1st Timothy 2:9. “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array.”
OUTWARD SIGNS. “Modest apparel” is a term quite easy to grasp It means nothing different now than it did in the past. Seeking respect by exposing more skin – Demeans a woman’s character that comes from within To where those seeing her body or costly dress Directs the minds of onlookers to the wrong things to impress. Outward apparel advertises one’s station in life – Directing attention to the person, not shedding a light On a truth that is significant to the people of God. Headship and modesty are taught in God’s Word – And really is seen by outward signs That reflects what the saints understand in their minds. There are not a lot of ways to visibly show What I believe, I want others to know, A woman who is modest is attractive to good men Who knows, God doesn’t want them, in their minds, to sin. To keep their eyes on a woman’s face and hands It is a safeguard to them, the same as every other man. When too much is revealed, and it brings thoughts of sex – Men find it hard not to consider what comes next. Costly array makes a man stop to think How much a woman is worth in dollars and cents. Modest apparel does just what it should – It covers the body and directs attention to God Who the modest woman knows and wants to please – And dresses in such a way so her Savior they see.
“It is not easy for me to speak about these women’s issues, O God. Maybe the best way I can help them understand the value of an appropriate outward appearance is to dress myself appropriately. May I never embarrass women with unsuitable words or lascivious looks. May I give them the honor and respect they deserve? May I always see them as people of intelligence and grace, and not demean them in any way. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
“Subjection” is translated “submitting” in Eph. 5:21-22, where the subject being addressed has to do with the husband/wife relationship. This means “to rank under”. It has to do with order and authority, rather than value or ability. In 1Cor.14:40, “decently and in order” is a principle. It is that way with parents and children [Eph.5]; employers and employees; government and citizens [Rom.13; 1Pe.2:13-20]. “Submission” is not subjugation but recognition of order. In the church, it is seen by the way women dress, with modesty, and not substituting externals for true inner beauty [1Pe. 3:1-6]. Modest simply means decent, orderly, and with good taste. “Shamefacedness” is not a negative term but, with decency, avoiding extremes. This is a description of a woman who does not go beyond womanly reserve and dignity. “Sobriety” and propriety are words that indicate women need to use a sound mind and good sense. Sobriety, silence, and salvation are subjects addressed to the sisters of an assembly in this portion of scripture. The inner evaluation of what is right is produced by the Holy Spirit and resists and restrains any suggestive display of outward beauty.
Well-ordered dress reflects a well-ordered mind, which is evidence of godliness. To be like God is the standard for us in our living for both men and women. It is important to give God His place, the first place, in our hearts and thoughts. Giving Him reverence and acting in the fear of the Lord will make godliness real to us. Our Lord gave us everything we need "for life and godliness" [2Pe.1:3] when He saved us by His grace. Those He saves have a good start, so we have no reason or excuse for failure in our Christian life. We are also told to add to our patience godliness, and to godliness brotherly kindness [2Pe.1:6-7]. Our present experiences in life depend on our commitment to live out these virtues so we can grow and mature. Holy living and godliness are to be expected as normal conduct in our lives in view of the future [2Pe. 3:11]. Through the channel of good works, Christian character is demonstrated, which is more attractive than external appearance. Respect and reverence for God are shown outwardly by our attitude.