INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Perceived Religions
2. Pure Religion
3. Practices of Religion
Remarks.
1. James speaks of “pure religion” that which is undefiled, what it is not; what it is; and what are it practices. He writes: “If any man among you seems to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, (he) deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, (that he) visits the fatherless and widows in their afflictions and (he) keeps (himself) unspotted from the world.” The writer is discussing believers in these verses. The word pure (katharos) means: clean, clear, in a natural sense; unmixed, undefiled; or something that is free from soil or stain. 100% pure!
2. First, he speaks of perceived religions. Of those who seems to be religious. This speaks to many believers in God today. These are worldly religions. They bridleth not their tongues; they deceiveth their own hearts, they are vain (empty). Perceived religions claim their own righteousness and favor before God; they are not declared so by the Father. These religions are made up of men and women of unbelievable faith. I might add: James speaks about the church of the Lord in these verses. That is clear from Chapter 2, the first ten verses (James 2:1-10). Many of our assemblies are only perceived religions. Their practices stand as testimonies against their purity in the faith. These religions are also vain and void of the “grace of Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit,” (2 Corinthians 13:14).
3. Second, he speaks to that of the pure religion: “that is undefiled before God and the Father.” The purity of the faith is outlined in the remaining parts of the verse. Pure religion is active and not passive. He speaks of that in Chapter 2, regarding Abraham’s faith. There is pure religion in the world! In light of all the confusion and divisions, God has planted pure religion amidst all of the darkness of this world. And one can know it; and be a part of it. There is guidance provided by the Lord’s brother on how we can identify “pure religion.” “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein…,” verse 25.
4. Finally, he speaks to the practices of religion. “Pure religion” is not a feeling, but a practice of faithful service to God and man kind. James states: “It visits the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and keeps itself unspotted from the world.” Pure religion is one that cares for and helps others; and abstains from the things of the world that would defile it. “Pure religion” is not like worldly religions. Believers might have to be in the world, but does not allow the world to be in them. The world does not define what the “pure religion” is to the believer; but the believer defines what the world should be – before God and men. “Pure religion” is not entirely ceremonial formalities, but involves genuine acts of mercy, love and brotherly kindness! Let us consider our first point: “perceived religions.”
BODY OF LESSON
I PERCEIVED RELIGIONS
A. First, James speaks to “perceived religions.” As I mentioned earlier, “religion” is not a feeling but a practice of faithful service to God and mankind. These perceived religions consider themselves to be righteous by their own standards and not those outlined by God. A perceived religion can make up their rules of behavior and righteousness. Now I want to be clear, because we are not talking about the sincerity of any person in these “perceived religions.” Many have unbelievable faith and devotion to God. I am not speaking to this; but rather ask of all, “are these religions ordained and sanction by God the Father?” The answer to this question is “no!”
B. James mentions that these so called believers “bridleth not their own tongues.” He speaks more to this later in the book. But for now; let’s make it clear that James speaks of the believers in these verses. Believers – Christians that do not have their tongue under control are in danger of hell's fire, (James 3:6).
1. The mention here “not bridling the tongue” is meant of not abstaining from the evils of the tongue, James 1:26. Bridleth – means to “hold in check; restrain. Keep under control.”
2. Offend not in words. James says: “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in words, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body,” James 3:2. Illustrate: Horse and ship, James 3:3-4.
3. Let’s be careful to “putting away lying, and speak every man the truth with his neighbor…and let no corrupt communications proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers,” (Ephesians 4:25, 29).
4. Solomon’s words: “A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape,” (Proverb 19:5). Also, “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from trouble,” (Proverb 21:23).
5. Can “good and evil speaking” come out of the same mouth? “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?” (James 3:10-11). This kind of behavior ought not to be named among those claiming to be members of “pure religion.” Illustrate: Presidential campaign, full of scandalous words and contemptible behavior. Billy Graham’s Son’s action against the President. Both Mormon and Baptist religions were proven vain, as result of the tongues of some of their most prominent ministers and members! This man’s religion is vain.
