The return of Jesus Christ will be a glorious and terrifying event for the world. Every eye shall see Him, and the nations of the earth shall mourn when they behold the One they rejected. While believers will look to Him with hope and joy, those who have rejected Him will face the reality of His judgment. Let us therefore live ready and faithful, knowing that Jesus is coming again with power and great glory. Scriptural Readings for the Day Zechariah 12:10 (KJV) 10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. Revelation 1:7 (KJV) “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” Matthew 24:30-31 (KJV) “30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Prayer Lord Jesus, help me to be ready for Your glorious appearing. May I never be among those who mourn because they rejected You, but among those who faithfully await Your coming. Amen.
The return of Jesus Christ will be a glorious and unmistakable event. He will come with power and great glory, and His coming will bring an end to the reign of evil. The world may ignore the warning, but God’s Word will certainly be fulfilled. Let us live in expectation of our coming King. Those who dwell on Earth shall mourn when we they shall see Him. This will be because of their rejection of Jesus Christ. Scriptural Readings for the Day Matthew 24:30-31 KJV 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Prayer Lord Jesus, help me to live in expectation of Your glorious return. May I be found faithful and ready when You come with power and great glory. Amen.
Jesus commanded His followers to take the Gospel to every nation. The Great Commission remains one of the Church’s greatest responsibilities as we await the return of Christ. We should use every opportunity available, our voices, resources, technology, and daily relationship, to make Christ known. The message of salvation must continue to reach the world. Scriptural Readings for the Day Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV) “19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Mark 16:15 (KJV) “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Matthew 24:14 (KJV) “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Prayer Heavenly Father, make me a faithful messenger of the Gospel. Give me opportunities and boldness to reach others with the message of Jesus Christ before the end comes. Amen.
Do Not Be Ashamed of the Gospel The Gospel is God’s power unto salvation, and the Church has been entrusted with the responsibility of proclaiming it to the world. As opposition to biblical truth increases, some may become afraid or ashamed to identify with Christ. But Jesus calls us to be courageous witnesses. We must faithfully proclaim the Gospel regardless of rejection or persecution. Scriptural Readings for the Day Romans 1:16 (KJV) “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Mark 8:38 (KJV) “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Prayer Lord Jesus, give me courage never to be ashamed of Your Gospel. Help me to proclaim Your truth boldly and faithfully until You return. Amen.
In this Bible study, we examine cross-dressing, male and female distinction, and biblical principles of godly dressing. From Deuteronomy 22:5, we consider why Christians should respect the distinction God established between male and female and allow their appearance to reflect biblical holiness and modesty.
Godly Dressing (Part 3): Women and the Wearing of Pants/Trousers
To examine the history and changing cultural acceptance of women wearing pants or trousers.
To teach believers to consider modesty, holiness, sensuality, and Christian witness when choosing what to wear.
INTRODUCTION
The question of women wearing pants or trousers has become a subject of considerable discussion in Christianity. In many societies today, trousers are regarded as normal women’s clothing, and many women, including Christians, wear them without considering the biblical principles that may apply to their choice of clothing. However, because Kingdom citizens are called to live according to God’s Word rather than simply follow the culture around them, this subject deserves careful examination.
Historically, trousers were predominantly associated with men in many Western societies. Women nevertheless began wearing trousers for specific practical purposes, including riding, cycling, work, and other activities. During the Second World War, many women entered factories and other jobs traditionally occupied by men. Trousers became practical work clothing, and some women even wore their husbands’ trousers while their husbands were away serving in the military. In many cases, these women wore another garment over the trousers or used them primarily as practical workwear rather than ordinary fashion.
After the war, trousers gradually became more accepted in women’s fashion. During the 1960s and 1970s, changing ideas about women’s roles, feminism, unisex fashion, and the sexual revolution contributed to the widespread acceptance of trousers as everyday women’s clothing. What had previously been regarded primarily as men’s clothing gradually became accepted as women’s fashion. In the United States, Representative Charlotte T. Reid became the first woman to wear trousers on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in 1969.
The fact that society’s attitude toward trousers has changed raises an important question for Christians: Should changing cultural standards determine what is acceptable for a Kingdom citizen? The Bible says, “And be not conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2). Therefore, believers must examine cultural practices in the light of God’s Word rather than automatically accepting whatever society considers normal.
Deuteronomy 22:5 says, “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment.” The passage does not specifically mention modern trousers, and therefore we should not claim that it directly uses the modern word “pants.” However, it establishes a principle concerning the distinction between male and female clothing. This principle should cause Christians to carefully consider whether their clothing preserves or deliberately removes the distinction between male and female.
