Be Truly Religious! | James 1:26-2:13

Title: Be Truly Religious!

Text: James 1:26-2:13

Outline:

I. True Religion: Defined (James 1:26-27)

II. True Religion: Illustrated

a. Doctrinal Test: Christ (James 2:1-4)

b. Doctrinal Test: Grace (James 2:5-7)

c. Doctrinal Test: The Word (James 2:8-11)

d. Doctrinal Test: Judgment (James 2:12-13)

III. So What! Why Should I Care?

Application Questions:

1. Looking back over your notes from this week’s sermon and text, what particularly caught your attention, challenged or confused you?

2. Is "religious" a positive or a negative term when applied to someone? What could cause it to change in meaning? What makes religion "true" ("pure and undefiled") in James?

3. Similarly, is "doctrine" a positive or negative term? Can one have true religion without doctrine? Can one have doctrine without true religion?

4. Of the four doctrinal tests in James 2:1-13 (Christ, Grace, The Word, Judgment), which do you find the most compelling to encourage true religion? Why?

5. Looking back over this week’s sermon and study, what one thing is most important for you to remember and apply?