James 1:26-27

Intro:

Recap on last week

v. 19-25

Joy in trials

Faith in our asking of God

Contrast between the humble and rich (exalted)

Head- What does it mean?

v. 19-25

Connection between 24-25 and this passage?

Protection from self-deception and ineffectiveness

The link-term is that of self-deception, applicable to both the uncomprehending person in v 24 and the individual who refuses to bridle his tongue and is thereby deceived into imagining that religion of mere profession is good enough.

“The link-term is that of self-deception, applicable to both the uncomprehending person in v 24 and the individual who refuses to bridle his tongue and is thereby deceived into imagining that religion of mere profession is good enough.”

Is there a

Martin, R. P. (1988). James (Vol. 48, p. 52). Dallas: Word, Incorporated.

v. 26-27

v. 26-27

Religion without self-control is worthless (What does loose tongue have to do with religiosity?) v. 26

Pure religion is a life of holy proactiveness

Among the fatherless and husbandless (); the vulnerable of society

In the self, unstained by the world

Commentary:

v. 26, “One of these, which is apparently of great concern to James, is the whole matter of controlling the tongue. He has already counselled his readers to be ‘quick to listen, slow to speak’ (v. 19). In chapter 3 he will develop the issue at some length (vv. 1–12) and he returns to it again in 4:11–12. The tongue, James suggests, is like a wild animal. Properly controlled and directed, it can accomplish great good. But when left on its own, its destructive powers are enormous.

One of these, which is apparently of great concern to James, is the whole matter of controlling the tongue. He has already counselled his readers to be ‘quick to listen, slow to speak’ (v. 19). In chapter 3 he will develop the issue at some length (vv. 1–12) and he returns to it again in 4:11–12. The tongue, James suggests, is like a wild animal. Properly controlled and directed, it can accomplish great good. But when left on its own, its destructive powers are enormous. People who fail to control their tongues deceive themselves about the reality of their religion. They are mere ‘hearers’ of the word, and by failing to put what they hear into practice, they show that their religion is worthless. The word religion captures well the meaning of the Greek thrēskeia (and the rare adjective thrēskos). The term is used widely in the Greek world to denote the reverencing and worshipping of a god (or gods). It often connotes outward acts of worship. The true test of any religious profession, suggests James, is not the outward ritual of worship, which many go through unthinkingly and with little heart commitment. No, the real litmus test of religion is obedience; without it, religion is worthless: empty, useless and profitless.

People who fail to control their tongues deceive themselves about the reality of their religion. They are mere ‘hearers’ of the word, and by failing to put what they hear into practice, they show that their religion is worthless.

Moo, D. J. (2015). James: An Introduction and Commentary. (E. J. Schnabel, Ed.) (Second edition, Vol. 16, p. 116). Nottingham, England: Inter-Varsity Press.

The word religion captures well the meaning of the Greek thrēskeia (and the rare adjective thrēskos). The term is used widely in the Greek world to denote the reverencing and worshipping of a god (or gods). It often connotes outward acts of worship. The true test of any religious profession, suggests James, is not the outward ritual of worship, which many go through unthinkingly and with little heart commitment. No, the real litmus test of religion is obedience; without it, religion is worthless: empty, useless and profitless.”

Heart- Do I buy it?

v. 12-18

v. 19-25

v. 26-27

Should Christians be “religious”? Why or why not?

What does being religious, as described in this context, look like for us as sailors?

Hands- So What? How then should I live?

Walk with God

Keep Christ first

Keep sin out of your life