Religion: What Is It? Acts 17:22 I. Introduction. A. There are many people in our age that look upon themselves as being "religious." 1. Their appraisals run from a "little or some" religious to the fervor of the highest degree, 2. Much of "religion" is based on what one personally thinks and not on what the Bible teaches. 3. The census reports reflect the idea that the vast majority look upon themselves as "religious." B. One can be religious/have religion and be far from the teaching of the New Testament: Acts 17:22. 1. These had no concept of Christ; no exposure to the Word of God. 2. Yet--they tried to recognize and honor a being(s) higher than men. C. The world is full of "religious" people: most so appraise themselves. 1. The ones Paul addressed were "ignorant"(Acts 17:23). 2. It is easy to see the foolishness of idols and worshipping stones and wood. 3. However, one can have an "ignorant" religion while professing to serve Christ. 4. Paul would teach them about the God whom they worshipped in ignorance: Acts 17:24-29. II. Body. A. The people in Athens were extremely devoted to their gods-- 1. Paul noted: Acts 17:22. a. Would make many "Christians" ashamed. b. In this ignorance they desired not to ignore any powers they believed higher than men: Acts 17:23. c. It is feared that many serve the "unknown" god at present. d. Men of present go to extremes to serve a "god" they create: would be easier to seek Jehovah. e. How often men want to be religious--to great sacrifices--and yet, do not recognize the will of the one who created them. 2. The gods of Athens were without life: the majority of today follow a religion without life. B. The ignorance of the ways of God can be seen in Paul's statement: Acts 26:5. 1. Paul was honest and sincere, but practiced a religion that kept him unacceptable to God. a. It made a difference what Paul believed. b. It made a difference in what Paul practiced. c. It makes a difference today! 2. Religion not regulated by or conforming to the New Testament is without spiritual life and blessings. a. Many are devoted to false religions, as in Paul's day. b. Following the commands and doctrines of men--not contained in the New Testament--they walk a path not leading to salvation. 3. Just how much does one know about the Bible at present...yea...how many of us are fully aware of the New Testament and following its principles fully? 4. The Athenians were religious but religiously wrong!(Ok religion) 5. Could we answer questions of our own religion? Acts 25:19? C. What about our religion? 1. Word in New Testament signifies the "external aspect...religious service...especially the ceremonial"(Vine). 2. It is to be a "pure"(free from corruption) practice of God's commands: James 1:26-27. 3. Not a "superstitions" attitude(as--"fear of demons")--so some regard. 4. There is a piety and devotion that becomes a part of one's life. 5. Pure religion is what one practices--not what one "gets"(in a denominational sense). 6. Paul's appraisal of his past religion: Galatians 1:13-14. 7. What Paul practiced after his experience on the road to Damascus: Galatians 1:11-12. 8. Where does "my" religion come from: ancestors, feelings, false doctrines, friends, etc....or from Christ? 9. Some think they have religion, but are mistaken: James 1:26. D. The religion of the Christian is what one practices(after the order of the New Testament). 1. Analyze James 1:27. a. Something from God. b. Involves "visit"(to look after needs). c. Involves holiness: righteous living. 2. If it is pure, it is free from the entanglements of men. 3. It is practiced by the individual--not by a society of men("...any man"). 4. Practiced by individuals, not by the group (oneself). 5. The building/maintaining of organizations by churches of Christ does not scripturally fulfill the command to visit: it is the opposite! III. Conclusion. A. Just what is acceptable religion: It is living as a Christian. B. Religion implies something one does as the heart is humbled before God--resolving to follow the Lord's command.-jy