The Shame of Nakedness A Biblical Study of

The Shame of Nakedness A Biblical Study of Immodesty

Immodesty Over-dressing: dressing for show (1 Tim. 2: 9 b; 1 Pet. 3: 3) Under-dressing: certain parts of the body are exposed (1 Tim. 2: 9 a; “apparel” = Gr. katastole; a garment let down; a long garment; a robe) This lesson is about under-dressing

Nakedness and Shame We are not to show “the shame of our nakedness” (Rev. 3: 17 -18; 16: 15; see also 1 Sam. 20: 30; Mic 1: 11) “Naked” in both Hebrew (erom) and Greek (gumnos) lexicons is defined as: 1. naked (without clothing, bare) and 2. without an outer garment

Nakedness in the Garden Adam and Eve were completely nude; then, partially clothed (Gen. 2: 25; 3: 7) Their “apron” was a girdle or loincovering - NASV (3: 7) God’s “coat” was a tunic (NKJV) with sleeves, coming down to the knees (3: 21; see 37: 3)

Nude “Naked” Gen. 2: 25 “Aprons” “Naked” Gen. 3: 7 -11 “Coats” “Clothed” Gen. 3: 21

Nakedness in the Garden Adam and Eve were naked Adam and Eve sought to be clothed (rather than seeking to be unclothed) Their clothing (“aprons”) was for the purpose of covering their nakedness Their clothing was not sufficient for God’s standard – he “clothed” them

Nakedness in the Garden Covering nakedness is not based upon culture (Africa, South America, etc. ) Covering nakedness is not limited to the Old Law (see 1 Pet. 3: 5 -6) Covering is the primary goal of clothing, not style or looks Covering has to meet God’s standard

Nakedness Complete (Job 1: 21) or partial clothing Nakedness may come as a result of some unforeseen hardship, disaster, persecution, etc. (Deut. 28: 48; Mt. 25: 36 -45; Lk. 8: 26 ff; Rom. 8: 35; 2 Cor. 11: 27; Jas. 2: 15) Nakedness by choice is a sin!

Nakedness (Completely Nude) Pornography Nudist camps or beaches Sexual intercourse /Fornication / Adultery (Lev. 18: 6 -19; 20: 11 -21)

Nakedness (Partial Exposure) Exposing the thigh (Ex. 20: 26; 28: 4243; Isa. 47: 2 -3) Exposing the buttocks (Isa. 20: 4) Exposing under the skirt (Nah. 3: 5) Exposing the torso (Jn. 21: 7) Exposing the breasts (Ezek. 16: 6 -8)

Exposing Breasts Torso Mid-section Buttocks Thighs “Nakedness”

Nakedness Are you partially exposed? Skirts and shorts that expose thigh; mini-skirts; low-cut dress or blouse; navel or mid-drift exposed; strapless or backless dresses; swimsuits; bikinis; tube-tops; no shirts (on men); tight (spandex) or see-through, sheer clothing; some athletic, cheerleading, and dance team apparel We must avoid the “attire of a harlot” (Prov. 7: 10)

Nakedness Complete nudity or partially exposed Reserved for a married couple (Gen. 2: 25 – “not ashamed”; Prov. 5: 18 -19; S. of S. 5 -7)

The Shame of Nakedness Are you partially exposed? If so… You will tempt others to sin (Job 31: 1; Mt. 5: 28; 18: 6 -7; Rom. 13: 14) You will act like the world (Rom. 12: 12; 1 Jn. 2: 15 -17)

The Shame of Nakedness Are you partially exposed? If so… You will lose your sense of shame (Gen. 9: 20 -23; Jer. 6: 15; Tim. 2: 9 -10) You will not glorify God in your body (1 Cor. 6: 20) 1