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Vain vs Pure Religion (James 1:26-27) Surely no one would want the things they do in life to be worthless; yet James reminds us that our religion can be in vain. How do we tell if our religion is vain or pure? |
Vain vs Pure Religion (James 1:26-27)
Surely no one would want the things they do in life to be worthless; yet James reminds us that our religion can be in vain. How do we tell if our religion is vain or pure?
- It is vain if not in Christ (1 Pet. 1:18-19; Acts 10:1-3; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:26-27).
- It is vain if we don’t believe or practice it (James 1:22; 2:20; Matt. 23:1-3; 7:21-24; Heb. 11:6; Matt. 7:20).
- It is vain if based on the empty ideas of man (James 1:21; Matt. 15:8-9; Col. 3:17; 2:6-8; Gal. 1:6-10).
- It is vain if it does not alter us (James 1:23-26; Matt. 7:24-28; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 4:20-5:1).
- It is pure if it prompts us to service (James 1:27; 2:15-16; John 13:15-17, 34; Matt. 25:34-40).
- It is pure if it follows the ways of God, rather than the ways of the world (James 1:27; Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 6:17-18; 1 John 1:7; Phil. 1:9-11, 27; 4:8; 1Thess. 5:19-22; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 John 2:15-17).
May we honestly examine ourselves with the word of God and see if our religion is vain or pure.
