7/28/2019 Week 29 - Practicing Faith
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THEE WORD FOR THE WEEK
Practicing FaithJames 1:27
July 15-19, 2013
Monday Read James 1:27
J ames 1:27 defines what pure and undefiled religion is. J ohn
Calvin says of thisverse that J ames does not define generally what
religion is, but reminds us thatreligion without the things J ames
mentions is nothing. Specific and concreteactions are needed to
demonstrate the reality of someones claim to havereligion.
If someone were to watch your actions, would they naturally
conclude that youhave 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 timeto 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 atheme throughout the Bible. Read the following verses
and journal what thesepassage teach us to do with widows and
orphans: Exodus 22:22, Deuteronomy14:29, Isaiah 1:10-17, Psalm
68:5.
One test of pure and undefiled religion is the degree to which
we help thehelpless 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 youmake 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. J ames is careful not to give
the impression thatpure religion is simply outward acts or social
actions, but also not being pollutedby the world.
The world in the Bible often refers to the ungodly worldview and
lifestylecharacteristic 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 aconsistent way of serving others who are
helpless?
If you need some help finding a place to serve click here or go
to our churchswebsite: 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?
