The Book of James Lesson 10 Chapter 1 vss. 26-27

James’ Test James 1:25–27 (NASB95) But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

James’ Test What does James mean…to ‘think yourself religious’? Acts 26:5 (NASB95) …since they have known about me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion. “one who stands in awe of the gods and is tremendously scrupulous in regard to them.” (Fritz Reinecker; New Linguistic and Exegetical key to the Greek New Testament)

James’ Test- the three legged stool Mark 12:30 (NASB95) and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ Soul Heart Strength Mind

James’ Test- the three legged stool Leg one- Heart (our tongue) Matthew 12:33–34 (NASB95) “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.

James’ Test- the three legged stool Leg one- Heart (our tongue) Proverbs 4:23–24 (NASB95) Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth and put devious speech far from you. Proverbs 10:19 (NASB95) When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

James’ Test- the three legged stool Leg two- Strength (action) Psalm 68:4–5 (NASB95) Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Lift up a song for Him who rides through the deserts, Whose name is the Lord, and exult before Him. A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, Is God in His holy habitation.

James’ Test- the three legged stool Leg two- Strength (action) Romans 12:1 (NASB95) Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

James’ Test- the three legged stool Leg two- Strength (action) Luke 1:68 (NASB95) “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,

James’ Test- the three legged stool Leg two- Strength (action) Matthew 16:25–27 (NASB95) “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds.”

James’ Test- the three legged stool Leg three- Mind 1 John 2:15–17 (NASB95) Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.

James’ Test- the three legged stool Leg three- Mind 2 Corinthians 6:18–7:1 (NASB95) “And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

James’ Test- the three legged stool In Conclusion; A gray-haired old lady, long a member of her church, shook hands with the pastor after the service one Sunday morning. “That was a wonderful sermon,” she exclaimed, “just wonderful! Everything you said applies to someone I know.”