THEE WORD FOR THE WEEK

Practicing Faith James 1:27 July 15-19, 2013

Monday Read James 1:27 James 1:27 defines what pure and undefiled religion is. John Calvin says of this verse that James does not define generally what religion is, but reminds us that religion without the things James mentions is nothing. Specific and concrete actions are needed to demonstrate the reality of someones claim to have religion. If someone were to watch your actions, would they naturally conclude that you have pure and undefiled religion? What consumes most of your time: yourself, family, friends, others, hobbies, etc.? Spend some time praying for God to reveal how you should reprioritize your time to reflect a pure and undefiled religion. Tuesday Read James 1:27 The first means by which one has pure and undefiled religion is to care for orphans and widows in their misfortune. Caring for widows and orphans is a theme throughout the Bible. Read the following verses and journal what these passage teach us to do with widows and orphans: Exodus 22:22, Deuteronomy 14:29, Isaiah 1:10-17, Psalm 68:5. One test of pure and undefiled religion is the degree to which we help the helpless in our world i.e. widows, orphans, immigrants, abused, handicapped, impoverished, etc. How well have you and your family helped the helpless? In what ways can you make this more of your usual routine? Wednesday Read James 1:27 The second means by which one has pure and undefiled religion is to keep oneself unstained by the world. James is careful not to give the impression that pure religion is simply outward acts or social actions, but also not being polluted by the world. The world in the Bible often refers to the ungodly worldview and lifestyle characteristic of people in rebellion against God. How have you kept yourself from being stained or polluted from the world? What role has (or should) the community of faith played in this process of your remaining unstained by the world? Thursday Read James 1:27, Isaiah 1:17, Matthew 25:36 Pure and undefiled religion certainly leads us to serve others. Have you found a consistent way of serving others who are helpless? If you need some help finding a place to serve click here or go to our churchs website: www.northsidebaptist.org/Outreach for information on local, state/US, and international missions. Friday Read James 1:27, Romans 12:2, 2 Peter 3:14, 1 John 5:18 What guardrails have you put in your life to keep you unstained by the world? What are some areas that you are more easily drawn to that could pollute your faith i.e. materialism, jealousy, pride, substance abuse, lust, etc? What changes can you make in your life to keep you unpolluted and keep your faith pure?