Sincerity

1. INTRODUCTION
   1. SCRIPTURE READING:
      I Thess. 2:3-6 = "For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might."
   2. THE SUBJECT:
      1. In the text we have just read we see that the apostle Paul has manifested his sincerity for the truth that he has preached and the manner is which it was spoken.
      2. Definition of sincerity:
         1. There are three Greek words translated sincere and sincerity:
            1. The Greek word Adolos, pronounced (ad'-ol-os); The meaning is from (as a negative particle) -- undeceitful, or unadulterated; translated "sincere" as in presentation of God's Word.
               1 Peter 2:2 = "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:"
               Phil 1:16 = "The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:"
            2. The Greek word eilikrines, pronounced (i-lik-ree-nace'); Meaning as the like of the sun's rays [heile] genuine; Translated -- pure and sincere. It is from this word that we get the third Greek word ---
            3. Eilikrineia, pronounced (i-lik-ree'-ni-ah); Meaning clearness and purity; translated -- Sincerity.
               1 Cor 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 and truth."
         2. The dictionary defines Sincerity as that which is "genuine or honest"; That is being the same in fact as in appearance -- It is the same in fact and in its presentation.
   3. PAUL IS SAYING IN THE TEXT THAT HIS PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL IS PURE FACT AND IN PRESENTATION:
2. DISCUSSION:
   1. SINCERITY IN MOTIVE:
      1 Thess 2:3 = "For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:"
      1. In regards to the Father, his exhortation was not of "deceit" or "in error".
         Comment: Paul having received the gospel truth from God, he "imparted" or gave it to others in the same way he had received it -- in its pure form.
      2. In regards to himself --
         1. "…nor of uncleanness,…" [His motives were clean and pure]
         2. He was pure in:
            1. His affections for the Thessalonians.
            2. His purpose of presentation.
      3. In regards to others --
         1. "…nor in guile." [There was no secrecy,or craftiness in what he said.
         2. There was no deceptive scheme in proclamation to them.
   2. SINCERITY OR SPEECH:
      1. He spoke with a deep sense of responsibility --
         1 Thess 2:4 = "But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts."
      2. The only one Paul sought to please with his preaching was God --
         1 Thess 2:4 = "But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts."
      3. He was one given to speaking with words of flattery, or deceitfulness --
         1 Thess 2:5 = "For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:"
   3. SINCERITY IN AIM:
      1. His aim was not of popularity or glory from pleasing men --
         1 Thess 2:6 = "Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ."
      2. His sole aim was to impart only the gospel of God and if it required his soul he would give that also.
         1 Thess 2:8 = "So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us."
3. CONCLUSION:
   1. THE SAME SINCERITY THAT WAS IN PAUL IS NOT FOUND IN EVERYONE THAT CALLS HIMSELF A CHRISTIAN TODAY.
      1. A deceptive gospel will be taught if the price is right.
      2. A deceptive gospel will be taught for the praise of men, or to seek a name for themselves.
      3. A false doctrine will be taught to have their own way.
      4. Etc.
   2. THE SOUL SALVATION OF BOTH THE PROCLAIMER AND THOSE THAT HEAR DEPENDS ON THE PURITY OF THAT WHICH IS TAUGHT.
   3. LET EACH OF US REALIZE THE SERIOUSNESS OF BEING TRUTHFUL WITH THE WORD OF GOD AND IN EVEYTHING THAT WE DO.
      Luke 22:22 = "And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!"
      1 Cor 9:16 = "For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!"
      Jude 11 = "Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core."

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