notes

Main point summary

True devotion to God is demonstrated in our actions: we will be self controlled when we speak, we will care for those who are vulnerable and we will not allow the world to corrupt us.

Discourse**

editing

NT

James 1:26-27

esv

mine

If anyone thinks he is religious

If a person (listening to the Word) thinks he is devoted to God,

q and does not bridle his tongue

and does not use self control when speaking, (is not slow to speak)

series

but deceives his heart,

but instead, wrongly convinces himself that he is devoted,

negativepositive

this person’s r religion is worthless.

then his religion (devotion) has no value.

conditional

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

However, real devotion to God that is not polluted or corrupt is:

s to visit t orphans and widows in their affliction,

based on what one "does", such as caring for the most vulnerable people in society,

and u to keep oneself v unstained from the world.

and what one does not do, such as letting the sinfulness of the world influence their lives.

ideaexplanation

discourse

Notes

What we do and what we say matters. We are certain from Scripture that our salvation is not based on our efforts. (Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Timothy 1:9; Romans 3:28) However, if your salvation is genuine, you will be moved to good works. You will be a doer of the Word. So, it is not in order to be saved that our actions matter, but rather it is because of our salvation that they matter. Our actions show who our master is - to whom we are devoted. Similarly, if we are careless with our speech, we also show where our devotions lie. Christ, Himself, taught this in Matthew 12:36-37. What do your actions say? What do your words communicate? Honestly assess your own heart. Ask the Lord to align your desires, actions, and words with His.