Sincerity

1
Sincerity
2
English Words

• The Concise Oxford English Dictionary defines the
  adjective sincere as proceeding from or
  characterized by genuine feelings free from
  pretence or deceit.
• Merriam-Websters Collegiate Dictionary defines
  sincere as (1) free of dissimulation or
  adulteration (2) marked by genuineness.
• In like manner, sincerity refers to the
  quality or state of being sincere honesty of
  mind freedom from hypocrisy.

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Biblical Occurrences

• The words sincere, sincerely and sincerity
  occur in 16 NASB passages, and are translated
  from a variety of Hebrew and Greek words.

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Greek Words

• Alethinos pertains to being in accord with what
  is true, trustworthy to being in accordance with
  fact, true pertains to being real, genuine,
  authentic.
• Anupokritos (lit., without play-acting)
  pertains to being without pretense, genuine,
  sincere, unhypocritical, unfeigned.

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Greek Words

• Haplotes (cp. our colloq. what you see is what
  you get) is used of personal integrity expressed
  in word or action, singleness, hence simplicity,
  sincerity.
• Aphelotes (lit., without a stone, even, smooth)
  signifies simplicity, singleness.
• Gnesios pertains to possession of apparent or
  reputed good character or quality, genuine.

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Greek Words

• Eilikrineia, refers to the quality or state of
  being free of dissimulation, sincerity, purity of
  motive.
• Eilikrines (lit., judged by sunlight) generally
  means unmixed, without alloy, then in moral
  sense pertains to being sincere, without hidden
  motives or pretense, pure.

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Sincerity

• We must evidence sincerity of conviction (Josh.
  2414-15 1 Tim. 15 2 Tim. 15 2 Pet. 31-2).
• We must evidence sincerity in communion (Acts
  246-47 1 Cor. 56-8 2 Cor. 87-11 Heb.
  1019-25).

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Sincerity

• We must evidence sincerity in communication (Isa.
  3314-16 2 Cor. 214-17).
• We must evidence sincerity in commerce (Eph.
  65-8 Col. 322-25).
• We must evidence sincerity of conduct (2 Cor.
  112-14 Phil. 19-11 1 Pet. 122-23).

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Conclusion

• In conclusion, let us consider one final point
  Sincerity, by itself, is not enough. Jobs three
  friends (Bildad, Eliphaz, Zophar) and also Elihu
  (the youngest of his comforters) were sincere
  (Job 331-3), but wrong in their assessment of
  Gods character and the patriarchs suffering
  (Job 427-9).
• In like manner, Paul was sincere but wrong in his
  assessment of Jesus Christ and His faithful
  followers (Acts 231, 9-11).

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Challenge

• Let us strive to be sincere, while also striving
  to be right. Acceptable worship is offered in
  spirit, i.e., according to the right attitude,
  and also in truth, i.e., according to the proper
  form (John 423-24).
• Heeding the admonition of the inspired apostle,
  Pay close attention to yourself and to your
  teaching persevere in these things, for as you
  do this you will ensure salvation both for
  yourself and for those who hear you. (1 Tim.
  416).