True Religion

Last Sunday, I preached a message based on James 1:21-27, While I would much prefer using the word "relationship" to describe Christianity. James uses the word "religion" and ends this passage with a definition of true religion. If our faith is to be "true," there are 5 words I believe that should describe our hearts.

I. Prepared Heart (v.21)

We are challenged to "lay aside any filthiness or naughtiness" and receive the "implanted word." the words "lay aside" are akin to a snake shedding its skin. Also, this verse states we should receive the word with "meekness."

II. Passionate Heart (v.22)

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."

There is a difference between reading a menu and eating a meal.
There is a difference between having a prescription and taking the medicine.
There is a difference between buying a ticket and boarding a plane.
There is a difference between hearing a sermon and growing in grace.
There is a difference between head knowledge and active ministry.

III. Penitent Heart (vv.23-24)

Penitent- repentant, remorseful.

James compared those who do not put the word of God into action to a man that just glances in the mirror and forget what he sees. The scriptures reveal our sinful state. We must repent of our sin. We should not be comfortable with sin.

IV. Perceptive Heart (v.25)

In Isaiah 6:1-6, the prophet has an amazing encounter with God. His response was “Woe is me, for I am undone!" We must understand that when we encounter God we will realize our shortcomings and sinfulness.

James compared a man who understood the reality of his spiritual condition to a man who looked into a mirror and did not forget the true reflection he saw. We need to examine our lives and be honest with ourselves as to our inability to gain salvation on our own merits.

V. Purified Heart (vv.26-27)

26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world (NKJV).

A true encounter with Jesus will evident by wholesome talk and caring actions. Also, we will not allow the world to "soil" us.