“Sincere” Defined – “free of deceit, hypocrisy, or falseness; earnest…genuine, real” (Webster’s Unabridged page 1784)

Question: Is it possible to be sincere if I am doing something that I know to be wrong?

-      Wrong to violate your conscience

Romans 14:23

-      Wrong to go beyond what is written

1 Corinthians 4:6

-      Personal Responsibility to Know

John 8:32 – We can know

2 Timothy 2:15 – Must study

What about if someone doesn’t know but has his/her heart really into what he/she is doing?

Paul mentioned this – Romans 10:2: “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.”

Heart is Important:

1.          John 4:24 – Spirit and Truth

2.          1 Cor 13:1-3 – “but have not love”

3.          Rev 2:1-7 – “left your first love”

4.          Matt 15:8 – “heart is far from Me”

Heart Alone?:

1.          Jeremiah 17:9 – heart is deceitful

2.          Proverbs 14:12 – way seems right

3.          Why have any commands?

Examples of “Sincere” People:

A.         Cain – Gen. 4 – Wrong sacrifice

B.          Uzzah – 2 Sam. 6 – Touched ark

C.          Cornelius – Acts 10:

1.          Devout Man

2.          Feared God

3.          Gave Alms

4.          Prayed Often

5.          Needed to obey the gospel

D.         Paul:

1.          Phil. 3:4-6 – Top Jew

2.          Acts 23:1 – Conscience OK

3.          Acts 9:1-2 – Dedicated

4.          Acts 9:4ff. – Needed Jesus

Conclusion:  Sincerity is absolutely necessary, but sincerity alone is not enough.  Sincerity + Correct Actions is what God desires!