Pure or Vain Religion (James 1:26-27)

1. What Does True Religion Look Like?James 1:26–27“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”Question: What stands out most to you in how James defines true religion, and why?2. What Do Your Words Reveal?Matthew 12:34“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”Question: In one sentence, what do your recent words reveal about your heart?3. How Do You Bridle Your Tongue?Psalm 39:1“I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.”Question: What is one practical way you try to stop yourself from saying something you shouldn’t?4. Do Your Words Carry Weight?Matthew 12:36“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”Question: How does this verse change the way you think about everyday conversations?5. Who Needs Your Help Right Now?James 1:27“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction…”Question: Who is one person in your life right now that you could practically help this week?6. Serving Others = Serving ChristMatthew 25:40“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”Question: How does seeing service as something done for Christ change your attitude toward it?7. What Holds You Back?Proverbs 21:13“Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.”Question: What is one thing that most often keeps you from helping people in need?8. Where Do You Feel the Pull of the World?1 John 2:16“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”Question: Which of these—flesh, eyes, or pride—do you feel most tempted by right now?9. How Do You Stay Spiritually Guarded?John 17:15“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.”Question: What is one habit that helps you stay spiritually protected in a worldly environment?10. How Does the Gospel Motivate You?1 Peter 1:18–19“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold…But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:”Question: How does remembering what Christ has done for you motivate you to live differently this week?