Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:Sincerity refers to the quality of being free from pretense, deceit, or hypocrisy. It is characterized by honesty, genuineness, and transparency in one's actions and words. In a biblical context, sincerity is often associated with purity of heart and intentions, aligning one's inner motives with outward expressions.
Biblical References and Context:The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of sincerity in the life of a believer. It is seen as a fundamental aspect of true faith and worship, as well as in relationships with others.
1.
Sincerity in Worship and Faith: Sincerity is crucial in one's relationship with God. In
John 4:24, Jesus teaches, "God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." This underscores the necessity of genuine worship that is not merely ritualistic but stems from a sincere heart. Similarly, in
1 Timothy 1:5, Paul writes, "The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith."
2.
Sincerity in Love and Relationships: The Bible calls for sincerity in love and interactions with others.
Romans 12:9 instructs, "Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good." This verse highlights that true love is devoid of hypocrisy and is marked by a genuine commitment to goodness and truth.
3.
Sincerity in Speech and Conduct: Sincerity is also reflected in one's speech and behavior. In
2 Corinthians 1:12, Paul speaks of conducting himself "with integrity and godly sincerity, not by human wisdom but by the grace of God." This indicates that sincerity is not only a personal virtue but also a reflection of divine grace at work in a believer's life.
4.
Sincerity in Service and Ministry: The apostle Paul often emphasizes sincerity in ministry. In
2 Corinthians 2:17, he contrasts his ministry with those who "peddle the word of God for profit," stating, "On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God." This highlights the importance of sincerity in proclaiming the Gospel, ensuring that the message is delivered with pure motives.
Theological Significance:Sincerity is integral to the Christian life, as it reflects the transformation that occurs through the Holy Spirit. It is a manifestation of a heart aligned with God's will, demonstrating authenticity in faith and practice. Sincerity is not merely an external display but a deep-seated quality that influences all aspects of a believer's life.
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to cultivate sincerity by examining their motives and aligning their actions with biblical principles. This involves a commitment to truth, integrity, and love in all areas of life. Sincerity fosters trust and credibility, both in one's relationship with God and with others, serving as a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) The quality or state of being sincere; honesty of mind or intention; freedom from simulation, hypocrisy, disguise, or false pretense; sincereness.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SINCERE; SINCERITYsin-ser', sin-ser'-i-ti (tamim; aphtharsia, eilikrineia): "Sincerity" occurs once in the Old Testament as the translation of tamim, "complete," "entire," "sincere," etc. (Joshua 24:14); the same word is translated "sincerity" (Judges 9:16, 19, the Revised Version (British and American) "uprightly"). Four different words are rendered "sincere," "sincerely" "sincerity," in the New Testament: adolos, "without guile," "unadulterated," "desire the sincere milk of the word" (1 Peter 2:2 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "the spiritual," the American Revised Version margin "Greek, `belonging to the reason'; compareRomans 12:1," the English Revised Version margin reasonable"), "milk which is without guile," with no other purpose but to nourish and benefit the soul (Alford); hagnos, "without blame," "pure," "preach Christ.... not sincerely" (Philippians 1:17); aphtharsia, "without corruption" (Ephesians 6:24, the King James Version "that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity," the American Standard Revised Version "with a love incorruptible," margin " `in incorruption.' SeeRomans 2:7," the English Revised Version "uncorruptness";Titus 2:7, the King James Version "shewing uncorruptness.... sincerity," the Revised Version (British and American) "uncorruptness"); gnesios, "not spurious" (2 Corinthians 8:8); eilikrines, literally, judged of in the sunlight, hence, "clear," "manifest" (Philippians 1:10); eilikrineia, with same meaning, is translated "sincerity" (1 Corinthians 5:82 Corinthians 1:12;2 Corinthians 2:17).
The Revised Version (British and American) has "sincere" for "pure" (2 Peter 3:1), "sincerely" for "clearly" (Job 33:3).
In The Wisdom of Solomon 7:25 we have eilikrines in the description of Wisdom as a "pure influence," the Revised Version (British and American) "clear effluence."
W. L. Walker
Greek
1505. eilikrineia -- clearness, by impl. purity,sincerity... purity,
sincerity. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: eilikrineia Phonetic
Spelling: (i-lik-ree'-ni-ah) Short Definition: clearness,
sincerity...572. haplotes -- singleness, hence simplicity
... simplicity. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: haplotes Phonetic Spelling:
(hap-lot'-ace) Short Definition: simplicity,sincerity, purity Definition...
858. aphelotes -- simplicity
... Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: aphelotes Phonetic Spelling:
(af-el-ot'-ace) Short Definition: simplicity,sincerity Definition: simplicity...
1103. gnesios -- lawfully begotten, genuine
... Word Origin from ginomai Definition lawfully begotten, genuine NASB Word
Usagesincerity (1), true (3). genuine, true, legitimate....
