An Incorruptible Beauty

A Society Obsessed With Beauty

• January 2004 a woman dies from complications from cosmetic surgery• “Americans spent almost $10.5

billion on cosmetic procedures in 2009, the organization says.” http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveMoney/the-high-price-of-staying-beautiful.aspx

The Bible’s View Of Beauty

• The Bible view of what makes one beautiful does not require surgical procedures done in a clinic or hospital

1 Pet. 3:3-4 (NKJV)

• “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”

1 Pet. 3:3-4

• Note that Peter, an inspired apostle, referred to “incorruptible beauty”• All physical beauty is subject to

corruption!

Physical Aging

• The hair turns gray or falls out• The skin sags and wrinkles take

over• Weight may increase and may

redistribute

Physical Aging

• The natural elements – sunlight and gravity – take their toll• All the surgical procedures in the

world can’t stop this from happening!

Inward Beauty

• Is not affected by time as outward beauty is• For the Christian, the inward

beauty grows, deepens and matures with each passing day

Inward Beauty

• The inward beauty grows by the wisdom of experience and a greater understanding of God’s word gained from years of study and faithful living

Inward Beauty & Obedience

• Nothing in our world can dim the loveliness of “A gentle and quiet spirit” (1 Pet. 3:4 NKJV)

• This is a spirit that “fears God and keeps His commandments (Eccl. 12:13)

Inward Beauty & Good Works

• Titus 2:7-8

Titus 2:7-8

• In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

Titus 2:7-8 (NKJV)

• in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

Titus 2:7-8

• Pattern of good works = be an example in doing good works• In doctrine, uncorruptness =

present the gospel in its pure state

Titus 2:7-8

• Gravity (reverence) = show good sense; teach so as to demand respect• Sincerity = purity• Sound speech = teach the Word

of God and the speech will be sound

Titus 2:7-8

• No evil thing to say of you = If he followed the teaching of the Holy Spirit, no opponent would have anything evil to say against him

Inward Beauty & Salvation

• Is 61:10

Is. 61:10

• I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

Is. 61:10

• Garments of salvation = a soul’s salvation is cause for rejoicing• Acts 8:39• “And when they were come up out

of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.”

The Virtuous Woman

• Proverbs 31:10-31• Not a word is mentioned about

her physical attractiveness• He writes about her charity,

industry and her wisdom

The Virtuous Woman

• “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.”

• References – from article by Mike Riley