C. They are deceived. The man who has a destructive tongue cannot possess a humble or gracious heart. A criticizing and a lying tongue is an evil abhorred by God. Solomon speaks of God’s hatred of: “A proud look, a lying tongue…a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren,” (Proverb 6:16-19). Such a person has been caught up by the snare of the devil “who taken them captive at his will,” 2 Timothy 2:24-26. James states: “this man’s religion is vain.”
D. This man’s religion is vain. The sins of the tongue were the great evils of the age in which James wrote (as chapter 3, of this epistle fully shows). This is the leading sin of a true hypocrite, a lying and accusing tongue. On these actions James has made an ungoverned tongue; an undoubted certain proof of a vain religion. I want to remind you again that he is speaking to the church.
1. Vain religion and worship. Not only is the Christian’s life and service vain if they are not in accord with the will of God; but their faith and religious practices are also vain – if they are not in keeping with His will. Notice Jesus, let’s keep in mind who he is addressing - the Scribes and Pharisees when he said quoting Esaias the prophet: “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you saying, this people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men,” (Matthew 15:7-9). Here Jesus speaks of a vain religion and worship; those that “teach for doctrines the commandments of men.” Vain religion, service and worship align itself with the teaching and commandments of men, not the will of God. This cannot be the “pure religion” James describes in this text.
2. Ignorant religion and worship. Paul’s speech on Mars Hill. He was invited to speak unto the Epicureans and Stoics philosophers in the Areopagus. It was here these philosophers and all Athenians and strangers gathered to spend their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing. As Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ Hill, and said: “Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious (Gr: deisidaimon), not (Gr: threskos as used in James 1:26), for I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you,” (Acts 17:22-34). Ignorant religion and worship is also vain. Only “pure religion” – which is ordained of God can claim to be worship that is done “in spirit and in truth,” (John 4:24). Pure religion does not consist of relics, chants or vain repetitions. Nor is its worship that of which results from the hands of men. Such worship God once winked at, but now “commands all men everywhere to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead,” (Acts 17:30-31). Pure religion has it origin and foundation in the word of God.
E. Vain religions can also be the “oppositions of science falsely so called.” Paul advises Timothy: “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babbling, and oppositions of science falsely so called: which some profession have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen,” (1Timothy 6:20-21). Also Titus 1:14-16: “Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth, Unto the pure all things are pure…They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobates.” Scientology “a science so called,” a false religion. Illustrate: Science confirms the word of God; it does not deny it! Now let’s notice the “pure religion” that is undefiled before God the Father.
II PURE RELIGION
A. Pure religion is not a perceived religion – it is clearly defined. The words “pure religion” (Gr: ka-tha-ro’s thra-ska-a) means: clean, clear, unmixed, unsoiled or unalloyed. The Greek expresses the external service or the ceremonial exercise of religion, whereas (Gr: eusebeia) is the inner expression of faith "in godliness." This is the same word Jesus used to describe the only heart that will see God, (Matthew 5:8). James states: “pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, it visits the fatherless and widows in their afflictions and it keep itself unspotted from the world,” (verse 27).
B. The elements and behavior of “pure religion” are mentioned:
1. By James, “But whoso looketh into (examine) the perfect law of liberty and continueth (remains faithful) therein…;” verse 25.” This man is not only a “hearer of the word; but a doer of the work,” verse 22-24. This man shall be blessed in his deeds. It is the perfect law of liberty. “The law of the Lord is perfect…making wise the simple,” Psalms 19:7 “All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and if profitable for doctrine…,” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
2. Wisdom is from God. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him,” James 1:5. Also, “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom,” James 3:13. This kind of wisdom and work is from above.
3. Pure religion is from heaven.” “But the wisdom (of God) that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace,” James 3:17-18. Blessed are the pure in heart, Matthew 5:8. Here is your proof test: the origin of pure religion “from heaven or men? Illustrate: By what authority? See Matthew 21:23-27.
