example. coat definition RSV marg., “a long garment with sleeves“) They wore layers and cloths should arrange mostly loose-fitting. Definitions below the bottom of the page.
Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them. Genesis 3:21

  • The “coat” (kethoneth), of wool, cotton, or linen, was worn by both sexes. It was a closely-fitting garment, resembling in use and form our shirt ( John 19:23 ). It was kept close to the body by a girdle ( John 21:7 ). A person wearing this “coat” alone was described as naked ( 1 Samuel 19:24; Isaiah 20:2; 2 Kings 6:30; John 21:7); deprived of it he would be absolutely naked.
Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. John 19:23
  • Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. John 21:7

  • We see in Isaiah 47:2-3 the leg showing is called nakedness justifying the need for long pants and dresses to the feet.

Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers. Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man. Isaiah 47:2-3

Praying_at_Belzer_Rebbe's_grave

And if thou say in thine heart, Wherefore come these things upon me? For the greatness of thine iniquity are thy skirts discovered, and thy heels made bare. Jeremiah 13:22

And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. Rev 1:13

  • Which seems to say closed neckline or collar most clothing has collars.

Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: Isaiah 3:16

by the great force of my disease is my garment changed: it bindeth me about as the collar of my coat. Job 30:18

It is like the precious ointment poured on the head, that ran down on the beard, even the beard of Aaron [the first high priest], that came down upon the collar and skirts of his garments. Psalm 133:2

and not cross-dressing:

Deuteronomy 22:5 deals with the issue of cross-dressing/transvestism (men/women dressing clothing and vice versa). The Hebrew word translated abomination means “a disgusting thing, abominable, in the ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages), in the ethical sense of wickedness.” Also, this is not a command that a woman should not wear pants/slacks as some use this passage to teach. The meaning here is that this cross-dressing and transvestism is done in order to deceive or to present oneself as something that he/she is not. This speaks to a woman changing her dress and appearance so as to appear to be a man and a man changing his dress and appearance so as to appear to be a woman.

Our dynamic behind this is the leaving of what is natural and taking on that which is in God’s Word called unnatural (Romans 1:24-27). Paul tells the Corinthian church that the way a woman/man wears there hair is a reflection of God’s order, and therefore a woman who cuts her hair to appear as a man or a man who wears his hair long to appear as a woman brings shame to them (1 Corinthians 11:3-15).  Dress in a way that people can tell who you are there should be no confusion or ambiguity as to what your gender. The issue here is the motive and attitude of the heart that is evidenced in the choice to rebel against God’s standard for obedience.

Deuteronomy 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.
  • and this can sometimes be seen in the worship ministry performer’s lack of modest dress, many services are disrupted during worship. Because their fashions have caused distractions, moving the attention far from praising God.
Exodus 20:26
Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.

Should Christian women wear makeup or Jewelry?

In examining the propriety of wearing makeup or jewelry, we start with 1 Samuel 16:7b: The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. This does not mean that the externals are unimportant, visual signals and the appearance we choose for ourselves can express rebellion, piety, carelessness, meticulousness, etc.

But appearances can be deceiving, deeper issues of the heart. Outward appearance is done for man to see, and we should be careful about that, and be for God but, God is more concerned with what is happening in the heart. In the context of rules for public worship, Paul says, I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God 1 Timothy 2:9-10,

There is a standard of dress that is right for a woman in a worship service. Paul gives no specifics, but a woman’s clothing is to be modest and decent and respectable. Wearing anything that is immodest, indecent, or disreputable is wrong. Drawing the line between modest and immodest can be subjective but each believer should be discerning enough to avoid giving offense.

also, there is a proper adornment for women who worship God and an improper adornment. The proper adornment for a godly woman is simply good deeds. Tabitha adorned herself beautifully by always doing good and helping the poor (Acts 9:36). The improper adornment for a godly woman is that which puffs her up with pride or draws attention to her outward appearance: the examples are elaborate hairstyles, gold and pearls, and expensive clothing.

The focus of a worship service is to be the Lord, not the latest fashion, the biggest diamond, or the chicest hairdo. Wearing a $3,000 dress or carrying a Gucci handbag to church or flashing gaudy jewelry does nothing to truly adorn the woman of God, simplicity is better. She would be much better off and the poor much better served if she sold the dress and gave the money to a Christian charity or gave it to someone sharing the gospel better time spent serving someone in need.

