"godly sincerity"

Paul writes the second letter to the Corinthians and says in 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."

Quite the mouthful. What is the Apostle really saying here?

As always, a definition from Webster's 1828 Dictionary:

Sincerity:  Honesty of mind or intention; freedom from simulation or hypocrisy. Freedom from hypocrisy, disguise or false pretense.

To further define the word, look at this sentence;  We may question a man's prudence, when we cannot question his sincerity.  

Titus 2:7, "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,"

2 Cor 2:17, "For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity...in the sight of God speak we in Christ."

Phil 1.10, "That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ."

Allow an anecdotal account of the last scripture noted: 

One day this blogger came across Phil 1.10.  There had always been a reservation of heart when expressing love towards others that weren't family.  The truth is, whilst growing up, much distrust had developed due to unkind words in this youngster's world. Then, a respected person said, "You could receive more blessings if you loved more."  Backgrounds matter.  Things that shape who one is, matters. I later replied of Phil 1.9, 10 as to "why" I couldn't "love more."  To be "sincere" and honest, I had to love "in (the) knowledge" I had grown up with.  A rebuttal of my reasoning was again given, "but you could receive more blessings."  I understood but was again hurt by the nonacceptance of my "sincerity." The conclusion, after reading Phil 1.9, 10 was that one 'couldn't' be more than what was given to a tender heart.  To be "sincere," I couldn't "love" more than my heart would allow.  

The answer the Lord gave to this last hurtful response was to "leave the respected person as they were and carry on in "sincerity."  This indeed quieted my heart as I wait on "more love" to give.

I understand we are to be "overcomers in Christ," (I Jn 4.4) but one cannot be "more" than they are.  The very definition of sincerity is "honesty of mind or intention," not a "hypocrit."

So, break the phrase down a bit further, "godly sincerity."  The truth is to be sincere, one must be so in Christ as seen in 2 Cor 2.17.  We are indeed overcomers.

But, if you can't, you can't.  At least refrain from hypocrisy in any given situation, circumstance or conversation.  This blogger believes and practices, as much as possible being "real."  What the world sees in you must be consistent with your "realness."  As a believer are you consistent in manner, behavior and speech?  Would a nonbeliever already know how you would think, speak or act and to WHO you belong?  Or do you waver in your ways? (Jms 1.8)

Whatever you do, do it with "godly sincerity."  You will be the winner in spirit, mind and heart.

Blessings, Ps 57.7

How to Read the Bible

Much of this discourse is taken from "CH Spurgeon" on the subject noted.  It speaks to this blogger on why so little is gained from scripture these days.  The largest reason being the state of my heart.  Admittedly, I have grown cold. There is no excuse. This heart has been allowed jaded, biased attitudes and opinions that are usually unfair in speculation(s) about a given individual or circumstance, to shape my thinking.  If I am to "think rightly" (Phil 4.8) as He commands, I must follow Phil 2.5, "Let this mind be in you which is in Christ Jesus."   My prayer is to "draw nigh to God (so that) He will draw nigh to (me)."   

This scripture also instructs, yea commands to "...cleanse your hands...and purify your hearts."(Jms 4.8) 

In reading Bro. Spurgeon's words on the subject, he points out how the Lord rebuked the Pharisee's; "Have ye not read?" (Mt 12.3-7)  His meaning was not about how arrogant, self-rightous hearts received His Words.  Of course, they had "read" with their eyes but their hearts were far from the meaning of Holy Writ.  One line of Bro. Spurgeon's review of the subject catches my eye...yea pierces the heart;  "streams that run for a long distance above ground gradually gather for themselves somewhat of the soil through which they flow, and they lose the cool freshness with which they started from the spring head."  

Also, "truth is sweetest where it breaks from the smitten Rock...it's always best to drink AT the well and NOT from the tank." When one "scans" over the Holy Ghost inspired Words, much meaning is lost.  How should one read Holy Scripture?

1. Just "read" it.  The old preacher pointed out Rev 1.3, "Blessed is he that readeth...."
2. An uninterrupted time must be set aside to read.  A routine should be established.  "Let all things be done decently and in order." (I Cor 14.40)
3. Drink of the unadulterated, whole milk of the Word of God.  Skim or 2% milk do not give the nutrients needed for strength. (CH Spurgeon)
4. There must be knowledge of God before there can be love TO God: there must be a knowledge of divine things.  When the high priest lit the golden candlestick before the incense upon the brazen altar, it seemed to demonstrate that the mind must have illumination before the affections can properly rise towards their divine object. Which, of course, is the Lord Jesus. Do you know Him in the free pardon of sin? Are you saved? (I Cor 14.3, 4)
5. Pray the Lord's blessings on the reading of His Word.  Since He is its Author, He knows it best. Just as asking the blessing over one's food to give strength for the physical, so a blessing should be asked for the spiritual.

While life keeps us busy after many things, the Word is our foundation.  "We get the profit out of it if we make it our food, our medicine, our treasury, our armoury, our rest and our delight." (CH Spurgeon)

What is the glorious end to reading His Holy Word? "Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, AND we shall be changed." (I Cor 15.51.52)

Amen.  JUST READ it!