Look-up

NT

James 1:26-27

esv

26 If anyone thinks he is religious q and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s r religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: s to visit t orphans and widows in their affliction, and u to keep oneself v unstained from the world.

lookup

notes

Main point summary

In God's eyes, real spirituality produces fruit, while false spirituality arises from unrestrained confusion.

editing

Discourse

James 1:26-27

If anyone thinks he is religious

If a person considers himself or herself to be spiritually devoted

q and does not bridle his tongue

yet does not control the words coming from his mouth

but deceives his heart,

but tricks his or her own understanding of himself or herself with confusion

negativepositive

concessive

this person’s r religion is worthless.

then that person's so-called spiritual devotion is nothing but a mirage.

conditional

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this:

Rather , true substantial, faultless spiritual devotion in the sight of God our Father is:

s to visit t orphans and widows in their affliction,

namely , to care for those who have lost parents or spouses as they mourn and suffer loss,

and u to keep oneself v unstained from the world.

and to maintain himself or herself untouched by the evil culture of the secular society around us.

series

ideaexplanation

mine

discourse

Notes

"Am I a true spiritual devotee?" We have all asked, or at least pondered, this important question. How are we to know? Would we be interested in knowing what God thinks of our religion? What would he have to say about our spiritual life? James provides some insight into these questions in his general epistle. Specifically we read in James 1:26-27: If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. In God's eyes, real spirituality produces fruit, while false spirituality arises from unrestrained confusion. Real, substantial, faultless spiritual devotion can be observed. That is, if we asked other people who know us what type of activities we engage in and prioritize, they would say things like, "Yes, that Christian serves others and not himself." We will be identified as one who carries on the work of Christ, unrestrained by the distractions of society. On the other hand, false spiritual devotees should take heed if their religion can be shown to be soft, spongy, stuff of confused dreams which fall to nothing. The heart which has been subjected to this deception will produce vile lies and slander which tear down others. These effusions vomit the mouth at the worst possible moments and cast doubt on the way of Christ. By his or her own mouth is this false Christian known, and by their own mouth will they be condemned one day. Our words will betray what lies in our hearts. Let these words be few, and let them bring glory and praise to God who is working all things for his glorious purposes!