A public worship service should not be a fashion show. It’s that overindulgence and excess are improper in church guard against pride and be careful not to distract others (or ourselves) from what is truly important: the worship and glory of God and the service of others. Again in 1 Timothy 2:9-10, we have a contrast, this time between flashy externals and less-noticeable deeds.

EXAMPLE: In first-century Roman culture, women would customarily braid or twist their hair high onto their heads, often decorating their locks with jewels, gold adornments, and more to garner attention. The ornate displays indeed drew a public response, but the apostles point is that to flaunt one’s beauty for selfish adoration is not in line with the humility of Christ.

Jesus says in Matthew 23:12, Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. and Peter emphasizes the contrast between humility and modesty the outward, fleeting beauty and the inward, lasting beauty of a woman. A truly beautiful woman has a gentle and quiet spirit. She may not be noticed much in this world, but God sees the heart. To flaunt one’s beauty for selfish adoration is not in line with the humility of Christ, service should extend in your daily life. Christians should not be motivated by vanity in the use of perfume or cologne as well, scripture has good and bad examples of cologne use and we should be sensitive to people with allergies.

God’s judgment upon the women of Jerusalem:

This is God’s judgment on the prideful women in Jerusalem, Isaiah wrote God would take away the things that caused pride and they would be shamed. Their easy life was over there luxury would now be humiliation.
Moreover the Lord saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the Lord will discover their secret parts. In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon, The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers,
The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, The rings, and nose jewels, The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails. And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well-set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty. Isaiah 3:16-24

Here is an example for a church bulletin:pexels-photo-753277 (1)

  • Dear sisters,

  • On behalf of and for the benefit of men who are seeking to live in accordance with thewill of God and to keep themselves pure and holy, to the end that you do not encourage them to lust, and for your own eternal welfare, please do not call undue attention to yourself or expose yourself by wearing immodest apparel. Godly men do not want to see your thighs (or more) in clothing that is too short, your cleavage in tops that are too low, your navels in tops that are too short, your undergarments in clothing that is too thin, nor the curves and characteristics of your bodies in clothing that is too tight. Please look in the mirror at yourself (front and back) and bend over and see if your cleavage will show exposing yourself to others and ask yourself if your attire is becoming one professing godliness. You may need to make some changes.

Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:28
What happens when Christian dresses immodestly? Christians need to realize we are a holy people (1 Peter 1:15-16). As children of God, we are to set our minds on the things above, not on things on the earth. We must guard ourselves and not be conformed to this world (Romans 12:2). Let’s say others know that an individual is a member of the church, and they hear that person stand and defend the plan of salvation,
If that person is then seen dressed in provocative clothing or publicly engaging in practices that even much of the world views as sensual, how is the world going to view the church? Listen to the description of what Christ thinks about His church, our choices affect the church.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish Ephesians 5:25-27

How Does Modesty Apply To Children?

Another false idea relates to our children. A parent might think, But my daughter is just a child! Certainly, she isn’t the object of lust. Well, she may not be to the parent, but what about a person her age? What about a pedophile? It happens very quickly that our little girls turn into little women.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Important

This is when Dad needs to step up to the spiritual headship that God gave him it’s up to the parent to teach their children at a young age and teenage. Some people have the idea that when a girl dresses immodestly, she is intentionally dressing to entice men. While that may be true of some women, it is not true for all of them. God has made us different.

Deuteronomy 5:29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

Men (more visual) like a camera he can pull that file any time, in that mind and women are wired differently with regard to sexual desires, and many times, especially with young girls, women do not truly understand the effect their clothing has on those of the opposite sex. This is why fathers must take the spiritual lead with reference to what is worn by their wives and tell their wives you shouldn’t wear that and daughters/sons.

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 1 Timothy 5:8

In conclusion:

We don’t want to be policemen about it, but if someone persists in not conforming. With clothing like leggings, yoga pants, shorts, stretch pants, tight clothes, too short, too thin, too little, too revealing a woman/man is not dressing properly in the church then something should be said by a church member or whoever would do those things after having heard about modesty and not conforming to God’s law.
Christians should strive to maintain a godly perspective on how they present themselves to the world, demonstrating God’s glory with their bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and caring about the spiritual state of their brothers and sisters in Christ (Romans 15:1-2). Rather than focusing on outward appearances, an inward focus on developing Christlike behavior is more profitable and pray to seek God about it.
Christians must make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:5-8).
Audio on Modesty

Definitions of Dress:

Dress Materials Used: The earliest and simplest an apron of fig-leaves sewed together ( Genesis 3:7 ); then skins of animals ( 3:21 ). The Hebrews were early acquainted with the art of weaving hair into cloth ( Exodus 26:7; 35:6 ), which formed the sackcloth of mourners. This was the material of John the Baptist’s robe ( Matthew 3:4 ).

