Page 401 - Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible Christianity. Based on the King James Bible

MODESTY

the shepherds coming to the manger, as facts of are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).
history” (Bible Review, December 1992). For a refutation of modernistic theories of biblical
Modernism flies under many flags and assumes many inspiration see the Advanced Bible Studies Series Course
guises. Not all modernists are as bold and plainspoken on Bible Doctrine. [See also Anglican, Episcopal,
as the translators of the RSV or John Spong or Marcus Fundamentalism, Inspiration, Jesus Christ, Lutheran,
Borg, BUT ALL DENY THE INFALLIBLE INSPIRATION Methodist, New Evangelicalism, Presbyterian.]
OF HOLY SCRIPTURE. MODESTY. A godly character that results in proper
It is important to remember that the Holy Spirit attire (1 Ti. 2:9). The Greek word translated
prophesied of this. The Lord’s apostles warned that “modest” (“kosmios”) is also translated “of good
many unregenerate false teachers would creep into the behaviour” (1 Ti. 3:2). It means “decent and orderly”
churches and would deceive many, and in fact, such and describes “an inner self-control -- a spiritual ‘radar’
false teachers were already active during the times of that tells a person what is good and proper” (The Bible
the apostles. Exposition Commentary). It refers to something that is
“But there were false prophets also among the people, becoming to a woman who professes godliness. The
even as there shall be false teachers among you, who Christian woman should not wear anything that would
privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying be characterized as NOT of good behavior, as NOT
the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves becoming to a woman professing godliness.
swift destruction. And many shall follow their “Shamefacedness” is translated from the Greek word
pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth “aidos,” which “has the idea of downcast eyes” and
shall be evil spoken of” (2 Pe. 2:1-2). means “bashfulness, i.e. (towards men), modesty or
“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous (towards God) awe” (Strong). It implies “a shrinking
wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from trespassing the boundaries of propriety” (William
of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse
things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts Hendrickson, New Testament Commentary).
20:19-30). Shamefacedness is the opposite of the cheeky, pert,
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter saucy, impertinent, flippant, insubordinate attitude that
times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to the world seeks to develop in women today. The
seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies shamefaced woman loves God and is committed to
in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot obeying His Word and this is reflected on her face. A
iron” (1 Ti. 4:1-2). shamefaced Christian woman will not have the
“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, rebellious attitude that says, “Don’t tell me how to
deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Ti. 3:13). dress; I will dress as I please!” She will not be stubborn
“For the time will come when they will not endure and sassy. She will not say, “I don’t care what some old-
sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they fashioned men say about how I dress; that is their
heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and problem; I’m not going to be a weirdo!” “Sobriety” is
they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and translated from the Greek word sophrosune, which is
shall be turned unto fables” (2 Ti. 4:3-4). also is translated “soberness” (Acts 26:25). It means
“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last “soundness of mind, self-control” (Strong), “habitual
days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, inner self-government” (Trench), “the well-balanced
Where is the promise of his coming? for since the state of mind arising from habitual self-
fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were restraint” (Ellicott), “moderation of the desires and
from the beginning of the creation” (2 Pe. 3:3-4). passions, opposed to all that is frivolous and to all
“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who undue excitement of the passions” (Barnes). Sobriety
were before of old ordained to this condemnation,
ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into means not to be drunk, neither with alcoholic
lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our beverages, or drugs, or any other thing. Many professing
Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 4). Christian teenage girls and young women are drunk
“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard with the fashions and fads and ways of the world. They
that antichrist shall come, even now are there many are drunk with television, and Hollywood movies and
antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. sensual magazines, and pop music. The Bible and the
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if things of Christ do not excite them, but they are giddy
they had been of us, they would no doubt have over what some worldly movie star or pop singer is
continued with us: but they went out, that they might wearing and doing, and over the latest vain fashion or
be made manifest that they were not all of us” (1 John hair style or cosmetic. Sobriety is the opposite of foolish,
2:18-19).
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits
whether they are of God: because many false prophets

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 401