Topical Bible: Sincerity: Paul

◄ Sincerity: Paul ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Sincerity, as demonstrated by the Apostle Paul, is a profound theme woven throughout his epistles and ministry. Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, underwent a dramatic transformation from a zealous persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle of Christ. This transformation is marked by a deep sincerity in his faith and mission, which is evident in his writings and actions.

Paul's Conversion and Sincerity

Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19) is a pivotal moment that highlights the sincerity of his newfound faith. Once a fervent opponent of the early Christian movement, Paul's encounter with the risen Christ led to an immediate and genuine change of heart. His sincerity is reflected in his immediate obedience to Christ's call, as he began to preach the gospel with the same zeal he once used to oppose it.

Sincerity in Preaching the Gospel

Paul's sincerity is evident in his commitment to preaching the gospel, regardless of personal cost. In 2 Corinthians 2:17, Paul contrasts himself with those who "peddle the word of God for profit," asserting, "On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God." This statement underscores his genuine dedication to the truth of the gospel, free from ulterior motives.

In 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5, Paul further emphasizes his sincerity, stating, "For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery. Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts." Here, Paul highlights that his ministry is driven by a sincere desire to please God rather than seeking human approval.

Sincerity in Personal Conduct

Paul's sincerity is also reflected in his personal conduct and relationships. 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, with integrity and godly sincerity, not by human wisdom but by the grace of God." This passage reveals Paul's commitment to living a life of integrity, guided by divine grace rather than worldly wisdom.

Sincerity in Suffering

Paul's sincerity is further demonstrated through his willingness to endure suffering for the sake of the gospel. In 2 Corinthians 6:4-10, he lists the hardships he faced, including beatings, imprisonments, and sleepless nights, yet he remained steadfast in his mission. His endurance in the face of adversity is a testament to the sincerity of his faith and his unwavering commitment to Christ.

Sincerity in Love

Paul's sincere love for the churches he founded and nurtured is evident in his letters. In Philippians 1:8, he expresses his deep affection, saying, "God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus." His heartfelt prayers and encouragements to the believers reflect a genuine pastoral concern and love that transcends mere duty.

Sincerity in Humility

Finally, Paul's sincerity is marked by his humility. Despite his significant contributions to the early church, he consistently acknowledges his weaknesses and dependence on God's grace. In 1 Corinthians 15:9-10, he writes, "For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain." This humility underscores the authenticity of his apostleship and his reliance on God's strength.

In summary, the Apostle Paul's life and writings provide a profound example of sincerity in faith, ministry, and personal conduct. His unwavering commitment to the truth of the gospel, his integrity in relationships, and his humility before God serve as enduring models for believers seeking to live with sincerity in their own walk with Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Paul's First Prayer
... But more than this. Here was an argument for Paul's sincerity. Secret prayer
is one of the best tests of sincere religion. If Jesus ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/pauls first prayer.htm

The Mission of Paul and Silas to Macedonia.
... The sincerity of her faith was demonstrated by her immediate submission to the
institutions of Christ, and by her kindness to Paul and his brethren. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xvii the mission of.htm

Petilianus Said: "Paul Also, the Apostle, Whilst He was Suffering ...
... Petilianus said: "Paul also, the apostle, whilst he was suffering fearful persecutions ...
in another place, where he is extolling the natural sincerity of Timothy ...
/.../chapter 77 169 petilianus.htm

Paul and his Praying (Continued)
... Behold he prayeth." And so we have in this reference Paul's prayerfulness intensified ...
The evidence of sincerity in a true seeker of religion isthat it can be ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xiv paul and his praying.htm

Paul and his Requests for Prayer (Continued)
... Paul did not depend upon his natural gifts, but on those which came to ... The warmth
and freedom of conviction and of sincerity, the fearlessness of a vigorous ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xvi paul and his requests.htm

Paul Before Festus and Agrippa.
... We perceive, too, that sincerity, of which some men speak, as if it were the ... or more
fully convinced of the lawfulness of his proceedings than Paul, when he ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxviii paul before festus.htm

The Touchstone of Godly Sincerity
... "Behold, he prayeth," was to the somewhat sceptical mind of Ananias demonstration
enough that Paul was really converted. ... it is the very test of sincerity. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the touchstone of godly sincerity.htm

The Epistles of St. Paul
... St. Paul and those made in Acts by his friend, St. Luke. ... Arabia. Many
Christians doubted the sincerity of his conversion, but St. ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter viii the epistles of.htm

Paul a Pattern of Prayer
... indwelling Christ and the fellowship of his cross; in the sincerity of his ... Seven
times Paul speaks of believers following him: (1 Corinthians 4:16), "Wherefore ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xiii paul a pattern.htm

The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... of their duty, the eleven were forewarned by our Saviour himself, and Paul, by a ...
It is a proof of the sincerity of the Apostles, and of their firm conviction ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm