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Home Life Ministries
Character Journal No. 12                                                             Sincerity

The Character Journal is a monthly e-zine designed to help parents teach Biblical character qualities to their children. Each month a different character quality will be presented with suggestions for Bible lessons and projects. The length of time you spend teaching these principles to your children each day is not nearly as important as your sincerity and consistency. Begin each time with a relevant hymn or chorus. Then take a verse, theme or story from the suggestions below as the basis for your daily "Bible Time" with your family. Give relevant application of the lesson to your family; and don't forget to ask your children the questions: Who? What? Where? Why? When? and How? Get each member of the family involved by assigning different verses to be read. Finally, conclude your time with family prayer.

Related Hymns and Choruses

Bible Verses Related to Sincerity

Spend an evening (or several) looking at just one of these verses at a time. Don't forget to ask your children the questions: Who? What? Where? Why? When? and How? Discuss with your family what each verse or story teaches about the character quality; and give vital application of how this quality can be applied to your family. Choose several verses to memorise together as a family during the month.

For a more complete study, we suggest you use the Online Bible which you can download free of charge from www.onlinebible.org. Click the "Library" option from where you can freely download Bibles, lexicons, commentaries, dictionaries and more.

08549 Mymt tamiym taw-meem'
from 08552; TWOT-2522d; adj.
AV-without blemish 44, perfect 18, upright 8, without spot 6, uprightly 4, whole 4, sincerely 2, complete 1, full 1, misc 3; 91
1) complete, whole, entire, sound
   1a) complete, whole, entire
   1b) whole, sound, healthful
   1c) complete, entire (of time)
   1d) sound, wholesome, unimpaired, innocent, having integrity
   1e) what is complete or entirely in accord with truth and fact (neuter adj./subst)
Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect <08549> in his generations, and Noah walked with God. {perfect: or, upright}
Genesis 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect <08549>. {perfect: or, upright, or, sincere}
Exodus 12:5 Your lamb shall be without blemish <08549>, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: {of...: Heb. son of a year}
Joshua 24:14 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity <08549> and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.
Judges 9:16 Now therefore, if ye have done truly and sincerely <08549>, in that ye have made Abimelech king, and if ye have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have done unto him according to the deserving of his hands;
1 Samuel 14:41 Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect <08549> lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped. {Give...: or, Shew the innocent} {escaped: Heb. went forth}
2 Samuel 22:24 I was also upright <08549> before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity. {before: Heb. to}
2 Samuel 22:26 With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful, and with the upright <08549> man thou wilt shew thyself upright.
2 Samuel 22:31 As for God, his way is perfect <08549>; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. {tried: or, refined}
2 Samuel 22:33 God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect <08549>. {maketh: Heb. riddeth, or, looseth}
Job 12:4 I am as one mocked of his neighbour, who calleth upon God, and he answereth him: the just upright <08549> man is laughed to scorn.
Job 36:4 For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect <08549> in knowledge is with thee.
Job 37:16 Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect <08549> in knowledge?
Psalms 15:2 He that walketh uprightly <08549>, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
Psalms 18:23 I was also upright <08549> before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity. {before: Heb. with}
Psalms 18:25 With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright <08549> man thou wilt shew thyself upright;
Psalms 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect <08549>: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. {tried: or, refined}
Psalms 119:1 Blessed [are] the undefiled <08549> in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. {undefiled: or, perfect, or, sincere}
 
55 agnwv hagnos hag-noce'
from 53;; adv.
AV-sincerely 1; 1
1) chaste, clean, pure, with sincerity
Philippians 1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely<53>, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
 
97 adolov adolos ad' -ol-os
from 1 (as a negative particle), and 1388;; adj.
AV-sincere 1; 1
1) guileless
    1a) in things: unmixed, unadulterated, pure
    1b) in persons: without dishonest intent, guileless
1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere <97> milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
 
861 afyarsia aphtharsia af-thar-see' -ah
from 862; TDNT-9:93 , 1259; n f
AV-incorruption 4, immortality 2, sincerity 2; 8
1) incorruption, perpetuity
2) purity, sincerity, incorrupt
Romans 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality <861>, eternal life:
1 Corinthians 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption <861>:
1 Corinthians 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption <861>.
1 Corinthians 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption <861>, and this mortal must put on immortality.
1 Corinthians 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption <861>, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
Ephesians 6:24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity <861>. Amen. <<To the Ephesians written from Rome, by Tychicus.>> {in sincerity: or, with incorruption}
2 Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality <861> to light through the gospel:
Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity <861>
 
1103 gnhsiov gnesios gnay' -see-os
from the same as 1077; TDNT-1:727 , 125; adj.
AV-own 2, sincerely 1, true 1; 4
1) legitimately born, not spurious
2) true, genuine, sincere
2 Corinthians 8:8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity <1103> of your love.
Philippians 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true <1103> yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
1 Timothy 1:2 Unto Timothy, my own <1103> son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
Titus 1:4 To Titus, mine own <1103> son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
 
1505 eilikrineia heilikrineia i-lik-ree' -ni-ah
from 1506; TDNT-2:397 , 206; n f
AV-sincerity 3; 3
1) purity, sincerity, ingenuousness
1 Corinthians 5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity <1505> and truth. {the feast: or, holyday}
2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity <1505>, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity <1505>, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. {corrupt: or, deal deceitfully with} {in Christ: or, of Christ}
 
1506 eilikrinhv heilikrines i-lik-ree-nace'
from heile (the sun's ray) and 2919; TDNT-2:397 , 206; adj.
AV-sincere 1, pure 1; 2
1) pure, sincere, unsullied
2) found pure when unfolded and examined by the sun's light
Philippians 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere <1506> and without offence till the day of Christ; {approve: or, try} {are...: or, differ}
2 Peter 3:1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure <1506> minds by way of remembrance:

Bible Stories

Character Definitions

How to Demonstrate Sincerity

at Home

at Work/School

at Church

Potpourri

The "I Wills" of Sincerity

-Character First! Education Series 1

SINCERITY

1) Christ was an example of # 1Pe 2:22
2) Ministers should be examples of # Tit 2:7
3) Opposed to fleshly wisdom # 2Co 1:12
4) SHOULD CHARACTERISE
    4a) Our love to God # 2Co 8:8 , 24
    4b) Our love to Christ # Eph 6:24
    4c) Our service to God # Jos 24:14 Joh 4:23 , 24
    4d) Our faith # 1Ti 1:5
    4e) Our love to one another # Ro 12:9 1Pe 1:22 1Jo 3:18
    4f) Our whole conduct # 2Co 1:12
    4g) The preaching of the gospel # 2Co 2:17 1Th 2:3 -5
5) A characteristic of the doctrines of the gospel # 1Pe 2:2
6) The gospel sometimes preached without # Php 1:16
7) The wicked devoid of # Ps 5:9 55:21
8) Exhortations to # Ps 34:13 1Co 5:8 1Pe 2:1
9) Pray for, on behalf of others # Php 1:10
10) Blessedness of # Ps 32:2
11) Exemplified
    11a) Men of Zebulun # 1Ch 12:33
    11b) Hezekiah # Isa 38:3
    11c) Nathanael # Joh 1:47
    11d) Paul # 2Co 1:12
    11e) Timothy # 2Ti 1:5
    11f) Lois and Eunice # 2Ti 1:5
    11g) The Redeemed # Re 14:5
Meaning of "Sincerity"

Sincerity is purely motivated eagerness to do what is right. The word sincerity comes from two Latin words, sine (without) and cere (wax). The Romans tried to copy the craftsmanship of Greek pottery and often used inferior material, filling small cracks or pock marks with wax and painting over them. The unsuspecting buyer discovered the wax when he put the vessel under fire. Quality pottery thus carried the label "sin cere."

Parent Guide Planner 8, ATI, Oak Brook, IL

Projects & Crafts

Parent Guide Planner 8, ATI, Oak Brook, IL

John Wesley on "Sincerity"

TUESDAY, May 13th, 1746.

