A Sincere Faith

(2 Timothy 1:1-5 – A Sincere Faith)

The opening words of Paul’s second letter to Timothy give us much to think about. He speaks to Timothy of a sincere faith that passed from generation to generation.

As Paul speaks of a sincere faith that he recognises in Timothy as well as his mother and grandmother, we can see and feel the overwhelming love Paul had for this whole family. Paul’s heart was truly warmed by the the faith and growth of Timothy as a Christian.

It is worth us considering today these same things. A sincere faith is something we all need to strive for in Christ Jesus. So let us look at this topic to learn just what a sincere faith comprises and how to attain such a faith in ourselves.

What is a sincere faith?

These are the opening words of Paul’s letter.

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God whom I serve with a clear conscience, as did my fathers, when I remember you constantly in my prayers. 4 As I remember your tears, I long night and day to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lo’is and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you. (2 Timothy 1:1-5)

If we are to seek to walk in a sincere faith, we should first understand what it is.

In the first instance, faith is about what we believe. Specifically, the faith we have in Jesus Christ that God raised Him from the dead to save us. This is the very basis of Christian faith at it’s most fundamental point. We believe that Jesus died and God raised Him from the dead, and as the scripture tells us:

22 That is why his faith was “reckoned to him as righteousness.” 23 But the words, “it was reckoned to him,” were written not for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him that raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was put to death for our trespasses and raised for our justification. (Romans 4:22-25)

It is through this faith that we believe we have died to sin (trespasses), but have been resurrected to life and justification in Christ. And we have faith that this is the working of God.

The word in Greek that is translated as “sincere” in English is sometimes translated as “authentic” or, in some older translations, “unfeigned.” It is also sometimes translated as being “without hypocrisy.”

Looking at all of these descriptions, we get a good idea of what Paul was talking about.

A sincere faith is an unpolluted, without hypocrisy, authentic belief in the power and the working of God.

But it is evident that it goes deeper than just that.

Living out a sincere faith

The sincere faith that Paul saw in Timothy and his family was evident by the way he and they lived their lives. Theirs was not an “academic” understanding of faith, but it permeated their whole way of life.

We must recall also the words of James regarding the life in the faith. His words clearly define that a sincere faith is not just what you believe, but what you do with that belief.

17 So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. 18 But some one will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe–and shudder. (James 2:17-19)

When James speaks about the works of faith in these words, he is talking about living in your faith. A person of faith does not turn their back on those who are in need. A person of faith goes the extra mile to ensure those who have a need are satisfied to the best of their ability.

A sincere faith is tightly entwined in the hope of salvation and the active love of God, as we see in this verse:

So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

When Paul and James speak of a sincere faith, this is what they are talking about. It is the interplay of faith, hope, and especially love that defines how a sincere faith is manifested in a person.

But you may wonder how these three link and work together.

The What, Why, and How of a Sincere Faith

Faith, hope and love come together and work with each other to help build us up in Christ.

The scripture above shows us that “love” is the greatest of these three. Love is what we are all aiming at. We are being transformed and trained to be in the image of Jesus Christ, and to learn how to walk and live in the love of God.

So, “love” is WHAT we are aiming at. Love is the goal towards which we seek to move.

Now, if love is what we are aiming, someone may ask “Why” is it important that love be the goal.

Love is the goal because no-one will live in the presence of God without being transformed and reformed in His love. But we cannot do this ourselves. This can only be done through the pathways set before us in Christ Jesus.

It is the “Hope” of salvation and through it, the transformation that we continue down the Christian path. Hope gets us out of bed in the morning and hope pushes us forward. Through hope we see a better future for those who come to Christ.

So, “hope” is WHY we continue and follow Jesus Christ.

Which leaves us with faith. It is through faith that we receive the blessings of God. Also, it is by faith that we can even come to God in the first place. We are also told in Hebrews that:

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

And also;

And without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Faith assures us that our hopes are not in vain and will be realised in Jesus Christ. And our faith is necessary if we are to receive the blessings of God because without faith, we cannot please Him.

This is how faith, hope and love work together to bring us into God’s kingdom. And while love is the goal, the other two are important to get us there.

So as you walk with Christ, seek the path of a sincere faith and live you faith in everything you say and do. Then you will please God and receive His blessings, which will lead to eternal life with Him.

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