This Weeks Chapters: 1 Tim 5 – 2 Tim 4
Pastor Alan Morton
My daughter Abigail is in the middle of choosing universities for next year and Claire & I have begun to think about her not being around. We were talking about her qualities and what she contributes to the household both in terms of what she does but also who she is.
In Paul’s letters to Timothy we catch some of the same thoughts. Paul writes to the one person who he says elsewhere “I have no one like him …”. He considers him a son, a fellow worker, someone of immense gifting. So he writes to encourage him …
2 Tim 1 v5 “I have been reminded of your sincere [genuine – NKJV] faith … for this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you”
Sincere faith, not just strong faith or attractive faith, but sincere faith.
The dictionary definitions for “sincere” are “clean, pure, sound, free from pretence or deceit, without hypocrisy, unadulterated”.
According to some scholars the word “sincere” comes from two root Latin words, “sine” meaning “without” and “cera” meaning “wax”. Relating to the production of statues, made of marble, carved by hand to be amazingly smooth. Imperfections and pockmarks were covered over by the use of wax smoothed into the cracks and holes. Thus to be without wax, to be sincere, meant to be more valuable.
These meanings are very clear. You have an amazing faith! So use it!!!
Paul goes on to strengthen Timothy in v7 “God did not give us a spirit of timidity [fear – NKJV], but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline [sound mind – NKJV]”
When we are thinking correctly about ourselves and Jesus then we understand God does not see a pockmarked faith, flawed and cracked but something genuine, blemish free, strong and vibrant that is able to see incredible deeds done.
Jesus commanded us in Mark 11 v20-26 “Have faith in God … if anyone says … mountain go, throw yourself into the sea … and does not doubt … what he says will happen”
Sincere [genuine] faith knows power, love and sound thinking … and produces results because it is not inactive.
Your faith is sincere! Your faith is genuine! Your Father misses you when you are not around producing fruit that lasts!
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6 Comments So Far
- Pastor Matt This is excellent!!! Pastor Alan, you and Claire are one 'sincere' couple!! I love that word-picture and definition. Well done!
- julie I agree with Pastor Matt. The one thing I have always seen in you both is your genuine-ness!! Sincerity is so valuable and treasured and we have valued that in you!
- julian I sincerely agree with both the above comments from, and about our pastors (even if know it sounds like i'm creeping).
- Becci Hey Pastor Alan,
- Chenayi Yes my faith is not plastic or wax it is the real deal...
- Chenayi Oh yes and the sincerity thing is true, to this day i am amazed of the extent to which God showed me straight to your hearts from the first time i met you guys.. you are amazing. I am praying that the sincerity in you will just overflow such that all around you are "overtaken" by sincerity. And that all have eyes to see the sincerity in you...
posted October 06, 2008 at 09:08 PM
posted October 07, 2008 at 03:48 AM
posted October 07, 2008 at 01:19 PM
This is really encouraging, thank you!
And the guys are right, you and Pastor Claire are brilliant examples to us all!
Much love
posted October 07, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Oh it is kinda sad to think of Abbey somewhere else next year.. She is a good girl and good inspiration to our youth and i believe there is more yet in Abbey much much more... watch the space, I will joing you in praying that her steps are ordered in the way that God has chosen, for a clear direction and an ease of way in that direction. that she will choose the right courses @ the right university and that this year she wil continue to grow in wisdom in the things that she must know not only academically..
posted October 10, 2008 at 08:51 AM
posted October 10, 2008 at 08:55 AM
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