notes

Main point summary

The religion that God approves is [1] taking care of the afflicted (compassion) and [2] not fulfilling the desires of the flesh (Holiness).

Arc

editing

NT

James 1:26-27

esv

mine

If anyone thinks he is religious

If anyone supposes that he is religious

q and does not bridle his tongue

and yet , he/she does not control his/her speech

but deceives his heart,

but instead fools his own heart,

negativepositive

concessive

this person’s r religion is worthless.

then the religion of this person has no value.

conditional

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

Rather the religion that is pure and not polluted, which God our Father approves of, is this

s to visit t orphans and widows in their affliction,

[ that is... ] to take care of orphans and widows in their hardships,

and u to keep oneself v unstained from the world.

and also to avoid being stained by the things [fleshly desires] of the world.

series

ideaexplanation

discourse

Notes

Religion is more of what we do than what we say. One must be able to control his/her speech. As James had mentioned earlier, uncontrolled speech may easily lead to anger. The word of God must richly dwell within you so that you may teach and admonish one another. Your speech must be seasoned with salt so that you may know how you ought to answer each person Col 4:6. Controlling your speech means you are quick to listen and slow to anger. If you think you are religious and yet you cannot control your tongue then you are deceiving yourself, because God will not approve of such a religion. The religion that God approves of is: 1. Taking care of the widows and orphans God cares for the less fortunate and so we must do the same. We should love them as God has loved us. Husbands and Fathers are known to be the protector and the provider of the families. Since the orphans and the widows lack this, we as the Church need to step in that gap. Give cheerfully to those who don't have without expecting anything back. Isaiah 57:21-58:6, Matt 25:31-46 2. Resist the desires of the flesh We must strive for holiness without which we cannot see God. God is molding us to become more like Christ. The desires of the flesh are contrary to that of the Spirit and therefore we must always fight against the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16-26, Heb 12:14,