Outward Adorning

Bishop Riggen preaches from 1 Timothy 2:8-10, emphasizing that outward appearance matters to God, contrary to a common misinterpretation of 1 Samuel 16:7. He argues that the context of that verse is about choosing a king, not about personal holiness, and that men cannot see hearts, so believers must look different to reach the lost. He traces God's concern for clothing back to Genesis 3:21, where God made full-length coats for Adam and Eve, not mere aprons, establishing the principle of complete covering. Further examples include Zechariah 3:3-5, where God changed the high priest's filthy garments, and Mark 5:15, where the demoniac, after deliverance, was found clothed and in his right mind. Exodus 28:2 shows God's desire for holy garments for glory and beauty. The text in 1 Timothy 2:9 commands modesty, which Bishop Riggen defines both as moderation between extremes and as avoiding pride or flirtation. He applies this to limbs: the arm from shoulder to wrist, the leg from hip to ankle, with the elbow and knee as 'in-between' markers that should remain covered for safety. He also addresses tight clothing and slit skirts, noting their origin in seduction. He cautions against imposing these standards on unsaved visitors, prioritizing getting them filled with the Holy Ghost first. The goal is for believers to please God in every aspect of life, including dress, by setting safe, biblical boundaries.