Pure Religion

James 1:19-27

Intro: There are two types of religion mentioned here in this chapter.  There are only two types of religion in the world today.  They are starkly contrasted:

• Ø Pure religion and pointless religion
• Ø Worthy religion and worthless religion
• Ø Victorious religion and vain religion

Which one do you have today?  Let's examine the five basic elements of pure religion given in these verses.  Verse 19 begins with "Wherefore..."  meaning, because of what God has given us, we should be giving Him something in return.  Notice the characteristics of Pure Religion.

I. Compliant Listener - vs. 19-21

            A. The Wrath - don't get mad at the word; listen carefully; not defensively

            B. The Weights - lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness (hindrances)

            C. The Willingness - receive with meekness

            D. The Word - which is able to save your souls; the Final Authority.

II. Committed Labor - vs. 22-25

            A. The Response to the Word - But be ye doers of the word, (receive - then respond!)

            B. The Remembrance of the Word - he being not a forgetful hearer

            C. The Reward of the Word - this man shall be blessed in his deeds

III. Controlled Language - vs. 26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

            A. It is a Church issue - if any man AMONG YOU - he's not talking to the world!

• Ø What good is a relationship with God if it doesn't affect your relationship with God's people?

            B. It is a Control issue - and BRIDLETH NOT (temperance; fruit of the spirit)

• Ø What good is a religion without restraints?
• Ø Bridles do not choke; they channel.
• Ø Bridles are a picture of constrained, channeled potential and power.
• Ø Use your tongue to benefit rather than to break.
• Ø Bridles are a picture of power obedient to another power.

            C. It is a Confusion issue - but DECEIVETH his own heart

            D. It is a Character issue - THIS MAN'S religion is vain; selfish; not in step with the others

IV. Compassionate Love - vs. 27a  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction

            A. The Testimony of your love - before God and the Father is this...

            B. The Test of your love - to visit the fatherless and the widows - the neglected and hurting

            C. The Timing of your love - in their affliction - when no one cares; when they need it most

V. Consecrated Life - vs. 27b and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

            A. The Personal aspect - to keep HIMSELF

            B. The Purity aspect - unspotted

            C. The Pressure - from the world - they are working overtime to pollute your religion!