Topical Bible: Sincerity by Hezekiah

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Definition and Etymology:
Sincerity, in a biblical context, refers to the quality of being free from pretense, deceit, or hypocrisy. It is derived from the Latin word "sincerus," meaning clean, pure, or sound. In the Scriptures, sincerity is often associated with truthfulness, integrity, and genuine faith.

Biblical References and Context:
Sincerity is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of genuine faith and honest conduct in the life of a believer. The concept is closely linked to the heart's condition, as God desires truth in the inward being (Psalm 51:6).

1. Old Testament:
· Joshua 24:14 : "Now therefore fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth. Cast away the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt, and serve the LORD." Here, Joshua calls the Israelites to serve God with sincerity, highlighting the need for genuine devotion and the rejection of idolatry.
· 1 Samuel 16:7 : "But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.'" This passage underscores that God values the sincerity of the heart over external appearances.

2. New Testament:
· 2 Corinthians 1:12 : "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." Paul emphasizes that his conduct was marked by sincerity, a quality that stems from divine grace rather than human wisdom.
· Philippians 1:10 : "so that you may approve what is excellent, in order to be pure and blameless for the day of Christ." The apostle Paul encourages believers to live with sincerity, aiming for purity and blamelessness in anticipation of Christ's return.

Theological Significance:
Sincerity is integral to the Christian faith, as it reflects a heart aligned with God's truth and righteousness. It is not merely about external compliance with religious norms but involves an authentic relationship with God. Sincerity in worship, prayer, and daily living is essential for a vibrant spiritual life.

Practical Application:
Believers are called to examine their hearts and motives, ensuring that their actions and words are consistent with their faith. Sincerity should permeate all aspects of life, from personal relationships to public witness. Christians are encouraged to cultivate sincerity through regular self-reflection, prayer, and engagement with Scripture.

Related Concepts:
· Integrity: Often used interchangeably with sincerity, integrity involves consistency in moral and ethical principles.
· Truthfulness: A key component of sincerity, emphasizing honesty and transparency.
· Hypocrisy: The opposite of sincerity, characterized by a discrepancy between one's professed beliefs and actual behavior.

Conclusion:
While sincerity is a personal virtue, it also has communal implications, as it fosters trust and authenticity within the body of Christ. By living sincerely, believers bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel and glorify God in their lives.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 38:3
And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech you, how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in your sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Hezekiah, the Praying King
... the Lord's reminder, and is putting Him in mind as to his sincerity, fidelity and ...
have walked in my integrity." This is not a prayer test with Hezekiah, nor is ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/vi hezekiah the praying king.htm

That we Ought to Give Ourselves to God with Regard to Things Both ...
... and day and deceive himself, but no man can be assured of his sincerity who does ...
The message of God to Hezekiah was: "Set thine house in order; for thou shalt ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ii that we ought.htm

The New Testament view of the Old Testament
... above their contemporaries in purity of character, strength of intellect, sincerity
of purpose ... are the proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah, king of ...
/.../eiselen/the christian view of the old testament/chapter i the new testament.htm

Secondly, to Assign Some Reasons Why Christians must Make this the ...
... 2. The sincerity of our profession much depends upon the care we exercise in keeping ...
If with Hezekiah thou art humbled for the evils of thy heart, thou hast no ...
/.../flavel/on keeping the heart/secondly to assign some reasons.htm

Micah
... and unto Israel his sin, iii.8. In his ringing sincerity, he must ... is certain from
this reference that he prophesied during the reign of Hezekiah; whether also ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/micah.htm

From Megiddo to Carchemish, 608-605.
... Did Hezekiah and all Judah put him to death ... or in indignation at the Prophet's claim,
while the princes are obviously impressed by his sincerity and apparently ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/1 from megiddo to carchemish.htm

Psalms
... It is the depth and sincerity of its emotion, coupled with this unrivalled simplicity
of expression that has given the ... v.), or the Psalm of Hezekiah (Isaiah 38 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/psalms.htm

It is Strange that These Delightful Promises Affect us Coldly...
... exclude none from first to last; only let there be sincerity of heart ... Thus Hezekiah
speaks, when asking the prophet to undertake the office of interceding (2 ...
/.../calvin/of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 14 it is strange.htm

The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts
... Rom. 1:16; Eph. 2:8,9. HYMN 35 PART 2 Truth, sincerity, etc. Phil. 4:8. ... Eph. 1:3ff.
HYMN 55 Hezekiah's song; or, Sickness and recovery. Isa. 38:9ff. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/

Jer. 6:16 the Good Way.
... and Joshua, and Samuel,"the paths of David, and Solomon, and Hezekiah, and Jehoshaphat ...
or the preachers of the gospel of earnestness, and sincerity, and cold ...
/.../ryle/the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter v jer 6 16 the.htm