An Incorruptible Beauty A Society Obsessed With Beauty
An Incorruptible Beauty
A Society Obsessed With Beauty • January 2004 a woman dies from complications from cosmetic surgery • “Americans spent almost $10. 5 billion on cosmetic procedures in 2009, the organization says. ” http: //articles. moneycentral. msn. com/Savingand. Debt/Save. Money/thehigh-price-of-staying-beautiful. aspx
The Bible’s View Of Beauty • The Bible view of what makes one beautiful does not require surgical procedures done in a clinic or hospital
1 Pet. 3: 3 -4 (NKJV) • “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. ”
1 Pet. 3: 3 -4 • Note that Peter, an inspired apostle, referred to “incorruptible beauty” • All physical beauty is subject to corruption!
Physical Aging • The hair turns gray or falls out • The skin sags and wrinkles take over • Weight may increase and may redistribute
Physical Aging • The natural elements – sunlight and gravity – take their toll • All the surgical procedures in the world can’t stop this from happening!
Inward Beauty • Is not affected by time as outward beauty is • For the Christian, the inward beauty grows, deepens and matures with each passing day
Inward Beauty • The inward beauty grows by the wisdom of experience and a greater understanding of God’s word gained from years of study and faithful living
Inward Beauty & Obedience • Nothing in our world can dim the loveliness of “A gentle and quiet spirit” (1 Pet. 3: 4 NKJV) • This is a spirit that “fears God and keeps His commandments (Eccl. 12: 13)
Inward Beauty & Good Works • Titus 2: 7 -8
Titus 2: 7 -8 • In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
Titus 2: 7 -8 (NKJV) • in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
Titus 2: 7 -8 • Pattern of good works = be an example in doing good works • In doctrine, uncorruptness = present the gospel in its pure state
Titus 2: 7 -8 • Gravity (reverence) = show good sense; teach so as to demand respect • Sincerity = purity • Sound speech = teach the Word of God and the speech will be sound
Titus 2: 7 -8 • No evil thing to say of you = If he followed the teaching of the Holy Spirit, no opponent would have anything evil to say against him
Inward Beauty & Salvation • Is 61: 10
Is. 61: 10 • I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Is. 61: 10 • Garments of salvation = a soul’s salvation is cause for rejoicing • Acts 8: 39 • “And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. ”
The Virtuous Woman • Proverbs 31: 10 -31 • Not a word is mentioned about her physical attractiveness • He writes about her charity, industry and her wisdom
The Virtuous Woman • “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. ” • References – from article by Mike Riley
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