Pure Religion James 1:26-27 I. Introduction. A. Many different "religions." 1. Range from the depraved to the sublime. 2. Most people are "religious" in a sense. 3. Primarily focuses on the external and ceremonial services. 4. Illustrate: Acts 25:19(superstitious). B. James spoke of pure religion: James 1:26-27. 1. Pure: being cleansed. a. Greek: katharos. b. English: Catharis-act of purging or purification. 2. Religion: Signifies external aspect. a. What one practices--comes from heart. b. Not something one gets--something one does. C. Religion comes in many forms and many actions. 1. Example: Acts 17:22. 2. Today: the buffet is filled with all kinds of choices. 3. Paul discovered that his religion was wrong and he changed: Acts 26:5. II. Body. A. Some folks practice ancestral religion. 1. Paul did before conversion: Galatians 1:13-14. 2. Today, many follow the pattern of their forefathers(strength of many religions: as Roman Catholic). 3. Each person will be judged on basis of one's own faith, not the faith of parents, etc. 4. In Paul's day, many Jews refused the truth because of ancestral ties. B. Others are involved in vain religion. 1. The Pharisees and scribes of Christ's day: Matthew 15:9. 2. These followed the "tradition of the elders": Matthew 15:2. 3. Such religion is empty and useless. 4. Traditions can also affect the kingdom at present(always done it that way?). C. False religion is often the norm of our day. 1. People may be honest and sincere in their hearts, but if not approved by Lord, it is worthless. 2. The denominations, the sects, the far-outs, etc. are all false because they do not follow the scriptures: Colossians 3:17. 3. The tragedy: how many are willing to examine their beliefs and actions? II Timothy 2:15(note 16- 18). D. For many, social religion is the norm. 1. All my friends go there; it is a friendly church; folks there like me and I like them. 2. Everybody speaks to me and acts like they are glad to see me. 3. "I feel so good over there." 4. This could also be complementary religion(I am OK, you are OK). 5. Or--convenient religion. a. If it suits my time, my schedule, my feelings, ad infinitum, I will do it(physical religion?). b. Not far from my home to meetinghouse. (1 Too far, wrong time, uncomfortable seats, preacher speaks too long(or--not a good speaker), services boring(or--too long), singing not impressive, etc. (2 Convenient to be present one time a week, don't want to overdo it. c. But--what is right--not considered! E. Some have panic religion. 1. Only appeal to the Lord if they have trouble. 2. Severe illness, debt problems; marital difficulties; accidents; conflicts in life; etc.: Panic & "get religion" for the moment. 3. Does not last long: back to same old habits in a short time. F. The faithful disciple practices pure religion: James 1:26- 27. 1. One may think "I am religious," but if not practicing, only deceiving oneself. 2. Vain if: a. "Bridle not tongue." (1 A constant problem. (2 Some folks have a sharp, penetrating tongue that only creates problems. (3 Lack of control of one's speech has caused many to sin: James 3:6. (4 Will make one's religion vain(discuss: communication). b. "Deceiveth his heart." (1 How often self-deception is manifest in speech. (2 A sadness to this: such a one imagines(thinks) he is doing what is right. 3. The pure and undefiled religion of the Christian: a. Practices toward others what is right(visit): an individual responsibility. b. Avoids the sinfulness of the world. (1 Follows the practices of righteousness. (2 Avoids anything that would spoil his/her service. III. Conclusion. A. Pure and undefiled religion is determined by the actions of the individual. B. What kind of religion(day to day living) do I practice?-jy