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The word "sincere" means a life which has the brightest light flung upon it, which is tried in that light, and approved as genuine. Christian rectitude consists in —

I. INTERNAL SINCERITY. This involves —

1. A concentratedness of heart upon one object.

2. A thoroughness of life's uniformity to that one object.

3. An unostentatious but manifest integrity.

4. The completeness of that manifestation shall be proportionate to the brightness of the testing light.

II. EXTERNAL BLAMELESSNESS,

1. Without being found guilty of an offence.

2. Without giving one.

3. Without taking one.

III. A PRESENT STATE OF LIFE, WITH A GLORIOUS FUTURE DESTINATION. Then —

1. Life shall be judged.

2. Life shall be made manifest.

3. Rectitude of life shall be approved.

4. Rectitude of life shall be rewarded.

5. The "good work" begun in grace shall be crowned in glory.

(G. G. Ballard.)

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KJV: That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

WEB: so that you may approve the things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ;