07—Forty Days with James: Pure Religion

<p>For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ <a href="https://www.douglasjacoby.com/07-james-pure-religion/" target="_blank"><strong>website.</strong></a></p><p>There are five important themes in the latter part of James 1 (vs.19-27), the first three of which we examined in the previous reflection:</p><ol><li>Restraint of hasty desire</li></ol><img src="https://www.douglasjacoby.com/wp-content/uploads/brotherofJesusResized-e1640100006358-568x448-1-300x237.jpg" alt="" width="186" /><ol><li>Practical obedience to God’s Word</li><li>Reception of the Word with humility</li><li>Concern for defenseless members of the community</li><li>Turning from the ways of the world</li></ol><p><br /><strong>1:26-27</strong></p><ul><li>Profanity, gossip, slander, lying, perjury, babbling—and talking about obeying God but not actually doing it.</li><li>"Worthless" – 1:26 parallels 2:26.</li><li>Religion is “the celebration of God and the discovery of his will for our lives” (Richard Holloway).</li><li>Concern for defenseless members of the community connected with turning from the ways of the world, as in Ezekiel 16:49.</li><li>Pollution.</li><li>What is the evidence most churches ignore 1:26-27?<ul><li>The fellowship isn't stratified – we tend to be one social or economic class. We may help the needy, but how close are we to them?</li><li>General apathy re: the vulnerable.</li><li>Ignorance of the strong OT mandate to care for orphans and widows (Exod 22:21; Deut 10:18; 14:28; 16:11, 14; 24:17-21; 26:12-13; 27:19; Ps 68:5; Isa 1:17; Jer 5:28; Ezek 22:7; Zech 7:10)—plus aliens!</li><li>General lack of compassion towards refugees.</li><li>Aloofness from dire issues (human trafficking, famine, civil wars, poverty—the list is endless). We tend to give lip service rather than getting involved in a costly, relational, and meaningful way.</li><li>We spend plenty of money on worldly purchases (homes, cars, vacations, nice clothes…), but nearly 0% to help the needy.</li><li>We may donate for disaster relief, or support solid Chri