Introduction:
A. Multitudes claim to be religious, but not all please God. (Cf. Acts
17:22)
B. James makes several recommendations for anyone thinking himself to be
religious.
Discussion:
I. Let Him Bridle His Tongue (James 1:26)
A. A bridled tongue is not only restrained, but properly directed.
B. An unbridled tongue has many
avenues: Filthy language, lying, gossip, tattling, flattery, etc.
C. An unbridled tongue does much damage (James 3:1-12)
II. Let Him Practice Pure Religion.
A. An example to vain religion is unbridled tongue (James 1:26).
B. Two examples of pure religion are:
1. Benevolence (James 1:27).
2. Unspotted from world (James 1:27; cf. Rom. 12:2).
III. Let Him Endure Temptation (James 1:12)
A. Must keep proper frame of mind (James
1.2, 3,8)
B. Must keep an unwavering faith (James
1.6)
C. Must recognize the source of temptation (James
1.13-15).
IV. Let Him Respect God’s Word.
A. Must receive it with meekness (James 1:21)
1. Because of what it is - God’s word
(1 Thess. 2:13)
2. Because of what it is able to do (James 1:21; Acts 20:32)
B. Must be doers of the word (James 1:22-25).
V. Let Him Be Impartial (James 2:1-13).
A. God respects character, not persons. (Cf. Acts 10:34,35).
B. Must be careful lest outward appearance become sole measuring device.
VI. Let Him Couple His Faith with His Works.
A. Faith without works is dead (James 2:14-16).
B. Faith without works is incomplete (James 2:18-22; cf. Acts 8:37,38)
C. Faith without works cannot justify one. (James 2:23-26; cf. “Faith only ...
wholesome doctrine”)
Conclusion:
A. If we claim to be religious let us back it up with proper attitudes
and conduct.
B. If you think you are religious, have you obeyed the Lord to become a
Christian?