Pure Religion

Are we actually religious ? Previously we asked : Are we actually religious ? James 1: 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

James 1: 26-27 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. 27 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.

True Christians help the helpless.

Pure religion requires holiness This lesson observes : Pure religion requires holiness James 1: 27 – 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. ( This is God’s standard, not man’s. )

I. One can neither be saved without seeking personal holiness nor saved by it.

Salvation is a gift by God’s grace. Romans 6: 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ephesian 2: 8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Hebrews 12: 14-16 Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; 16 that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal

Titus 2: 11-14 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

James 2: 22-23 You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness," and he was called the friend of God.

Refusing to seek personal holiness is willful sin. Hebrews 10: 26

II. Keeping unstained by the world does not require one to be isolated from it.

I Corinthians 5: 9-11 I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; 10 I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. 11 But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler — not even to eat

John 17: 15-18 I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.

I Peter 2: 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, SO THAT you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Matthew 5: 14-16 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

The monastery is not a biblical concept. Mark 16: 15-16

III. There are some things that will help us to remain unstained by the world.

The Christian must know and love God’s word.

I Peter 2: 2 Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,

Psalms 119: 11-14 Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You. 12 Blessed are You, O Lord; Teach me Your statutes. 13 With my lips I have told of all the ordinances of Your mouth. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches.

The Christian must never miss the communion and focus on its meaning.

The Christian must keep regarding himself as dead to the dominion of sin.

Romans 6:10-11 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 2: 20 – I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Titus 1: 16 – They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed

The Christian must flee worldliness and shut the the door on sin completely.

Don’t play chicken with sin. I Corinthians 10: 12 – Let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. I Timothy 6: 11 – But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith;

Philippians 4: 8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Compare : Colossians 3:2

The Christian must work with dedication, pray fervently and and depend on God for holiness.

The Christian must seek fellowship in the church and especially with those who are more spiritually minded.

To be Christian one must live in the present and fully commit to God.

We are called to holiness. Holiness looks like God. Christians present God. II Corinthians 5:20

II Corinthians 3: 2 You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 being manifested that you are a letter of Christ,

Is your religion motivating you to live unstained by the world ?

We remember His sacrifice for us.

Go forth as His ambassadors.