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Summer Concerns of Christians

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr

Passage: 1 Timothy 2:8-10

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We know that as Christians, our faith is to be the priority of our lives (including God & Jesus).  That means that He is Lord of everything we do and everywhere we go and at all times.  Being a Christian is NOT like a piece of clothing you put on and take off.  It is always with you.  It needs to impact every area of our lives.

As the end of school approaches and vacation season begins, as the weather begins to warm for the summer season, there are things we need to think about as Christians.   This year, I have preaching sermons from the calendar.  On June 20, 2025, summer begins.  But the activities of summer begin much earlier, especially in our climate.  So, with that in mind, tonight I want to jump ahead and remind us of some potential sins associated with the summer season.

1. Modesty
   1. Perhaps the most prevalent concern is deciding what to wear. As the weather warms up, the amount of clothing we wear decreases.  A part of that is natural, because of the way our bodies work.  BUT even though our wardrobe is modified for warmer weather, we must still think about modesty.
   2. What is modesty?
      1. Modesty defined – (only time in NKJV).  The word is defined as, “well ordered, well behaved, discreet” (Bullinger)  Thayer’s defines the word as, “well-arranged, seemly, modest.”  The idea of the term is one who is not drawing undue attention to herself.  The Greek word (κόσμιος, kosmios) only found 2x in the NT – here and 3:2 – where elders are to be “of good behavior”.
      2. 1 Timothy 2:8-10 is that text and it addresses what is involved in modesty.  There are 6 other words to consider in this passage:
         1. “In like manner also” – a connective term that ties what is about to be said to what was already said. Namely how men were to lift up “holy hands”.  Paul in this text is calling for holiness.
         2. Adorn – means “to make neat, orderly, arranged”.  It is related to the word for world (kosmos) with the idea of the order with which God created the world.
         3. Apparel – describing what we wear, clothing. But Greek scholars often association with deportment or one’s demeanor.  1 Peter 3:3-5, the word adornment is related to our text and it is described as who we are within.
         4. Propriety – a word associated with self-consciousness, awareness and reverent, with a sense of shame. The point is one wearing clothing that would cause one to blush because others stare or render undue attention.
         5. Moderation – soundness of mind, discretion, prudence, controlling all inordinate desires. It is found in 1 Timothy 2:15 as self-control (NKJV) (self-restraint- NASB).  You don’t wear clothing that causes you to stand out – this could include the gaudy or wearing too little.
         6. Proper – distinguished, to be conspicuous, to stand out, be “fitting”. The word is qualified with the phrase women professing godliness.  Paul says our godliness ought to stand out.
         7. WHEN we put all these words together in this text, Paul is clear that the way we dress is a reflection of who we are and HOW we desire to be perceived. He is further CLEAR that we do NOT let the world (society) dictate our standard of modesty.
      3. Clothing communicates –
         1. It is interesting that in 1 Timothy 2:8-10, Paul primarily focuses on OVER-dressing (and so is 1 Peter 3:3-4). Like today, clothing was an indicator of status.
         2. Ex. 39 – the garments of the priesthood & high priest. It let the people know who the High Priest was, as well as those serving as priests.
         3. James 2:2-3 – it communicates status. Sound familiar? With name brands, etc.
         4. Proverbs 7:10 – it communicates occupation. Solomon spoke of a woman “with the attire of a harlot”.
         5. Matthew 22:11-13 – it communicates honor and orderliness for occasion – the parable of the wedding feast. The king saw a man without a wedding garment, which was an insult and he was dealt with strongly.
         6. Matthew 23:5 – the Pharisees wore clothing that distinguished them from others, drawing undue attention to themselves.  Matthew 6:16 when fasting they disfigured their faces and appeared to be fasting.
         7. Deuteronomy 22:5 – it communicates gender. “A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God.
         8. The point here is that what we wear IS communicating something to others, WHETHER that is our intention or not. And that answers the argument: “But its what everyone is wearing” or “That is what is considered acceptable in our society.
      4. Are there standards I ought to follow? This is where the debate comes in.  Consider the following passages:
         1. Adam and Eve made in the garden –
            1. Genesis 2:25 notes that after they were created and BEFORE they sinned, they were naked. The word can mean completely OR mostly unclothed.  Usually the word means totally exposed, but it can also mean inadequate – e.g., Job 24:7 speaking of the poor that are exploited,  They spend the night naked, without clothing, And have no covering in the cold.  24:10, They cause the poor to go naked, without clothing; And they take away the sheaves from the hungry.
            2. Genesis 3:7-10 – after they sinned their eyes were open and they knew they were naked (exposed) and so they sewed fig leaves and made for themselves coverings. 10, when they heard God in the garden they hid themselves and told Him they were naked (though they were partially clothed.”
            3. Genesis 3:21 – Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them. Tunic is the same word used to describe the coat of many colors given to Joseph (Genesis 37:23) IT is defined as a “long, shirt-like garment” (TWOT).  Likely covering from shoulders to knees (Lexham Research Lexicon of the Hebrew Bible).
         2. Priests were not to walk up steps to the alter lest they be exposed – Exodus 20:26, 28:42 – linen trousers to cover their nakedness. There was to be an awareness of exposure lest they be found immodest.
         3. Nakedness indicated shame – Isaiah 47:1-3, Ezekiel 23:8-10, Revelation 3:18 – warnings that if they went into captivity they would be humiliated and exposed and unable to cover up.
         4. The attire of a harlot – Prov 7:10 – we know what that typically looks like. Yet, often society will view as acceptable the same amount or less in given circumstances.
         5. Time and place for some exposure – Jn. 21:7, 13:4
      5. The Bible does not say how long a dress needs to be, etc. But there are principles outlined that we need to apply.  Basically, you ought to be concerned about your modest appearance from the top of your torso to the knees.  It also involves tightness & how revealing the material is.  NOTE: This applies to men as well.  No shirt, short shorts, etc.
      6. My point in this, while we can be comfortable and even fashionable (to a degree – we don’t have to wear 1^st century robes), we should NOT let the world determine our wardrobe. And even if it is a little “uncomfortable”, our first concern should be, “What does what I wear indicate about my holiness?”
2. The temptation to look and lust
   1. I have not addressed why modesty is important. We ought to be concerned about provoking others to lust.  The Bible is clear about the sins of lust – 1 John 2:16 – every sin involves lust.
   2. Matthew 5:28, Jesus warned about looking upon a woman to lust after her. If a man or woman lusts by looking, they have sin that needs to be repented of.  BUT that does NOT excuse the one who shows no regard for how others are tempted by what they wear (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:12-13 – does what you do cause the weak to stumble?)
   3. Our point: Because so many show no regard for modesty, especially in the summer, opportunities to look and lust present themselves. Are you going places where immodesty is more prevalent?  Beaches, etc.
   4. Philippians 4:8 calls for us to keep our minds pure. It describes the types of things we ought to be “meditating” upon.
3. Don’t take a vacation from God
   1. Summertime, is a time when vacations are on the rise. Because of school, weather, availability, etc.  It becomes the optimal time for many.  And the leisure industry knows this.
   2. The Bible addresses a time of rest. Vacations are good and profitable as they refresh the body and mind.  Mark 6:30-32.  Heaven itself is described as a place of rest – Revelation 14:13.
   3. However, when you are making plans, do you consider God? Matthew 6:33, Luke 9:23.
   4. Do you consider assembling with saints? Hebrews 10:24-25. Acts 20:7 – As Paul travelled, if he knew of an established congregation, he would assemble with them.
   5. Don’t neglect your congregation –
      1. Esp. giving – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7. As part of a local work, understand that plans are made based upon what resources they have.  Budgets are made anticipating members to contribute consistently.   In a congregation with limited resources, this can become a concern.
      2. As you plan your vacation, do you take what you would normally contribute to the Lord’s work and spend it to enhance the quality of your vacation. Is that really seeking first the kingdom of God.
      3. Let them know that you will be absent so that accommodation can be made (especially if you have been assigned some duty related to worship/assembling). This also alleviates concerns for the elders/members.
4. How will you use your time?
   1. For some, summertime is a time of more leisure. Those associated with schools have more free time. The days are longer and weather is more pleasant (in some places), there are more options for what to do, etc.
   2. Ephesians 5:15-16, Colossians 4:5 still applies. We need to redeem our time.
   3. Idleness is addressed in scripture – 2 Thessalonians 3:11, For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.   Proverbs 18:9, He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer. (One of many proverbs that address sloth and idleness (13:4, 19:15, 31:27, etc).
   4. While taking advantage of free time can be a good thing. Will you use some of it to grow spiritually?
   5. Are you engaging in sinful activities with your free time? Going places you should not go – filled with immodesty, parties where sinful activities are being done, sinful movies, etc. Are you doing things you should not or NEGLECTING things you can/should be doing?

In this lesson I have addressed concerns with summertime.  In times past, some have called summer the “next to nothing season” – because people wear “next to nothing”, give “next to nothing” and do “next to nothing.”

Sin is ALWAYS sin, and it is not isolated to a particular season of the year.   We can be guilty of these at any time.  But these temptations may be greater during the summer months.  So think about these things as you make your plans for the upcoming season.  And when you look at your calendar on June 20^th, remember that Jeus is still to be Lord in your life, all day and every day throughout the year.  Think about it.