If Anyone Thinks He Is Religious… If Anyone ... Thinks He Is Religious – Part 1 Jas. 1:26-27
If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. James 1.26-27 Introduction: A. Multitudes claim to be religious, but not all please God. (Cf. Acts 17:22) B. James makes several recommendations for anyone thinking himself to be religious.
Let him bridle his tongue… James 1.26 I. Let Him Bridle His Tongue (1:26) A. A bridled tongue is not only restrained, but properly directed. B. An unbridled tongue has many avenues: Filthy language, lying, gossip, tattling, flattery, etc. C. An unbridled tongue does much damage (3:1-12)
An unbridled tongue does much damage… James 3.1-12 Read text…
those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. Matthew 15.18 Proceeds from the heart… An evil heart defiles through the words we speak…
Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4.23 The heart is the fountain of all words and deeds…Proverbs 4.23
Let him practice pure religion… James 1.27 II. Let Him Practice Pure Religion. A. An example to vain religion is unbridled tongue (1:26).
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. James 1.27 B. Two examples of pure religion are: 1. Benevolence (1:27) See James 2.15-16
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12.2 2. Unspotted from world (1:27; cf. Rom. 12:2).
Let him endure temptation… James 1.12 III. Let Him Endure Temptation (1:12)
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1.12 III. Let Him Endure Temptation (1:12)
he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1.8 A. Must keep proper frame of mind (vv. 2, 3,8) Not be doubtful or double-minded v 8
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. James 1.6 B. Must keep an unwavering faith (James 1.6)
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. James 1.13 C. Must recognize the source of temptation (James 1.13-15). Not from God…v 13
But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. James 1.14 C. Must recognize the source of temptation (James 1.13-15). Own lusts or desires…inordinate desires
Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. James 1.15 C. Must recognize the source of temptation (James 1.13-15). And the process of sin and spiritual death.
Let him respect the word of God… James 1.12 IV. Let Him Respect God’s Word
Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1.21 A. Must receive it with meekness (James 1:21)
…you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God… 1 Thess. 2.13 1. Because of what it is - God’s word (1 Thess. 2:13) This word worked mightily in those who believed it…as it does to this day!
So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20.32 2. Because of what it is able to do (James 1:21; Acts 20:32)
James 1.22-25 But we must be doers of the word… B. Must be doers of the word (James 1:22-25).