In our last post, we explored the Godly simplicity with which the apostle Paul behaved in the world (that article can be found here!: Simplicity Unfolded). We also talked about how that simplicity takes on the connotation of being “unfolded.” Paul and the brothers with him didn’t walk in the world carrying a myriad of hidden motives- they were simple (unfolded) in their dealing with people. Today, we’ll explore the other word that is used to describe their behavior and how it helps to complete the example they left for believers today.
Defining sincerity
“For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.” 2 Corinthians 1:12 (ESV).
The word translated as “sincerity” is the Koine Greek word εἰλικρινείᾳ (eilikrineia). Strong’s Concordance defines this as clearness, sincerity, or purity (Strong’s Greek: 1505. εἰλικρινείᾳ (eilikrineia) – clearness, sincerity, purity, n.d.).1 Once again, HELPS Word Studies brings a helpful perspective in studying this word with their explanation, stating that it literally means “judged by the light of the sun,” and comes with the connotation of pure/sincere inner motivations (HELPS Word Studies: 1505 eilikrineia.” HELPS word studies. Discovery Bible, n.d.).2 This word brings to mind the passage in the Gospel of John where Jesus contrasts those who avoid the light with those who come into it.
“For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:20-21 (ESV).
When the apostle Paul tells the Corinthian church that he has behaved with Godly sincerity, he’s letting them know that his inner motives have been pure. Beyond that, it’s not a purity that stems from his own feelings or anything originating from the flesh- he has behaved with pureness and clarity of motivation because that kind of sincerity belongs to God. We see this theme in scripture, the desire of our Father in Heaven for his children to walk in his light.
Following the example of Christ
Jesus Christ isn’t folded in his behavior toward us. He is clear in his invitation through the gospel and he is by nature the very definition of true light! As the apostle John wrote about him in his gospel:
“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” John 1:9 (ESV).
Since Jesus himself is the light, those who believe upon his name for salvation are called to walk in his light. We weren’t always in the light- each believer has a story of redemption. For many of us, those stories differ, but find commonality in the end result- the transfer of citizenship from one kingdom to another!
“…for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true)…” Ephesians 5:8-9 (ESV).
As a child of the light, we will be as a “city on a hill” (Matthew 5:14). Our behavior in the world should be markedly different than the ways in which we once walked. The light of God should touch very part of our character and behavior- producing good fruit because we are abiding in Christ (John 15:5)! The way in which we act should be able to be “judged by the light of the sun.”
And who is the judge here? While our behavior in the world can certainly be a testimony (and should be!) to those around us, ultimately it is the Lord who we aim to please. So let us be unfolded and sincere in our dealings with others- in our homes, our families, our work place, and every other place in between! Let’s walk in the light of Jesus with clear inner motives! Knowing it’s the Lord who sees all, and provides us grace upon grace for every step we take in his strength.
My hope is that we can all one day stand before the Lord and confess (covered with so much of his grace!): I have striven to the best of my ability to behave in the world with simplicity and your sincerity.
Questions:
1. What are some ways worldly motivation differs from the pure motives originating from God?
2. How do the two words we’ve studied this week, haplotés and eilikrineia, overlap? And in what ways do they highlight different aspects of the apostle’s example to the church?
Footnotes:
1. Strong’s Greek: 1505. Εἰλικρινείᾳ (eilikrineia) – clearness, sincerity, purity, December, 08, 2023).
2. HELPS Word Studies: 1505 eilikrineia.” HELPS word studies. Discovery Bible, December, 08, 2023).