861. aphtharsia -- incorruptibility
... From aphthartos; incorruptibility; genitive, unending existence; (figuratively)
genuineness -- immortality, incorruption,sincerity. see GREEK aphthartos....
225. aletheia -- truth
... Phonetic Spelling: (al-ay'-thi-a) Short Definition: truth Definition: truth, but
not merely truth as spoken; truth of idea, reality,sincerity, truth in the...
Strong's Hebrew
4339. meshar -- evenness, uprightness, equity... from yashar Definition evenness, uprightness, equity NASB Word Usage equity (8),
peaceful arrangement (1), right things (1), rightly (1),
sincerity (1), smooth
...8549. tamim -- complete, sound
... sound NASB Word Usage blameless (22), blamelessly (1), complete (1), entire (1),
full (1), intact (1), integrity (4), perfect (5),sincerity (1), unblemished (2...
Library
The Touchstone of GodlySincerity
... The Touchstone of GodlySincerity. A Sermon (No.985). Delivered by. CH SPURGEON,....
Oh, to continue in prayer! it is the very test ofsincerity....
Sincerity and Hypocrisy.
... DEVOUT EXERCISES. 456. "Sincerity and Hypocrisy. 456. CM Watts.Sincerity
and Hypocrisy. 1 God is a spirit just and wise, He...
Sincerity and Hypocrisy; Or, Formality in Worship, John 4 24 Psalm...
... Hymns. Book 1. Hymn 1:136.Sincerity and hypocrisy; or, Formality in worship,
John 4. 24. Psalm 139. 23 24. 1 God is a spirit just...
Sincerity.
... THE TEACHING OF THE KINGDOMSINCERITY. "Enter ye in by the narrow gate:
for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth...
This System was Continued, with MoreSincerity on the Part of...
... XIII. This system was continued, with moresincerity on the part of
government? This system was continued, with moresincerity...
Sincerity and Hypocrisy; Or, Formality in Worship. John 4:24; Ps....
... HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS IN THREE BOOKS. HYMN 136Sincerity and hypocrisy; or,
formality in worship.... CMSincerity and hypocrisy; or, formality in worship....
Psalm 119:03. Third Part. Profession: ofSincerity, Repentance...
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 119:03. Third Part. Profession: of
sincerity, repentance, and obedience. Ver.57 60. 1 Thou...
Psalm 139:3. Third Part. LMSincerity Professed, and Grace Tried...
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 139:3. Third Part. LMSincerity professed,
and grace tried; or, The heart- searching of God....
Truth,Sincerity, &C. Phil. 4 8
... Hymns. Book 1. Hymn 1:35. [Supplement.] Truth,sincerity, &c. Phil. 4.
8. 1 Let those who bear the Christian name Their holy vows...
Psalm 18 Part 2Sincerity Proved and Rewarded.
... THE PSALMS OF DAVID PSALM 18 PART 2Sincerity proved and rewarded. v.20-26 LM.
Sincerity proved and rewarded. Lord, thou hast seen my soul sincere,....
Thesaurus
Sincerity (17 Occurrences)... SINCERE;
SINCERITY.
... (Joshua 24:14); the same word is translated "
sincerity" (Judges
9:16, 19, the Revised Version (British and American) "uprightly").
...Sincere (18 Occurrences)
... SINCERE;SINCERITY.... (Joshua 24:14); the same word is translated "sincerity" (Judges
9:16, 19, the Revised Version (British and American) "uprightly")....
Simplicity (12 Occurrences)
... the Revised Version (British and American) "liberality," margin "Greek: `singleness' ";
2 Corinthians 1:12, "in simplicit and godlysincerity," the Revised...
Integrity (46 Occurrences)
... 25:21; Psalm 26:1, 11; 41:12:00; 78:72 Proverbs 19:1; Proverbs 20:7), in all which
places it seems to carry the meaning of simplicity, orsincerity of heart...
Doubtful (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 13:7 And our prayer to God is that you may do nothing wrong; not in
order that oursincerity may be demonstrated, but that you may do what is...
Demonstrated (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 13:7 And our prayer to God is that you may do nothing wrong; not in
order that oursincerity may be demonstrated, but that you may do what is...
Thomas (12 Occurrences)
... It was hissincerity which made him to stand aloof from the rest of the disciples
till he had attained to personal conviction regarding the resurrection; but...
Seem (115 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 13:7 And our prayer to God is that you may do nothing wrong; not in
order that oursincerity may be demonstrated, but that you may do what is...
Sinew (2 Occurrences)
Sincerely (8 Occurrences)
Resources
What does the Bible say about sincerity? | GotQuestions.orgWhy should I believe in Christ's resurrection? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the argument from disbelief? | GotQuestions.orgSincerity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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