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'; compare Romans 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.' See Romans 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 5:8 2 Corinthians 1:12; 2 Corinthians 2:17). 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 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1505.htm - 7k 572. haplotes -- singleness, hence simplicity 858. aphelotes -- simplicity 1103. gnesios -- lawfully begotten, genuine 861. aphtharsia -- incorruptibility 225. aletheia -- truth 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 ... /hebrew/4339.htm - 6k 8549. tamim -- complete, sound Library The Touchstone of Godly Sincerity Sincerity and Hypocrisy. Sincerity and Hypocrisy; Or, Formality in Worship, John 4 24 Psalm ... Sincerity. This System was Continued, with More Sincerity on the Part of ... Sincerity and Hypocrisy; Or, Formality in Worship. John 4:24; Ps. ... Psalm 119:03. Third Part. Profession: of Sincerity, Repentance ... Psalm 139:3. Third Part. LM Sincerity Professed, and Grace Tried ... Truth, Sincerity, &C. Phil. 4 8 Psalm 18 Part 2 Sincerity Proved and Rewarded. 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"). ... /s/sincerity.htm - 14k Sincere (18 Occurrences) Simplicity (12 Occurrences) Integrity (46 Occurrences) Doubtful (4 Occurrences) Demonstrated (2 Occurrences) Thomas (12 Occurrences) Seem (115 Occurrences) Sinew (2 Occurrences) Sincerely (8 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about sincerity? | GotQuestions.orgWhy should I believe in Christ's resurrection? | GotQuestions.org What is the argument from disbelief? | GotQuestions.org Sincerity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sincerity (17 Occurrences)Acts 2:46 1 Corinthians 5:8 2 Corinthians 1:12 2 Corinthians 2:17 2 Corinthians 5:12 2 Corinthians 8:8 2 Corinthians 13:7 Ephesians 6:5 Ephesians 6:24 Colossians 3:22 Titus 2:7 Hebrews 10:22 Joshua 24:14 Judges 9:16 Judges 9:19 Psalms 5:9 Isaiah 33:15 Subtopics Sincerity by some Men of the Tribe of Zebulun Sincerity: A Characteristic of the Doctrines of the Gospel Sincerity: Christ Was an Example of Sincerity: Does not Exempt from Guilt Sincerity: Evil People are Devoid of Sincerity: Forgiveness of Enemies Must be Sincere Sincerity: Jesus Was an Example of Sincerity: Ministers should be Examples of Sincerity: Opposed to Fleshly Wisdom Sincerity: Pray For, on Behalf of Others Sincerity: Prayer For, on Behalf of Others Sincerity: Servants Must Render Honest Service Sincerity: Servants of should be Examples of Sincerity: should Characterise: Our Faith Sincerity: should Characterise: Our Love to Christ Sincerity: should Characterise: Our Love to God Sincerity: should Characterise: Our Love to One Another Sincerity: should Characterise: Our Service to God Sincerity: should Characterise: Our Whole Conduct Sincerity: should Characterise: The Preaching of the Gospel Sincerity: should Characterize: Our Faith Sincerity: should Characterize: Our Love to One Another Sincerity: should Characterize: Our Love Toward God Sincerity: should Characterize: Our Love Toward Jesus Sincerity: should Characterize: Our Service Toward God Sincerity: should Characterize: Our Whole Conduct Sincerity: should Characterize: The Preaching of the Gospel Sincerity: The Gospel Sometimes Preached Without Sincerity: The Wicked Devoid of Sincerity: Whatever is Done Must be Done With Related Terms |
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