Study 5: James 1: 19 -27

This sermon study focuses on studying James 1:26-27, emphasizing the distinction between worthless and pure religion. Worthless religion, marked by an uncontrolled tongue and self-deception, produces no real transformation or power in life. In contrast, pure religion, as described in Scripture, involves selfless actions like caring for orphans and widows—those who cannot repay kindness—and living unpolluted by the world. The study highlights the importance of authentic worship grounded in the truth of God’s Word, guiding listeners to align their lives with Scripture and pursue a faith that is actionable, holy, and pleasing to God.

Sermon Outline

Chapter 1: Introduction and Context

Timestamp: 00:00 - 03:44

• Introduction to the Book of James, focusing on context and themes.

• Importance of understanding Scripture in its context (verse tethering).

• Key Scripture: James 1:26-27.

Chapter 2: Worthless Religion Defined

Timestamp: 05:33 - 08:52

• Characteristics of worthless religion: self-deception and lack of control over the tongue.

• Greek term for "religious" (thraskos) meaning devout or preoccupied with religious observances.

• Key Scripture: James 1:26, Luke 6:45 ("The mouth speaks what the heart is full of").

Chapter 3: Pure Religion Defined

Timestamp: 13:07 - 17:05

• Contrast between worthless religion and pure religion that pleases God.

• Pure religion involves action and selflessness, specifically helping orphans and widows.

• Key Scripture: James 1:27, Mark 12:38-40.

Chapter 4: Living Faith Through Action

Timestamp: 19:07 - 20:27

• Importance of hearing and doing the Word.

• Scriptures establish truth and guide living:

  • Key Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (teaching, rebuking, correcting, training).

Chapter 5: Controlling the Tongue

Timestamp: 22:26 - 24:44

• Discipline over speech as evidence of authentic faith.

• Tongue as a reflection of the heart's condition.

• Key Scripture: James 1:26, Luke 6:45.

Chapter 6: Worship That Honors God

Timestamp: 27:04 - 28:21

• Worthless worship is empty (Greek word "Matthaios").

• Pure worship is authentic and acceptable to God.

• Worship as action and service, not just ritual.

Chapter 7: Caring for the Vulnerable

Timestamp: 32:06 - 33:06

• Helping orphans and widows as a representation of selfless faith.

• Serving those who cannot give back as a reflection of God's love.

• Key Point: Pure religion involves selflessness and service.

Chapter 8: Guarding Against Worldly Pollution

Timestamp: 51:14 - 52:08

• Keeping oneself unspotted from the world.

• Greek term "Tyrio" meaning to guard or warden oneself.

• Avoiding spiritual contamination through discernment and discipline.

Chapter 9: Self-Reflection and Repentance

Timestamp: 56:59 - 57:51

• Evaluating personal worship: is it pure or empty?

• Coming clean before God for forgiveness and restoration.

• Key Scripture: 1 John 1:9 (Confession and cleansing from unrighteousness).

Chapter 10: Closing Call to Action

Timestamp: 59:24 - 1:02:48

• Encouragement to live out pure religion through action and self-discipline.

• Worship that aligns with God’s standards empowers holy living.

• Taking communion as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and grace.

Scripture References

1. James 1:26-27

   
   

   Timestamp: 03:44 - 04:27

   • Context: Central passage of the sermon. These verses distinguish worthless religion (marked by uncontrolled speech and self-deception) from pure religion (selfless care for others and unpolluted living).

   • Key Use: Foundation for defining authentic worship and godly living.

     
     

2. Luke 6:45

   
   

   Timestamp: 24:44 - 25:44

   • Context: "The mouth speaks what the heart is full of." Used to illustrate how the tongue reveals the true state of the heart.

   • Key Use: Supports James’ emphasis on the importance of controlling the tongue as evidence of genuine faith.

     
     

3. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

   
   

   Timestamp: 19:07 - 20:27

   • Context: "All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness."

   • Key Use: Highlights the authority of Scripture to guide believers toward lives that honor God and equip them for every good work.

     
     

4. Mark 12:38-40

   
   

   Timestamp: 33:06 - 34:36

   • Context: Jesus condemns teachers of the law who exploit widows and seek public recognition.

   • Key Use: Supports James’ criticism of outward religious appearances without genuine care for others, linking pure religion to selfless service.