This principle also applies to cross-dressing and the deliberate blurring of male and female appearance. God created humanity “male and female” (Genesis 1:27), and Deuteronomy 22:5 teaches us to respect that distinction in our clothing. In some homosexual relationships, individuals may adopt clothing or appearances traditionally associated with the opposite sex, sometimes connected with perceived sexual or relational roles. However, we should not assume that every gay or lesbian person dresses this way for that reason. The Christian should avoid deliberately using clothing to erase or confuse the distinction between male and female established by God.
Some may argue that there are now women’s pants, so trousers can no longer be considered men’s clothing. It is true that modern fashion produces trousers specifically designed and marketed for women. However, another question must be considered: What makes something female clothing? Is it simply because society has given it that label? Is it because it has been cut to emphasize the female body? Or is it because the style communicates appropriate femininity without compromising modesty?
A garment being marketed as women’s clothing does not automatically make every style modest or appropriate for a Christian woman. Some trousers are loose and modest, while others are deliberately tight and designed to emphasize the hips, buttocks, thighs, and other parts of the body. The issue therefore extends beyond the label “women’s trousers” to the principles of modesty, purity, dignity, and holiness.
The Bible teaches that our bodies belong to God. Paul says, “your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost… and ye are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Therefore, Christians should not dress merely to follow fashion or attract attention to themselves. They should consider whether their appearance glorifies God.
This is particularly important because of the increasingly sensual atmosphere that can be found even in some churches today. Clothing that deliberately emphasizes the body, exposes intimate areas, or creates a sexually suggestive appearance can sometimes be seen among people who profess to follow Christ. When the church begins to look increasingly like the world in its dress and lifestyle, its testimony can become weakened.
Our clothing can also affect our witness to those around us. Paul taught that believers should not use their liberty in a way that becomes a stumbling block to others. Although his teaching in 1 Corinthians 8:13 concerns food offered to idols and not clothing, the principle of considering how our choices affect others is important. If our appearance unnecessarily contradicts the message of holiness we preach, we should be willing to examine our choices.
Kingdom citizens are called to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). If the people we are trying to reach with the Gospel, especially Muslims, regard our appearance as sensual, worldly, or inconsistent with the message we preach, we should seriously consider whether our liberty is helping or harming our witness.
Godly dressing therefore requires more than asking, “Is this allowed?” We should ask, “Does this glorify God?” and “Does my appearance reflect the holiness of Christ?” True Kingdom living requires believers to make practical choices that demonstrate that they belong to Christ.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
What does Deuteronomy 22:5 actually teach concerning the distinction between male and female clothing? Genesis 1:27; Deuteronomy 22:5.
How has the cultural understanding of women’s trousers changed over time, and should cultural changes automatically determine Christian standards? Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:15-16.
How can tight or body-revealing trousers conflict with the biblical principle of modesty? Proverbs 7:10; 1 Timothy 2:9-10.
What principle can we learn from Paul’s statement, “if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh,” concerning Christian liberty? 1 Corinthians 8:13; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33.
If the culture around us considers a particular style of clothing sensual or provocative, should a Christian consider how that perception affects the Gospel witness? Why? Romans 14:13; 1 Corinthians 10:32-33.
CONCLUSION
The history of women wearing trousers shows that clothing customs can change significantly from one generation to another. What was once strongly associated with men gradually became accepted as ordinary women’s fashion.
Deuteronomy 22:5 teaches us to recognize the distinction between male and female clothing, while 1 Timothy 2:9-10 teaches the importance of modesty, sobriety, and godliness. Although the Bible does not specifically mention modern trousers, these principles should guide our decisions concerning them.
The question is therefore not simply whether a particular garment is called “women’s clothing.” We should also consider its design, its effect on the body, the message it communicates, and whether it reflects modesty and holiness.
As Kingdom citizens, our bodies belong to God, and our appearance should honor Him. We should not deliberately dress in a way that promotes sensuality, unnecessarily draws attention to the body, or weakens our Christian testimony.
Therefore, before choosing what to wear, let us ask ourselves: Does this glorify God? Does it reflect the holiness of Christ? Does it preserve modesty and dignity? And does it strengthen or weaken my witness for the Gospel?
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What does your appearance tell those around you about the Christ you represent?
MEMORY VERSE
Deuteronomy 22:5 (KJV)
“The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.”
The Christian life requires spiritual alertness. We have an enemy who seeks opportunities to weaken our faith and destroy our testimony. In these last days, believers must avoid spiritual carelessness and remain sober, prayerful, and watchful. A vigilant Christian is better prepared to recognize temptation and resist the enemy. Don’t forget that a prayerless Christian is a powerless Christian. Scriptural Readings for the Day 1 Peter 5:8-9 (KJV) “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” 1 Thessalonians 5:6 (KJV) “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” Luke 21:34 (KJV) “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
” Prayer Lord, make me spiritually alert and watchful. Protect me from the distractions and temptations of this world, and help me remain sober and faithful until Your return. Amen
