DCLM Daily Manna 6 June 2023 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Godly Sincerity
TOPIC: Godly Sincerity (DCLM Daily Manna 6 June 2023)
KEY VERSE: “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” (2 Corinthians 1:12).
TEXT: 2 Corinthians 1:12-24 (KJV)
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.
13 For we write none other things unto you, that what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;
14 As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are our’s in the day of the Lord Jesus.
15 And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;
16 And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.
17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?
18 But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.
20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.
24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
MESSAGE:
Sincerity is an essential virtue of a genuine Christian. Salvation carries a total transformation of the fleshly and untoward character traits such as craftiness, hypocrisy, duplicity, self-conceit, violence, oppression, pride and other social and moral vices with it. A Christian’s behaviour is typified by godly sincerity and humility so that the preaching of the gospel is not hindered. Sincerity involves speaking the whole truth in love and humility, and living a life in line with the truth being professed.
Apostle Paul pointed out the exemplary life he lived among the Corinthian brethren when he addressed the members of the church and “all the saints which are in all Achaia”. He called them boldly to witness to his life of “simplicity and godly sincerity… by the grace of God”.
Apostle Paul was also able to testify to the truism of all the promises of God in Christ Jesus as “yea” and “amen”. With companions such as Silvanus (or Silas), Timotheus (or Timothy) and armed with the gospel of truth and godly sincerity, Paul was able to preach, through Macedonia to Judea and back, confirming the saints and rebuking the straying ones.
Paul’s manner of life and speech are sources of succour and confidence for heaven-bound Christians. He confirmed the assurance and dependability of Christ’s gospel and promises. He sealed his affirmation with the confession of the anointing by God. What a challenge! Today’s earnest demand in the church, in public and private life is ‘godly sincerity’. If we set our minds to it, it is achievable, by the grace of God.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Godly sincerity is a mark of true Christianity.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Samuel 3-5
Deeper Life Daily Manna was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