Wool was also woven into garments ( Leviticus; Deuteronomy 22:11; Ezekiel 34:3; Job 31:20; Proverbs 27:26 ). The Israelite’s probably learned the art of weaving linen when they were in Egypt ( 1 Chronicles 4:21 ). Fine linen was used in the vestments of the high priest ( Exodus 28:5 ), as well as by the rich ( Genesis 41:42; Proverbs 31;22; Luke 16:19 ). The use of mixed material, as wool and flax, was forbidden ( Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 22:11 ).

Form. The robes of men and women were not very much different in form from each other.

(a) The “coat” (kethoneth), of wool, cotton, or linen, was worn by both sexes. It was a closely-fitting garment, resembling in use and form our shirt ( John 19:23 ). It was kept close to the body by a girdle ( John 21:7 ). A person wearing this “coat” alone was described as naked ( 1 Samuel 19:24; Isaiah 20:2; 2 Kings 6:30; John 21:7); deprived of it he would be absolutely naked.
(b) A linen cloth or wrapper (sadin) of fine linen, used somewhat as a night-shirt ( Mark 14:51. It is mentioned and rendered there “sheet.”
(c) An upper tunic (meil), longer than the “coat” ( 1 Samuel 2;19 ; 24:4; 28:14 ). In 1 Samuel 28:14 it is the mantle in which Samuel was enveloped; in 1 Samuel 24:4 it is the “robe” under which Saul slept. The disciples were forbidden to wear two “coats” ( Matthew 10:10; Luke 9:3).
(d) The usual outer garment consisted of a piece of woolen cloth like a Scotch plaid, either wrapped around the body or thrown over the shoulders like a shawl, with the ends hanging down in front, or it might be thrown over the head so as to conceal the face (Esther 6:12 ). It was confined to the waist by a girdle, and the fold formed by the overlapping of the robe served as a pocket (Haggai 2:12).
Female dress: The “coat” was common to both sexes. But peculiar to females were (1) the “veil” or “wimple,” a kind of shawl ( Ruth 3:15; rendered “mantle,” RSV, Isaiah 3:22 ); (2) the “mantle,” also a species of shawl ( Isaiah 3:22); (3) a “veil,” a covering ( Genesis 24:65 ).
(4) a “stomacher,” Part of dress covering stomach and breast area ( Isaiah 3:24 ). The outer garment terminated in an ample fringe or border, which concealed the feet ( Jeremiah 13:22 ).
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The Secret To Mastering Spiritual Warfare: Armor Of God

Picture of spiritual warfare is looked at in the Book of Revelation when in the book we see War in Heaven (Rev. 12:7), the beasts and kings of the earth wage war against God’s people (Rev. 19:19), and a final battle ensues with satan and the nations of the earth against God Himself (Rev. 20:8).

The real armor used was a protective covering to prevent damage from being inflicted on an individual by direct contact weapons or projectiles, usually during combat, or from damage caused by a potentially dangerous environment. The armor of God in the Bible is a metaphor for Christians (Ephesians 6:10-18) showing the spiritual battle and the protection we have available to us.

Romans 13:12 The night is almost gone, and the day is near Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

This Spiritual battle is us against any forces of darkness. The three enemies of the soul in our spiritual warfare are our flesh(sensual-carnal) evil within this earth(worldly), and the evil one(devil) the last two are without which are opposed and very hostile to God. This evil age that we are in has its thoughts seeping into our minds and hearts in little ways, so we need discernment. God gives us great weapons against accusations or temptations. One is the Word of God, it lets us know who God is and truth. The lovely Holy Spirit will bring God’s truth to our minds when it is needed.

We can have victory over satan’s schemes (deceit and lies) by filling our minds with the truth of the Bible. The devil, demons are real constantly seeking to accuse, temptation and deception to bother you in your interactions, hiding

working to undermine with confusion, they work to undermine what God is doing through us but don’t live in fear. Enemy means: adversary, opponent or accuser that’s how he attacks you he also schemes which means he makes a strategy of attacks one after another.

