WHEN SINCERITY IS NOT ENOUGH

 WHEN SINCERITY IS NOT ENOUGH

A Sermon on Truth, Righteousness, and Spirit-Empowered Discernment

THE LIMITS OF SINCERITY

We live in a world that often says, “As long as you’re sincere, that’s what matters.” But sincerity—while noble—has limits. Sincerity can be beautiful, but it can also be blind.

Evangelist Billy Graham once told a story from his childhood. He was sick, and his mother reached for a bottle on a high shelf, sincerely believing it was medicine. But it was arsenic—a deadly poison. Had circumstances not intervened, her sincere intention could have killed him.

Sincerity does not have eyes. Sincerity cannot see truth. Sincerity alone cannot save.

You can be sincerely right—or sincerely wrong.

I. SINCERITY WITHOUT TRUTH IS DANGEROUS

Sincerity must be paired with:

• knowledge
• truth
• discernment
• obedience

Otherwise, it becomes like a map without a compass—you may be moving, but not in the right direction.

This is especially true in matters of faith.

The Bible does not say,

“The sincere prayer avails much.”

It says: The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)

It is righteousness—not mere sincerity—that moves heaven.

II. THE PROPHETS OF BAAL — SINCERITY IN THE WRONG THING

In 1 Kings 18, the prophets of Baal were sincere. Deeply sincere. Passionately sincere.

They:

• cried out
• danced
• shouted
• cut themselves until blood gushed out

They believed with all their hearts that Baal would answer.

But sincerity could not make a dead god alive. Sincerity could not turn falsehood into truth. Sincerity could not produce fire from heaven.

They were sincere—but sincerely wrong.

Meanwhile, Elijah prayed a simple prayer— not loud, not long, not dramatic— and fire fell.

Why?

Because Elijah’s sincerity was joined to righteousness.

III. TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT SELF-MADE

The righteousness that makes prayer effective is not:

• self-effort
• moral performance
• religious discipline
• human goodness

Isaiah 64:6 says our own righteousness is like filthy rags— literally “menstruous cloths.”

The righteousness that avails much is:

1. Imputed Righteousness

Christ’s righteousness credited to us through faith.

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

2. Inherent Righteousness

The new nature produced by the Holy Spirit.

“Created after God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24)

This righteousness is not achieved—it is received. It is not manufactured—it is imparted. It is not earned—it is born in us through the Spirit.

IV. WHY SINCERITY ALONE FAILS

Sincerity without truth leads to:

• misguided actions
• misplaced devotion
• spiritual blindness
• ineffective prayer
• emotionalism without transformation

Sincerity is good—but sincerity must bow to truth. Sincerity must be governed by righteousness. Sincerity must be guided by the Holy Spirit.

V. WHAT GOD REQUIRES: SINCERITY + TRUTH + RIGHTEOUSNESS + OBEDIENCE

True spiritual effectiveness requires four things:

1. Sincerity

A genuine heart before God.

2. Understanding

Knowledge of God’s Word and His ways.

3. Truth

Alignment with God’s revealed reality.

4. Obedience

Walking in the righteousness the Spirit produces.

When these four converge, heaven responds.

VI. LESSONS FOR THE CHURCH

1. Sincerity is not enough

It is possible to be passionately wrong.

2. Good intentions must be paired with knowledge

Billy Graham’s mother meant well—but sincerity without discernment can harm.

3. Devotion must be directed toward truth

The prophets of Baal were sincere—but their sincerity was misplaced.

4. Righteousness is the key to answered prayer

Not emotional intensity. Not dramatic displays. Not religious effort. But righteousness—Christ’s righteousness in us.

VII. POINTS TO PONDER

• Sincerity without truth can lead to disaster.
• Righteousness is the Spirit’s work, not human effort.
• Effectiveness requires sincerity + truth + obedience.
• Our righteousness is Christ’s righteousness, credited to us by faith.

CONCLUSION — SINCERITY MUST BE ANCHORED IN TRUTH

Sincerity is beautiful. Sincerity is noble. Sincerity is necessary.

But sincerity alone is not enough.

The world says, “Follow your heart.” Scripture says, “Follow the Spirit.”

The world says, “Be true to yourself.” Scripture says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

The world says, “As long as you’re sincere, God understands.” Scripture says, “The prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

Sincerity may start the journey, but righteousness—Spirit-born, Christ-given righteousness— is what brings heaven’s fire.