True and Undefiled Religion

Scripture: James 1:26-27

Practicing True Religion [is accomplished] by practicing God’s Word through taming the tongue, ministering to the afflicted, and living transformed lives.
What are the marks of true religion?

I. CONTROLLED SPEECH

“The true test of a man’s spirituality is not his ability to speak, as we are apt to think, but rather his ability to bridle his tongue.”
— R. Kent Hughes

II. COMPASSIONATE SERVICE
Cross references for the word “visiting” (Matt. 25:36, 43; Lk. 1:68; Acts 15:36: Heb. 2:6)

“The God that answers by orphanages, let Him be Lord.”
— Charles Spurgeon

III. CHRISTLIKE SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD

“Whoever marries the spirit of this age will find himself a widower in the next.”
— William Ralph Inge

“If you don’t see the greatness of God then all the things that money can buy become very exciting. If you can’t see the sun you will be impressed with a street light. If you’ve never felt thunder and lightning you’ll be impressed with fireworks. And if you turn your back on the greatness and majesty of God you’ll fall in love with a world of shadows and short-lived pleasures.”
— John Piper