THE following persons being met at the New-Room, in Bristol: John Wesley, Charles Wesley, John Hodges, Jonathan Reeves, Thomas Maxfield, Thomas Westell, and Thomas Willis; it was inquired, —

Q. 12. What is sincerity?
A. Willingness to know and do the whole will of God. The lowest species thereof seems to be "faithfulness in that which is little."
Q. 13. Has God any regard to man’s sincerity?
A. So far, that no man in any state can possibly please God without it; neither, indeed, in any moment wherein he is not sincere.
Q. 14. But can it be conceived that God has any regard to the sincerity of an unbeliever?
A. Yes, so much, that, if he persevere therein, God will infallibly give him faith.
Q. 15. What regard may we conceive him to have to the sincerity of a believer?
A. So much, that in every sincere believer he fulfills all the great and precious promises.
Q. 16. Whom do you term a sincere believer?
A. One that walks in the light, as God is in the light.
Q. 17. Is sincerity the same with a single eye?
A. Not altogether. The latter refers to our intention; the former, to our will or desires.
Q. 18. Is it not all in all?
A. All will follow persevering sincerity. God gives every thing with it; nothing without it.
Q. 19. Are not then sincerity and faith equivalent terms?
A. By no means. It is at least as nearly related to works as it is to faith. For example, Who is sincere before he believes? He that then does all he can; he that, according to the power he has received, brings forth "fruits meet for repentance." Who is sincere after he believes? He that, from a sense of God’s love, is zealous of all good works.
Q. 20. Is not sincerity what St. Paul terms a willing mind? (2 Corinthans 8:12.)
A. Yes: If that word be taken in a general sense. For it is a constant disposition to use all the grace given.
Q. 21. But do we not then set sincerity on a level with faith?
A No. For we allow a man may be sincere, and not be justified, as he may be penitent, and not be justified; (not as yet;) but he cannot have faith, and not be justified. The very moment he believes, he is justified.
Q. 22. But do we not give up faith, and put sincerity in its place, as the condition of our acceptance with God?
A. We believe it is one condition of our acceptance, as repentance likewise is. And we believe it a condition of our continuing in a state of acceptance. Yet we do not put it in the place of faith. It is by faith the merits of Christ are applied to my soul. But if I am not sincere, they are not applied.
Q. 23. Is not this that "going about to establish your own righteousness," whereof St. Paul speaks, Romans 10:3?
A. St. Paul there manifestly speaks of unbelievers, who sought to be accepted for the sake of their own righteousness. We do not seek to be accepted for the sake of our sincerity; but through the merits of Christ alone. Indeed, so long as any man believes, he cannot go about (in St. Paul’s sense) to "establish his own righteousness."

-The Works of John Wesley - Volume 8, p. 329

Two Probing Questions

-Character Clues Game, IBLP

Sincerely Wrong

A man may be very sincere in believing a lie, and he will be so much the
more sincere as his heart is the more hard. If his heart is very hard, he will
lay aside all candor and will settle down in the belief of a lie so firmly that
no evidence of any truth, however palpable, will in the least, move him
from his falsehood. It will not be impossible for him to believe any lie,
however palpable; and he will not only believe it, but he will give himself
entirely up to its control; and the harder his heart is, the more confidence
will he have in it, and the fewer misgivings as to its truth.
When a person believes a lie, and gives himself up to its influence,
however sincere may be his belief, yet he is without excuse; for he creates
his delusion by his own voluntary wickedness — it is forced upon him by
no one.
It is only when the judgments or opinions are formed in a right state of
heart, that a person is justified in acting in conformity to them. Many
people seem to suppose that a person is pursuing a virtuous course when
he acts in conformity to his real opinions, whether they are right or wrong,
provided he is only sincere. Now sincerity itself may often be an evidence
of great wickedness. For a man could not be sincere in pursuing a wicked
course of life, or in holding on to a wrong sentiment, if his heart was right.
Therefore, a man is without excuse, who does wrong, however sincere he
may be in the wrong he is doing.

Finney Sermon Collection, Volume I, Hardness of Heart

THE INSINCERE MAN

And now...the first book of Samuel, the 15th chap. and 24th verse:
"And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned."
 
