James: A Handbook on Holiness

The Evidence of the Word

James 1:26-27

General outline of chapter 1:

1. The Way to Holiness: The Divine Perspective 1:2-27

   1. The Trial-Temptation Complex 1:2-18

      1. The Confrontation with Trials: Joy & Wisdom 1:2-8

      2. The Range of Trials: Poverty & Riches 1:9-11

      3. The Outcome of Trials: Confidence, Defeat, Victory 1:12-18

1. 1. The Word of God 1:19-27

      1. The Confrontation with the Word 1:19-21

      2. The Objective of the Word 1:22-25

      3. The Evidence of the Word 1:26-27

James 1:26-27

Negative Evidence – the Tongue

26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart,

this person's religion is worthless.

Positive Evidence – Orphans, Widows, the World

27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this:

to visit orphans and widows in their affliction,

and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Discussion Questions:

1. Is James defining all aspects of true "religion" here? What aspects of "religion" does he mention? t______, h________, v________ o________ & w_________, w___________

2. V. 26 What is the evidence of "worthless" religion—the evidence God's word has had no effect? _________________________

3. V. 26 What does a person's tongue reveal? Consider vv. 19, 24, and Luke 6:45 ____________

4. V. 27 Why will a Christian visit orphans and widows? ________________________________

5. V. 27 In what ways can the world stain a person? ____________________________________ In those situations, what does it mean to be "in the world, but not of it"? __________________

6. What is one place you don't see evidence that your religion is pure and undefiled? __________

7. Review & Summary:

   1. What should you do when confronted by God's word? See vv. 19-20 __________________

   2. What is the word's objective? See vv. 22-25 _____________________________________

   3. What is good evidence God's word has reached its objective in you? See vv. 26-27 _________________________