Today’s sermon audio can be found on Castbox at 147 “Religion That Is Pure and Undefiled”, James 1:26-27.

Our primary text for January 4 is James 1:26-27. We read Galatians 6:1-5 as well. We revisited the logical flow of James 1. It is very important not to turn James into a salvation-by-works letter. James anchors salvation in the new birth at 1:18: Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, ESV . Then James tells us to receive with meekness the implanted word in 1:21. Receiving the implanted word includes hearing the word and doing the word per 1:22. We need to look at 1:26-27 with that perspective in mind.

We considered various questions including:

  • Do I think I am religious?
  • Do I exhibit self-control?
  • Do I deceive myself?
  • Do I love my neighbor?
  • Do I keep myself from conformity to the world?

Then we came back to self-deception. Paul mentions it in Galatians 6. We need to be careful not to deceive ourselves about our status, our righteousness, our beliefs, our thoughts, our attitudes, our actions. It is quite possible that we overestimate our spirituality. But let’s conclude with grace. Approach the throne of grace to receive the help you need.

  1. Introduction: Religion
  2. Ineffective Religion (26)
  3. Effective Religion (27)
  4. Conclusion: Self-Deception

Scripture References: Galatians 6:1-5; James 1:26-27; Acts 26:5; Colossians 2:18; Colossians 2:23; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 15:17;