To look after orphans and widows in their distress: means to
watch over, attend to, and walk with those in distress—not out of pity, but out of Christlike love.

1. Real Religion Speaks with Control (James 1:26)

Application:

1. Guard your tongue.
2. Speak life, not destruction.
3. Let your words reflect Christ.

Supporting Scriptures:
Proverbs 18:21 Power of life and death
Ephesians 4:29 Only what is helpful for building others up

2. Real Religion Serves with Compassion (James 1:27a)

Application:

1. Look for someone in need this week. 2. Show up, serve, and give without expectation.

Supporting Scriptures:
Matthew 25:40 What you did for the least of these
1 John 3:18 Love in action

3. Real Religion Stands with Purity (James 1:27b)

Application:

1. Stay spiritually clean. 2. Guard what you watch, say, and engage in. 3. Let holiness mark your lifestyle.

Supporting Scriptures:
Romans 12:2 Be transformed, not conformed
1 Peter 1:16 Be holy as God is holy

LifeGroup questions:


Before attending lifegroup:

1. Read James 1:26-27. Reflect and write one observation or wise instruction.

2. What does this passage teach us about God and people?

3. What scriptures help you understand the text and message? (i.e., Isaiah 1:17; Micah 6:6-8; Matthew 25:31-46; James 1:22-25)


During lifegroup:

1. Do the Take 10 questions in groups of 2-4 persons.

2. Read aloud James 1:26-27. What do you believe is at the core of worthless and pure religion?

3. List examples of both types of practices. What is deceptive? Faultless?

4. What resonated most from Pastor Rob's message? Why?

5. Have a lifegroup member share when they were the beneficiary of pure religion and its impact.

6. Write and share one area in which you desire to practice pure/faultless faith.

7. As your group closes, briefly pray for your desired practice and the person to your right.


For next week’s message: read and reflect on James 2:1-13.