notes

Main point summary

Worthless religion can be seen in an unbridled tongue but true religion can be seen in outward works of kindness and inner sanctification.

Notes**

James is telling us what true religion is by giving a negative and positive example. First, the negative example is a person who "thinks" he is religious. Outwardly he may be doing some of the right "religious" things. But there is a problem. This person is not controlling his tongue. He may be talking about others or using profanity but the point is he doesn't speak like a "religious" person should. Not only that, he has fooled himself into believing that he is religious. This persons religion is a worthless religion in the eyes of God. Next James tells us what a genuine, unblemished religion looks like before God the Father. He says that it involves visiting orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained from the world. Here we see religion in action outwardly by helping those in need-the orphans and widows. And then we see religion in action inwardly-keeping oneself uncorrupted by the things of this sinful world (1John 2:15-17 .)

Main point summary

Worthless religion can be seen in an unbridled tongue but true religion can be seen in outward works of kindness and inner sanctification.

Discourse**

editing

NT

James 1:26-27

esv

mine

If anyone thinks he is religious

If anyone thinks he is properly worshipping and fearing God

q and does not bridle his tongue

and yet does not control what he says

concessive

but deceives his heart,

but fools himself into thinking he is religious,

negativepositive

this person’s r religion is worthless.

then this person's worship and respect for God is worth nothing in God's eyes.

conditional

Religion that is pure

But worship that is genuine

and undefiled before God, the Father, is this:

and unblemished before God, the Father, is this :

series

s to visit t orphans

to visit orphans

and widows in their affliction,

and widows in their times of need,

and u to keep oneself v unstained from the world.

and to keep oneself uncorrupted by the things of this sinful world.

ideaexplanation

discourse