4. Here is the certainty of “pure religion” that it is unmixed and undefiled. It is not contaminated with the wisdom or inventions of men; nor corrupt with worldly systems. Perceived religions, (those that are defiled before God and the Father) are known by their impurity and mixture of human wisdom in their teachings, practices, religious services and worship.
C. David speaks of pure religion in (Psalms 15:1-6). He that: “walketh uprightly, worketh righteousness, speaketh the truth in his heart, backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil or taketh up a reproach against his neighbor, who despises a vile persons actions, but honoureth them that fear the Lord, he sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not, he does not lend his money for interest, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.” Such are the actions and practices of “pure religion.” Can you hear or see your behavior in this text?
D. Paul regards “pure religion” in (Titus 1:1-3). He writes: “Paul a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness: In hope of eternal life which has been:
1. Conceived by God that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
2. Commissioned by God who hath in due times manifested His word through preaching; and
3. Committed by God to the Apostle according to the commandment of God our Saviour.”
E. This is that “pure religion that is undefiled before God the Father.” That “truth which is after godliness.” Pure religion teaches us to do everything to seek His favor, in all of our acts of faith, service and worship. Pure religion is always active and is never passive. James speaks of that in Chapter 2, regarding Abraham’s faith. How his “faith was coupled with the very act of obedience,” (James 2:21-26). Abraham’s sacrifice of his son was a prototype of God’s sacrifice of His Son for us, (Genesis 22:1-12 and John 3:16, Romans 5:8). Finally, let’s consider the “practices of pure religion.”
III PRACTICES OF RELIGION
A. Pure religion is practices not only by the bridling of the tongue; but more so, by what is done for others. Pure religion is not a feeling; as I mentioned earlier. It is faithful services performed to others in the sight of God and men. Not to be praised by either; but done in charity for those who need such blessings. Pure religion consists of two vital characteristics:
1. The service to others: “it visits the fatherless and widows in their afflictions.”
2. The sanctity of self: “it keeps oneself unspotted from the world.” Remember Paul:
“…that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said: it is more blessed to give, than to receive,” (Acts 20:34-35). Pure religion cares for, and shares with others. It is not selfish; it is never fraudulent in its petitions or in its practices. It will never rob or steal from family, friend, brethren; nor the church of the Lord. Let me speak frankly to this; pure religion is truthful, responsible, accountable, and transparent. It does nothing in secret. Illustrate: Corruption, deceit and graft in the home, the workplace and the church. Notice John 18:20-21 and Acts 26:26.
B. First, the service to others. “By visiting (looking after) the fatherless and widows in their affliction (distress),” (James 1:27). Notice in (Acts 6:3) “look out among yourselves”; and (Hebrews 2:6) “that thou visitest him” the same word is used (e-pe-skep-to-mi). Pure religion demonstrates compassion, charity and service to others out of a kind and generous heart. The purity of the faith is outlined in this and in the remaining part of this verse. "If any man thinks himself to be religious, that is, observant of that true faith, let him know that “pure religion” consist not so much in outward religious rituals or observances, but in true acts of mercy, love and brotherly kindness. See also 1 Corinthians 13:13.
1. The wise man Solomon said: “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord: and that which he hath given will he pay him again,” (Proverb 19:17). God will repay your kindness. Your purse will never be empty when you give to others “in the name of the Lord!”
2. Notice Micah when asked, “What does the Lord require of thee? “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee; but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:7, 8). Such acts as “visiting the fatherless and widows in their afflictions.” Visit in sympathy and kindness to alleviate their distresses.
3. The fatherless—one who’s only "Father" is God. “A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation,” (Psalms 68:5).
4. Care for the widows indeed. 1Timothy 5:5. Those who are truly widows without support of any kind. Young people work so you can have first to provide for yourselves; for your family, and then to be able to give to your parents and others that may have need. See also Ephesians 4:28.
