“To Prove The Sincerity Of Your Love” | Words Of Truth
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"That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth..." (Proverbs 22:21).

“To Prove The Sincerity Of Your Love”


I. Introduction: This sinful world has a bad habit of insincerity that is born out of pleasantries. I.E. “Let me know if there is anything you need…” “How are you today?” “Give me a call if you need anything. I mean ANYTHING.” How much influence has the world had on you (I Corinthians 15:33)?

A. This lesson is about discerning empty words (Proverbs 25:14).

  1. Consider that such fake speech is a tool of false teachers (II Peter 2:15-19 and Jude 1:12).
  2. Putting confidence in empty promises and insincere words leads to disappointment (Jeremiah 37:5-8; cf. Isaiah 36:6).
B. Considering the context we are going to look at to illustrate this lesson, regarding aid for brethren, consider how actions speak louder than words (I John 3:11-18).

II. Body: II Corinthians 8:1-9:13 (Emphasis on II Corinthians 8:8).

A. The saints in Corinth had a previous instruction from the Apostle Paul that ties to this context (I Corinthians 16:1-4).

  1. There have been multiple times wherein saints helped their poor brethren in and around Jerusalem (Acts 11:27-30 and Romans 15:25-27).
  2. Saints who have an abundance should be willing to share with those brethren that have need (I Timothy 6:17-19).
  3. It should be a sincere, pleasure to do so (Acts 20:35).
  4. A willingness to have fellowship in this way (Romans 12:13).
  5. Don’t withhold (Proverbs 3:27-28).
B. Don’t just say… (James 2:14-16).

  1. Be a doer (James 1:21-27).
  2. “So speak ye, and so do, as…” (James 2:12).
C. Think about those whose words appear this way while their intentions do not line up (Proverbs 23:6-7).

  1. Do we want to be likened to those who just use flattery (Psalms 12:1-2 and Proverbs 26:28)?
  2. Consider who is listening to those meaningless, however pleasant, promises that may be offered and what will come of that (Matthew 12:36-37).
  3. We can trust in God because He is faithful (Hebrews 10:23). Are you following your Father’s example (Ephesians 5:1)?

III. Conclusion: Stop being pleasant if such is not genuine. It is often better to just say nothing at all (Proverbs 13:3 and Proverbs 21:23).