The Shame of Nakedness

1. The Shame of Nakedness A Biblical Study of Immodesty

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

3. 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

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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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. 8:26ff; Rom. 8:35; 2 Cor. 11:27; Jas. 2:15) • Nakedness by choice is a sin!

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

10. Nakedness (Partial Exposure) • Exposing the thigh (Ex. 20:26; 28:42-43; 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)

11. Exposing Breasts Torso Mid-section Buttocks Thighs “Nakedness”

12. Nakedness • Are you partially exposed? • Skirts and shorts that expose the 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)

13. 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)

14. 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. 12:1-2; 1 Jn. 2:15-17)

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