     
     

5. Matthew 6:2-4

   
   

   Timestamp: 48:54 - 49:48

   • Context: "When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets...so your giving may be in secret."

   • Key Use: Contrasts true worship, which seeks God’s approval, with self-serving acts of religious performance.

     
     

6. 1 John 1:9

   
   

   Timestamp: 56:59 - 57:51

   • Context: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

   • Key Use: Encouragement for believers to confess their sins and receive forgiveness, aligning with James’ call to avoid pollution from the world.

     
     

7. James 1:22

   
   

   Timestamp: 25:44 - 27:04

   • Context: "Do not merely listen to the word...Do what it says."

   • Key Use: Stresses the importance of living out faith through actions, not just hearing or knowing the Word.

     
     

8. Matthew 5:45 (Implied)

   
   

   Timestamp: 56:04 - 56:59

   • Context: "It rains on the just and the unjust."

   • Key Use: Explains that difficulties come to all, but believers are called to avoid spiritual pollution by choosing purity amidst challenges.

     
     

10. John 13:34-35 (Implied)

    
    

    Timestamp: 46:24 - 47:54

• Context: Jesus’ command to love others as He has loved us.

• Key Use: Underlines the heart of pure religion as selflessly loving others, especially those who cannot repay, as an expression of God’s love.

  
  

Word Study

1. Thraskos (θρησκός)

• Meaning: Devout, religious, or one preoccupied with religious observances.

• Scripture Reference: James 1:26

• Context in Study: This term is used to describe those who are outwardly religious but fail to control their tongues, thereby practicing a worthless form of religion. James critiques the superficiality of such devotion, emphasizing that true religion requires both inner transformation and outward action.

• Application: This word highlights the distinction between external rituals and genuine faith that manifests in speech and deeds.

  
  

2. Matthaios (μάταιος)

• Meaning: Worthless, empty, or devoid of value.

• Scripture Reference: James 1:26

• Context in Study: James uses this word to describe the religion of someone who is unable to bridle their tongue. The implication is that their worship is hollow and lacks substance.

• Application: This word challenges believers to evaluate the authenticity of their worship, ensuring that their faith is not only professed but also lived out in practical ways that reflect God’s righteousness.

  
  

3. Tyrio (τηρέω)

• Meaning: To guard, keep watch over, or protect.

• Scripture Reference: James 1:27

• Context in Study: This term is used in the phrase "to keep oneself from being polluted by the world," signifying an ongoing, deliberate effort to maintain spiritual purity.

• Application: This word encourages believers to actively guard their hearts and lives against worldly influences, emphasizing personal responsibility in preserving holiness and integrity.

1. Hupsos (ὕψος) – "High Position"

Scripture Reference: James 1:9 – “Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.”

• Definition: Hupsos refers to elevation, height, or exaltation. In this context, it symbolizes a spiritual elevation that comes from being in Christ, regardless of earthly circumstances.

• Sermon Context: The sermon contrasts the "high position" of believers with their humble circumstances, emphasizing that their identity and value are rooted in their relationship with Christ, not in worldly wealth or status.

• Application: Believers are called to rejoice in their spiritual status in Christ, which is unshaken by external trials or material losses.

2. Tapinosis (ταπείνωσις) – "Humiliation" or "Low Condition"

Scripture Reference: James 1:10 – “But the rich should take pride in their humiliation…”

• Definition: Tapinosis refers to being brought low, humility, or a state of abasement. In the sermon, it is tied to the temporary and fleeting nature of worldly riches.

• Sermon Context: The rich are reminded to find humility in the reality that material wealth fades, and only a relationship with Christ offers eternal significance.

• Application: This word underscores the importance of spiritual humility, urging believers to shift their focus from temporary wealth to eternal treasures in Christ.

3. Peirasmos (πειρασμός) – "Trial" or "Temptation"

Scripture Reference: James 1:2-3, 1:13 – “Consider it pure joy... when you face trials...” / “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’”

• Definition: Peirasmos can mean either a trial (testing of faith) or a temptation (enticement to sin), depending on the context.

• Sermon Context: The sermon differentiates between trials, which God allows to refine and strengthen faith, and temptations, which arise from personal desires and lead to sin.

• Application: Believers are encouraged to endure trials with joy and to resist temptation by seeking wisdom and strength from God.