Should I Be Ashamed? by Larry Rouse - 01-12-25 - North Cville church of Christ - www.ncvchurch.com

Meeting Purpose
Sunday morning worship service and sermon on Christian modesty and cultural influences.
Key Takeaways
Christians should be mindful of cultural influences while prioritizing biblical principles in areas like dress and speech
Modesty in clothing and speech reflects godly character and avoids causing others to stumble
Believers should not be ashamed of following Christ, even when it means being countercultural
Developing spiritual discernment and a strong conscience is key to navigating cultural pressures
Topics
Cultural Influences on Christians
Culture shapes behaviors, beliefs and values that are often accepted without question
Christians face pressure to conform but are called to be "counterculture" (1 John 4:4-6)
Not all cultural practices are inherently sinful, but believers must prioritize biblical principles
Areas of potential conflict include clothing styles, speech patterns, and social media use
Modesty in Dress
1 Timothy 2:9-10 instructs women to dress modestly and with propriety
Biblical concept of nakedness goes beyond total nudity (Genesis 3:7,21)
Cultural norms impact what's considered modest, but general guideline is covering shoulders to knees
Tight-fitting or revealing clothing can unintentionally communicate wrong messages
Men also need to be mindful of modesty, though women face greater cultural pressure
Speech and Communication
Christians should avoid coarse joking, gossip, and using Bible words irreverently (Ephesians 5:3-4)
Social media posts require wisdom and discretion
Political discourse often involves slander and harsh speech Christians should avoid
Goal is "sound speech that cannot be condemned" (Titus 2:8)
Developing Spiritual Discernment
Christians should seek to please God rather than conform to culture (John 3:19-21)
Regularly studying scripture helps shape values and conscience
Open communication with mature believers provides wisdom for difficult choices
Being willing to stand out as different is part of Christian witness
Next Steps
Reflect on personal choices in dress and speech to ensure they honor God
Have conversations with trusted Christian mentors about areas of cultural pressure
Study biblical passages on modesty, speech and godly living
Be prepared to lovingly explain countercultural choices to non-believers