Controversial Christianity – Modesty & Moderation

This Sunday, Terrence continued in our series titled “Controversial Christianity”, addressing the topics of modesty and moderation within the Christian life. The message challenges believers to submit every area of life to Jesus, not out of legalism, but out of love, maturity, and commitment to holiness.

Modesty and moderation are controversial, not necessarily in culture, but within the church due to a decline in discipleship and pursuit of holiness. The Christian call isn’t to earn grace, but to abide in it through intentional, Spirit-led transformation. Terrence’s message balances challenge with compassion, acknowledging past church wounds while calling for renewed pursuit of holiness through love, not legalism.

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” - John 3:30

This short but powerful statement encapsulates the heartbeat of Christian discipleship. Whether we’re talking about sexuality, personal behavior, finances, or lifestyle, the ultimate aim is for Christ to be magnified in every aspect of our lives, and for our self-centered impulses to surrender to His will.

While the statement itself may not sound controversial, living it out certainly is—because it challenges our desire for self-elevation, comfort, and control. Discipleship isn’t just about belief—it’s about transformation, and that transformation requires wrestling with hard truths and inviting Jesus into every hidden corner of our lives.

Scriptural Foundation: 2 Peter 1:1–10

This passage calls believers to supplement their faith with a list of virtues (goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, affection, and love). Peter urges Christians to confirm their calling by living fruitful, purposeful lives. These virtues aren’t just moral checklists—they’re evidence of a life rooted in Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Peter’s letter was written to help the church persevere—first against persecution, and later against false teaching and spiritual laziness. His words are a reminder: we already have everything we need to live godly lives. The Holy Spirit, God’s Word, the community of faith—these are tools at our disposal. Now it’s on us to build the house—to add rooms of character, virtue, and maturity onto the foundation of faith.

Ask the Holy Spirit daily: “Where, God?” – Where are you calling me to grow?

He closes with a prayer by Saint Augustine, asking the Holy Spirit to breathe into every area of life and draw us deeper into God’s holy purposes.

“Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, to love what is holy.”