Topical Bible: Sincerity: Opposed to Fleshly Wisdom

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Sincerity, as a biblical concept, is characterized by genuine, heartfelt devotion and truthfulness in one's relationship with God and others. It stands in stark contrast to "fleshly wisdom," which is often associated with human cunning, deceit, and self-serving motives. The Bible frequently highlights the importance of sincerity in the life of a believer, emphasizing that true wisdom and understanding come from God rather than human intellect or worldly strategies.

The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, provides a clear distinction between sincerity and fleshly wisdom. In 2 Corinthians 1:12 , he writes, "For our boast is this: the testimony of our conscience that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God, not in worldly wisdom but in the grace of God." Here, Paul underscores that his conduct was guided by divine sincerity and holiness, rather than by the manipulative and self-centered wisdom of the world.

Sincerity is further illustrated in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who consistently condemned hypocrisy and praised those who approached God with a pure heart. In Matthew 6:1-6 , Jesus warns against practicing righteousness before others to be seen by them, urging His followers to seek the approval of God rather than human accolades. This teaching highlights the essence of sincerity—acting with integrity and authenticity, without ulterior motives.

The Old Testament also reflects the value of sincerity, particularly in the context of worship and obedience to God. In Joshua 24:14 , Joshua exhorts the Israelites, "Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth. Put away the gods your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD." This call to serve God with sincerity underscores the necessity of a genuine commitment to God, free from idolatry and pretense.

The Psalms frequently echo this theme, as seen in Psalm 51:6 , where David acknowledges, "Surely You desire truth in the inmost being; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place." Here, the psalmist recognizes that God values inner truth and sincerity over outward appearances or superficial acts of piety.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter also addresses the importance of sincerity in the life of believers. In 1 Peter 1:22 , he writes, "Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth, so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart." This exhortation emphasizes that sincere love and obedience to the truth are foundational to Christian community and relationships.

The contrast between sincerity and fleshly wisdom is further explored in James 3:17 , which states, "But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere." James delineates the characteristics of divine wisdom, highlighting sincerity as a key attribute, in opposition to the divisive and self-seeking nature of earthly wisdom.

In summary, sincerity in the biblical sense is a profound and essential quality for believers, rooted in a genuine relationship with God and characterized by truthfulness, integrity, and purity of heart. It stands in opposition to fleshly wisdom, which is often marked by deceit, manipulation, and self-interest. The call to sincerity is a call to live authentically before God and others, reflecting the true wisdom that comes from above.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Corinthians 1:12
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Promises of the Law and the Gospel Reconciled.
... One Apostle cannot be opposed to another. ... is this, the testimony of our conscience,
that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 the promises of.htm

Letter clxvii. (AD 415. )
... one virtue, one that is evidently opposed, and another ... body, so love separates it
from fleshly lusts. ... who have showed mercy, saying with sincerity, "Forgive us ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter clxvii a d 415.htm

On the Feast of the Epiphany, iv.
... Why dost thou not do with sincerity what in treacherous ... this Truth proclaimed throughout
all ages, is opposed by the ... as to be joined to our fleshly nature and ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xxxiv on the feast.htm

Against Publishing the Errors of the Brethren.
... For it is spiritual, and sets right, not fleshly wounds, but errors ... of silver; but
he who has displayed sincerity of purpose ... 772] hoi polloi, as opposed to hoi ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/against publishing the errors of.htm

Book Six Turmoil in the Twenties. ...
... faith, but against the fables of fleshly imagination ... For, although he had been utterly
opposed to such ... of it a common household, so that in the sincerity of our ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book six turmoil in the.htm

section second.
... But many hindrances stood opposed to this harmonious action; and ... were not led by
this similar fleshly tendency to ... brethren,"a proof of the sincerity of his ...
/.../the epistle of paul to the philippians practically explained/section second.htm

Book Eight Conversion to Christ. ...
... that are permitted and lawful: in the sincerity of honest ... I did not seek in piety,
but opposed in malice ... They tugged at my fleshly garments and softly whispered ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book eight conversion to christ .htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... clear exposition of the truth as opposed to the ... notwithstanding the surpassing justice
and wisdom of Christ ... while the handmaids had the fleshly motherhood, the ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

Book xi. The Apostle in his Letter to the Ephesians, Reviewing in ...
... of God the Father, not, however, with the sincerity of a ... of the body, by which all
that is fleshly in Him ... means God considered as a spiritual (as opposed to a ...
/.../the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book xi the apostle in.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... endure afflictions,' if thou shouldst be opposed in thy ... to manage thy time and work
in wisdom while thou ... appetite that can only savour fleshly things, neither ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm