 Scripture
Study for the week of August 21st, 2006
True joy must include sincerity, “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more . . . that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9-11).
Our text indicates that the joy of fulfillment is by Jesus Christ through being sincere. Hypocrites are pious in public but they have a judgmental spirit (Mt 6:2,5, and 26; 7:1-5). The applause of men is their reward, but their souls languish. Hypocrites despise, disregard, and deceive others and follow self imposed laws instead of spiritual principles (Isa 32:6, Mt 15:1-9). Can we say “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” (II Cor 1:12)? If not may we confess our sins to our God and by his grace practice in heart what we profess in public. The joy of Jesus Christ accompanies this spiritual discipline.
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