The enemy can’t possess us or snatch us from Jesus but he wants to damage the relationship we have with God and lies continually. We do have authority over him in Christ even though he is stronger. We are called to be God’s holy people and to be separate for Him… and we should ask God for His wisdom. Specific passages describe the spiritual nature of these battles and help us understand how we experience them practically.

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:3

“But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”

What does it mean to submit to God and resist the devil?

It is said, To submit to God is in itself resisting the devil when we align our lives with God’s will, the answer is a growing resistance to devils temptations and he will lose his foothold and has to flee. To think we can do it in our own strength is ridiculous we must resist humbly our lives and submit to God.

  • 2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Submitting to God means elevating His Word above our own desires, yielding ourselves to Gods revealed will in the Scriptures, and desperately calling to Him in prayer to ask for grace to help in time of need in zealous pursuit of God and the presence of God.

  • James 4:7

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

  • Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

  • 1 Peter 5:6-7

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.

One thing is to resist the devil firm in your faith important in your battling and be calm and collected in attack and be aware.leo-animal-savannah-lioness-55814 (1)

  • 1 Peter 5:8-9

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

Who is it that overcame but Christ are you trusting that He overcame the world.

  • John 16:33

“I [Jesus] have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.We conquer through Christ ask Him to help you conquer every day through trials.

  • Romans 8:37-39

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

But as with most things, they start with a thought and we should take our thoughts captive which produces feelings and this will stop it before it even gets started. God wants you to trust Him when you face those fiery darts.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

Get rid of those thoughts from satan and place your faith in God’s Word and Him alone. Other attacks can be demonic spiritual and religious experiences you need to be careful of those. There is no doubt that demons oppress and tempt believers, and there are some states of mind that are fertile ground for temptation (Matthew 6:13; 1 Corinthians 7:5; Galatians 6:1). The Charismatic movement, with its emphasis on dreams and visions, feelings and experiences, and new revelation, is one form of Christian mysticism.  

Because we have Gods completed Word, we are not to seek after dreams and visions or extra revelation from God. While it is possible for God to reveal Himself in dreams and visions today, we should beware of the subjective nature of feelings and spiritual impressions.It is vital to remember that anything Christian experiences must line up with the truth of the Bible. God will not contradict Himself. He is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). But there is no evidence to suggest that we are in any way bound by demons or rendered helpless in spiritual warfare.

satan is also a spirit and does his evil work by attacking our minds (James 3:14-15), our bodies (Luke 9:42; 2 Corinthians 12:7), and our spirits (Matthew 16:23; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5).  There is an unseen battle taking place around us every moment between Gods holy angels and the forces of darkness (Daniel 10:12-14; Ephesians 6:10-17; Jude 1:9).

If we are vigilant as the Lord commands, we will not be caught unprepared by satans attacks (1 Peter 5:8; 2 Corinthians 2:11). And we have the promise of God that His Holy Spirit is stronger than any of satans schemes (1 John 4:4). But don’t give him footholds to attack you when you sin pornography for example. God has given His children everything we need to stand firm against any spiritual attack of our enemy.

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous. 1 John 3:7

The apostle Paul calls this the “armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11). Some people blame every sin, every conflict, and every problem on demons they believe need to be cast out. The apostle Paul instructs Christians to wage war against the sin in themselves (Romans 6) and to wage war against the evil one (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Ministries that focus wholly on breaking demonic bondage often misapply biblical texts to support their teachings. Religion can easily turn into a type of spiritual bondage when we allow our fears of hell, judgment, or demonic activity to control us.  

When we adopt a religious mindset that says, If I don’t perform such and such a ritual, there will be bad consequences. This is not biblical truth. Some have delved into an exploration of the spirit world to their own destruction. pexels-photo-226746

We are to stand firm with the belt of truth, buckle on the breastplate of righteousness, wear on our feet the gospel of peace, hold up the shield of faith, wear the helmet of salvation, and wield the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God the only offensive weapon in the whole armory.

The rest are defensive. What do these pieces of spiritual armor represent in spiritual warfare? We are to speak the truth against satans lies (fiery darts). We are to rest in the fact that we are declared righteous because of Christs sacrifice for us. We are to proclaim the gospel no matter how much resistance we receive. We are not to waver in our faith, no matter how fiercely we are attacked.

Our ultimate defense is the assurance (faith) we have of our salvation, an assurance that no spiritual force can take away. Our offensive weapon is the Word of God, not our own opinions and feelings.

