Five Ways to Measure Sincerity

Titus 2:7-8

Thesis: To reflect on one’s own sincerity.

Introduction:

1. Are you a sincere Christian? Might God agree? Might the elders?

2. We can measure our sincerity, but how do we do that?

Discussion:

I believe that…

I. Everyone is sincere.

A. The rich young ruler sought truth (Lk. 18:18, 21).

B. Cornelius sought God’s favor (Acts 10:2, 22).

C. Consider also the Philippian jailor (Acts 16:30) and Saul of Tarsus (Acts 22:10) who

were desirous.

II. One can be sincere but wrong.

A. Jacob believed a lie (Gen. 37:33), and he refused to accept the truth when it was told

him (Gen. 45:26).

B. Uzzah’s noble intentions didn’t prevent his death (2 Sam. 6:7).

C. Paul’s conscience was clear (Acts 23:1) although he persecuted the church.

Consider Acts 8:3; 9:1, 5, 13; 22:4; 26:9-11; 1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:13; Phil. 3:6

III. One can be right but insincere.

A. Eliab had strong points, but was dishonest (1 Sam. 16:7).

B. King Amaziah did right insincerely (2 Chron. 25:2, 14ff).

C. Our distant hearts may nullify our worship (Mt. 15:8-9).

D. Double-minded people are hypocritical (Jam. 1:8; 4:8).

IV. God wants you to be sincerely right.

A. Noah did all that God commanded him to do (Gen. 7:5).

B. David was a man after God’s heart (Acts 13:22).

V. Sincerity can be measured (Mt. 7:15ff; Tit. 2:7-8).

A. Read and study your Bibles.

B. Practice honesty in every aspect of life.

C. Come to worship, and participate in worship.

D. Involve yourself in ministry.

E. Speak righteously.

Conclusion:

1. Disciples are to be sincere, but it alone is insufficient.

2. We must do what is right with the right heart.