Notes**

There are two types of religion. One being worthless and the other being pure and undefiled before God. We all seek a pure religion but some individuals have deceived their hearts when it comes to an accurate definition of pure religion. Religion is not what we do on the outside but what happens on the inside that affects what we do on the outside. Surprisingly many who think they are religious have in fact deceived themselves because their religion does not result in heart change. James calls this bridling the tongue which in Jesus words is the outpouring of the heart (Luke 6:45). Worthless religion does not get to the heart and is manifested when the heart speaks. On the other hand, pure religion before God is that which comes from a heart and reflects His character. One who has a love for people such as orphans and widow, and takes steps to protect their heart from the contamination of the world lives out a pure and undefiled religion before God. I must determine how my words reflect my heart. Do I have a love for people as God does? What do I do to keep myself unstained from the world? Is my religion pure or worthless? Only Jesus can affect a heart in a way that leads to pure and undefiled religion before God. We need to trust Him day by day and be thankful for the sacrifice He made which enables us to live this way. True religion is trusting Christ and knowing it is no longer I who live but Christ in me.

notes

Main point summary

Do not be deceived by a worthless religion that does not result in heart change leading to a love for people and purity from the world.

Discourse**

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NT

James 1:26-27

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If anyone thinks he is religious

q and does not bridle his tongue

but deceives his heart,

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this person’s r religion is worthless.

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Religion that is pure

and undefiled before God, the Father, is this:

series

s to visit t orphans and widows in their affliction,

and u to keep oneself v unstained from the world.

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