Here is the insincere man — the man who is not like Balaam, to a certain
extent sincere in two things; but the man who is just the opposite — who
has no prominent point in his character at all, but is moulded everlastingly
by the circumstances that are passing over his head. Such a man was Saul.
Samuel reproved him, and he said, "I have sinned." But he did not mean
what he said: for if you read the whole verse you will find him saying, "I
have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and
thy words; because I feared the people:" which was a lying excuse. Saul
never feared anybody; he was always ready enough to do his own will —
he was the despot. And just before he had pleaded another excuse, that he
had saved the bullocks and lambs to offer to Jehovah, and therefore both
excuses could not have been true. You remember, my friends, that the most
prominent feature in the character of Saul. was his insincerity. One day he
fetched David from his bed, as bethought, to put him to death in his house.
Another time he declares, "God forbid that I should do aught against thee,
my son David." One day, because David saved his life, he said, "Thou art
more righteous than I; I will do so no more." The day before he had gone
out to fight against his own son-in-law, in order to slay him. Sometimes
Saul was among the prophets, easily turned into a prophet, and then
afterwards among the witches; sometimes in one place, and then another,
and insincere in everything. How many such we have in every Christian
assembly; men who are very easily moulded! Say what you please to
them, they always agree with you. They have affectionate dispositions,
very likely a tender conscience; but then the conscience is so remarkably
tender, that when touched it seems to give, and you are afraid to probe
deeper, — it heals as soon it is wounded. I think I used the very singular
comparison once before, which I must use again: there are some men who
seem to have india-rubber hearts. If you do but touch them, there is an
impression made at once; but then it is of no use, it soon restores itself to
its original character. You may press them whatever way you wish, they
are so elastic you can always effect your purpose; but then they are not
fixed in their character, and soon return to be what they were before. O
sirs, too many of you have done the same; you have bowed your heads in
church, and said, "We have erred and strayed from thy ways;" and you did
not mean what you said. You have come to your minister; you have said,
"I repent of my sins;" you did not then feel you were a sinner; you only
said it to please him. And now you attend the house of God; no one more
impressible than you; the tear will run down your cheek in a moment, but
yet. notwithstanding all that, the tear is dried as quickly as it is brought
forth, and you remain to all intents and purposes the same as you were
before. To say, "I have sinned," in an unmeaning manner, is worse than
worthless, for it is a mockery of God thus to confess with insincerity of heart."
From C.H. Spurgeon's sermon CONFESSION OF SIN — A SERMON WITH SEVEN TEXTS -
SERMON NO. 113 DELIVERED ON SABBATH MORNING, JANUARY 18, 1857,
AT THE MUSIC HALL, ROYAL SURREY GARDENS.

THE DOG AND THE HARE

A Hound having started a Hare on the hillside pursued her for some distance, at one time biting her with his teeth as if he would take her life, and at another fawning upon her, as if in play with another dog. The Hare said to him, "I wish you would act sincerely by me, and show yourself in your true colours. If you are a friend, why do you bite me so hard? If an enemy, why do you fawn on me?’

No one can be a friend if you know not whether to trust or distrust him.

-Aesop's Fables

Sincere, But Fatally Mistaken

I wonder if some of us realize that it is criminal ignorance to be ignorant of the Word of God. I heard a man on one of the northern railroads — I think it was the Northern Pacific — who was on a train that was making its way as best it could against the force of a blizzard. The storm was so terrible that as people looked out from the car windows they could not tell whether there was a station there or not. If you could see this man’s head today, you would see a man that seemed about seventy or eighty years old, his hair being perfectly white; but if you could look upon his body you would say that the man did not seem to be more than thirty or forty-five years of age. Every little while the train would stop and the brakeman would call out the name of the station, and some people would get out, and then the train would go on. There was a lady with a little child who was very much concerned lest she might not leave the train at the proper place. This man noticed her anxiety and said: "You need not give yourself any concern. I know the road perfectly well. I will tell you when you come to your station." The train stopped at the station before the one at which this woman wished to alight, and the brakeman called out the name. They went on, and after some minutes the train stopped again, and this man leaned over and said to the woman, "Now is your time; get out quickly." She took her child and left the car, and the train went on. In a few minutes it stopped again and then the brakeman called out the name of the station at which this woman had wished to alight. This man ran up to the brakeman and said, "Why, you have already stopped at that station." The brakeman said, "No, there was something the matter with the engine and we stopped for a few minutes to repair it." He said, "I put that woman and her child off in the storm!" They went back — some of the men on the train — to try to find them, and they found the woman holding her child in her arms, and both of them were frozen to death. O friends, it is an awful thing for us to give people wrong directions concerning the truth of God. — B. F. M.

-Present Day Parables, W. Chapman

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