Sincerity Or Truth

Sincerity or Truth— Which is more

important?Laindon3rd August 2008

Truth or Sincerity? 2

Our approach

• What do we mean by sincerity and truth?

• In what context are we asking this question?

• Where do we turn for an answer?• What does God have to say?• So where does that leave us?


Sincerity and truth

• sincerity, noun “freedom from pretence or hypocrisy; honesty; straightforwardness; genuineness”

• truth, noun “what is true or real; reality; specially spiritual reality as the subject of revelation or object of faith”

Source: Oxford English Dictionary


Context

• Is truth absolute or relative? • Which is more important: the

sincerity with which we hold our beliefs or the truth of those beliefs?

• Does it matter? “All routes lead to heaven” President

Bush, interview May 2007


Where do we turn?

• If we believe in God, then we must turn to his revelation

• God has pronounced: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof*, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

* refutation of error (Strong)


God’s view on sincerity

• Jesus plainly taught that sincerity is essential (Matthew 15:7-9)

• God showed that sincerity without adherence to his truth/command is not acceptable (1 Samuel 15:1-3,14-15,19-23)

• Paul taught that obedience without understanding is also valueless (Romans 2:12-16)


God’s view on Truth

• God and his son Jesus are the source of Truth (John 8:31-32,14:6)

• There is only one Truth (Galatians 1:8-12)

• We must hold fast to that Truth to be pleasing to God (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

• Failure to hold fast to the Truth brings condemnation (Galatians 3:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:11-14)


So what is God’s answer?

• Sincerity is essential for salvation

• Adherence to the Truth is equally essential for salvation

• Sincere belief in God’s Truth will produce the works/fruits that are pleasing to God (Matthew 7:13-27)


The challenge of Truth

The things that I believe

Where do they come from?

My own/ men’s ideas?

My church’s teaching?

God’s word the Bible?

What action have I taken?


Where does that leave us?

• The Truth tells us that we are in need of redemption through Christ (John 3:16)

• If we are sincere then we must change our ways (Ephesians 4:17-18)

• We will be subject to judgement on Christ’s return to the earth (Matthew 16:27)


Conclusion of the matter

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

2 Peter 1:10-11


Next 3 weeks (God willing)

• Does Bible Prophecy really talk about:

– Europe?

– Russia?

– Britain?

Sincerity Or Truth

Spiritual

Transcript of Sincerity Or Truth