Bible Study January 21, 2025
I read an interesting article that prompted my thoughts today.
1 Samuel 16:7 “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by a man’s face or height, for this is not the one. I don’t make decisions the way you do! Men judge by outward appearance, but I look at a man’s thoughts and intentions.” (NLT).
The article had a title “What Does the Bible Say About Wearing Jeans in Church?” I was reminded as I read it that in a previous pastorate I was asked when was I going to wear a suit. My dress then was Dockers and a golf shirt.
Since coming to Asbury Chapel I wear jeans, in fact one time I wore Dockers and I was asked where are my jeans?” So is important what we wear to church? I grew up in an age where men wore suits to church the minister was always dressed in a suit even on weekdays outside the pulpit. It was called your “Sunday best.”
But we are in 2025 and jeans are becoming more common. If we have a question concerning anything we should go the scriptures for our answer.
My first question would be what is worship? Is it determined by what we wear or by what is in our heart? What does God see? Our heart. The verse from 1 Samuel says more about the inside than the outside.
John 4:24 – 24 says, “Jesus replied, “The time is coming, ma’am, when we will no longer be concerned about whether to worship the Father here or in Jerusalem. For it’s not where we worship that counts, but how we worship—is our worship spiritual and real? Do we have the Holy Spirit’s help?” (NLT).
A suit, a dress, jeans, or shorts is not the most important factor it is the condition of our heart. We could be wearing the clothing of Jesus day which would be tunic and sandals. I am not in favor of tunics. Jesus wore the clothing of His day.
Then we should consider modesty as we look at what Paul wrote to Timothy. “And the women should be the same way, quiet and sensible in manner and clothing. Christian women should be noticed for being kind and good, not for the way they fix their hair or because of their jewels or fancy clothes.” (NLT). He is writing this about women but it affects men also.
The scriptures teach a great deal about not dressing like the other sex. Before you cast a stone in my direction “Yes, there are jeans designed for women.” If jeans were worn in Biblical days Jesus may well have been one wearing them.
Modesty is about avoiding attention being drawn away from worship.
No one should feel uncomfortable being in church for worship. I was reminded of this “how would we deal with a homeless person in worship who had no means for a shower or clean clothes? Acceptance is part of worship.
Does a suit seem unapproachable where jeans may seem more approachable. Jesus invited everyone the weary, the brokenhearted, the rich, the poor He had no conditions for meeting people.
Wear what you want and allow others to do the same. Worship is more important than a necktie around your neck on Sunday. Clothing is secondary to our heart for worship.
God Bless.
Asbury Chapel 