C. Second, the sanctity of self. “To keep oneself unspotted from the world.” The "kosmos" = worldly-system, (James 4:4; John 7:7, Revelation 13:8). The world is apt to spot and blemish the soul, and it is hard to live in it, and have to do with it, and not be defiled by it; but this must be our constant endeavor. Herein lye our greatest challenge in the practice of pure and undefiled religion, “to keep ourselves unspotted from the world.” No one but thee can accomplish this task – with God’s help and by the fellowship of loving and merciful brethren.
D. Jesus prayed to the Father: “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth, thy word is truth,” (John 17:15-17). We must be in it; but it not in us!
1. This is what Paul meant when he said: “I am crucified with Christ…,” (Galatians 2:20-21). The life I now “live in the flesh (human body), I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” See 2 Corinthians 5:14-17: “The love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” The ones who live for Christ – live by faith in Him; and walk in the Spirit and demonstrate the love of God.
2. Paul told the young evangelist: “keep thyself pure,” 1 Timothy 5:22 “Take heed unto thyself, and the doctrine...,” (1Timothy 4:16). The only person you can keep pure from in this world is yourself! I know it grieve you to see family and friends struggle to serve God. You must always encourage them; and try not to ever be their judge!
E. The very things of the world too much taint our spirits, if we are overcome with the “cares, riches and pleasures of this life.” The believers must learn to be trend setters and not trend followers, (Romans 12:1-2). Believers are encouraged to live godly lives, “amidst a crooked and perverse nation,” (Philippians 2:15). It was for this end our Lord called us and now preserves us. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men…,” (Titus 2:11-12).
1. Peter encourages us to live, so as to “make your calling and election sure,” (2 Peter 1:5-11).
2. John comprises all that is in the world, which we are not to love, under three headings: “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life,” (1 John 2:15-17). It was in all these our Lord was also tempted like as we, yet without sin, (Matthew 4:1-11).
3. James now encourages us in a similar manner and that is: “by keeping ourselves unspotted from the world.” I pray that God by his grace will keep both our hearts and our lives free from the love of the world, and from the temptations of sin and ungodliness that will quickly mire and destroy the soul. “For the wages of sin is death,” (Romans 6:23).
4. James further adds: “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth and one convert him: Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins,” (James 5:19-20).
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Perceived Religions
2. Pure Religion
3. Practices of Religion
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, he spoke of perceived religions. Of those who seems to be religious. This speaks to many believers in God today. These are worldly religions. These religions bridleth not their tongues; they deceiveth their own hearts, they are vain (empty). Perceived religions claim their own righteousness and favor before God; they are not declared so by God the Father. These religions are comprised of men and women of unbelievable faith. I might add: James also spoke about the church of the Lord in these verses. Many of our assemblies are only perceived religions. Their practices stand as testimonies against their purity in the faith. This church’s religion is vain.
2. Second, he spoke of the pure religion; “that which is undefiled before God and the Father. Clearly this means that other “religions” are defiled before God and the Father. The purity of the faith is outline in the remaining verse. Pure religion is active and not passive. We noticed this in Chapter 2, regarding Abraham’s faith.
3. Finally, he spoke of the practices of religion. “Pure religion” is not a feeling, but, a faithful service to others by those whose lives remain unspotted from the world. This is not entirely ceremonial formalities, but involves genuine acts of mercy, love and brotherly kindness! James states the practice of pure religion: “is to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and keeps itself unspotted from the world.” “Pure religion” is one that care for and helps others; and abstains from the things of the world that would defile it. “Pure religion” is not like worldly religions. Believers might have to be in the world, but they do not allow the world to be in them.
C. Invitation. H. B. R. C. B.
D. Persuade. "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord we persuade men," (2 Corinthians 5:11). “Today is the day of Salvation," (2 Corinthians 6:2).
E. Motivate. Matthew 11:28-30, "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." I hope it shall not be said of you; as it was of the children of Israel by Jeremiah: "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved," (Jeremiah 8:20). Illustrate: "There is no pillow as soft as a clear conscience."