Finally, we are to follow Jesus example in recognizing that some spiritual victories are only possible through prayer. Observe how Jesus handled direct attacks from satan when He was tempted by him in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).Each temptation was answered the same way with the words It is written and a quote from the Scriptures. Jesus knew the Word of the living God is the most powerful weapon against the temptations of the devil. If Jesus Himself used the Word to counter the devil, do we dare to use anything less?

Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Prayer is supremely important as we battle by the Spirit 

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing. Fight the battle praising God: Praise the Lord with joy and rejoicing

James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

And the Levites, of the children of the Kohathites, and of the children of the Korhites, stood up to praise the LORD God of Israel with a loud voice on high. 2 chronicles 20:19

Extremely necessary spiritual warfare audio

Some material from www.gotquestions.org

Don’t Be Fooled By The BATTLE: How To GUARD YOUR MIND

It is crucial for every Christian to understand that he/she is in a mighty Battle for the Mind. This protection is not available to someone who is not a Christian. You have to be a child of God and have received salvation. You cannot get around it as a Christian you must have perseverance, preparedness, and weaponry to win this battle.pexels-photo-2225440

The Romans helmet was needed and a total part of his armor. It had obvious use it protected the head of him as a soldier. Today there are many helmets but they perform basically the same functions. As believers, our helmet of Salvation comes from  God Himself. This battle is on a spiritual level and all done with spiritual weapons, not human weapons. To win this battle and be victorious we must stand in His weapons without doubting. We must put on the Full Armor of God.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8

We can not fight with worldly philosophies, persuasive words of human wisdom, human wit, rationalism, entertainment, skills, reasoning, and ideas these won’t win the spiritual war. Fasting and prayer can build your faith to help you in this battle.

Hebrews 10:22-23 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

This is a battle of the mind and heart the devil comes after us he is like a roaring lion and he wants to devour you.

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 1Peter 5:8-10

The thoughts drive what we do and are actions that come from them. Our thoughts are essential as we serve the Lord it is very critical that our thoughts are protected. These are critical in spiritual warfare you have to be mindful or you will have a very tuff time.

(2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,

The Bible has a lot to say about the need to guard your thoughts, about putting Gods will above your own will, and putting on the mind of Christ:


LISTEN TO AUDIO BELOW / How to guard your Mind

(Philippians 2:5)
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus

(James 4:7)
Submit therefore to God Resist the devil and he will flee from you.


The Battle for the Mind

What Everyone Ought To Know About The Real Sabbath

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When the sun goes down on Friday night sundown till Saturday night sundown. The sabbath day has always been on the 7th day but Christians generally worship on Sunday?

But we should honor the Sabbath day to the Lord, a day when we do not think our own thoughts or spend time in business or worldly pleasure but when we rest and spend time with Him. The command to keep the Sabbath is not just for Jews or a Jewish custom it is from the very beginning.

Creation Day 7 (Genesis 2:1-3)
Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts. By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

God rests this in no way indicates He was weary from His creative efforts but denotes that the creation is complete. Further, God is establishing a pattern of one day in seven to rest. The keeping of this day will eventually be a distinguishing trait of God’s chosen people.

(Exodus 20:8-11)
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.

When you become a Christian you are grafted into Israel and become one with Israel of His chosen people.

Grafted In (Romans 11:11-24)
I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous. Now if their transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be! But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles.

Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, if somehow I might move to jealousy my fellow countrymen and save some of them.

For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?  If the first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are too.

But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.


Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; or if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.

And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree?

*Christians, God chose you from the beginning for salvation. Its the same truth Peter stressed when he said we are elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father. . . When we believe in the truth, when we choose to receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, then at some point we will look back and see that God chose us first.

(2 Thessalonians 2:13)
But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 

Even Jesus said He has sheep, not of his fold.My Post (16) (1)

(John 10:16)
“I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.


Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me,

and take hold of my covenant; Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; (Isaiah 56:3-6)

(Mark 2:27)
“The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath”

He does not just say Jews He says, man.

also, in the new heaven and the new earth, the sabbath is honored.

(Isaiah 66:22-23)

For just as the new heavens and the new earth Which I make will endure before Me, declares the Lord, So your offspring and your name will endure.
And it shall be from new moon to new moon And from sabbath to sabbath, All mankind will come to bow down before Me, says the Lord.

 

We should honor the sabbath day to the Lord, a day when we do not think our own thoughts or spend time in business or worldly pleasure but when we rest and dedicate ourselves to God.  To spend time in worship and know God and concentrate on the things of God with Him one day a week.