[Biblemat] Sermon Outline

[joey rankin]

USELESS RELIGION

JAMES 1:26 - TEXT

 

INTRODUCTION - In our text God makes it very clear to us that we can make
our religion useless.  We want to make the phrase "useless religion" the
topic of our study today.  What are some things we do that in effect make
our religion useless where we can no longer be the proper example that we
should be to others.

 

USELESS RELIGION:

 

              I.      BRIDLE OUR TONGUE - 

A.     JAMES 1:26 - Do we bridle our tongue or do we sometimes lose control
and utter foul language?  Do we control our tongue or does or tongue control
us?

B.     JAMES 3:3-12 - No man can tame the tongue and that is usually the
problem because we do not place our trust in God to help us use our tongue
properly.

C.     2 TIM. 3:1-3 - Paul warns Timothy of the ways we can misuse the
tongue. 

D.     LUKE 6:45 - What we say with our tongue is a direct reflection of
what is in our heart.

E.      EPH. 4:29 - Paul instructs the brethren at Ephesus of the proper use
of the tongue.

F.      EPH. 5:3-4 - Paul instructs them how to walk in love. What to leave
out and what to participate in.

G.     COL. 4:6 - Let our speech be with grace seasoned with salt.  What is
the purpose of salt?

 

           II.      COMPASSION - 

A.     PSA. 86:15 - God is a God of compassion.  What if God did not have
compassion on us?  Where would we be? LOST!!!

B.     MATT. 9:35-38 - Jesus had compassion on the multitudes.

C.     LUKE 10:29-37 - Did the priest and Levite understand the need to show
compassion?  Who showed compassion?  Jesus said to go and do likewise!

D.     LUKE 15:18-20 - The story of the prodigal son. We need to extend
compassion also when it comes to forgiveness of sins.  If we will not
forgive our brethren when they repent our religion is useless.

E.      1 PET. 3:8 - Compassion for our brothers and sisters in Christ is
called brotherly love.

F.      JN. 13:34-35 - Do others see in me that I love my brethren?  Jesus
says by this all will know you are my disciples.

 

         III.      HYPOCRITE - 

A.     JAMES 1:27 - James by inspiration instructs in what is inclusive in
pure and undefiled religion.  What if we neglect these areas?  What about
our religion then?

B.     LUKE 6:41-42 - What if I can easily see your faults but have trouble
seeing the problems in my life?

C.     LUKE 18:9-14 - Do we have a self righteous attitude?  If we do our
religion is useless!!!  Who was justified before God?  The one who humbled
himself.

D.     MATT. 23:1-5, 25-28 - Were the Pharisees religious? YES. But their
religion was useless because they were hypocrites.  We must ever be diligent
to make sure we do not become like the Pharisees.

E.      JN. 14:15 - Do not proclaim - "O How I Love Jesus" and yet refuse to
obey his commands.  If we do our religion is useless

F.      REV. 2:2-5 - Notice John is warning the church at Ephesus that their
religion will be useless in the near future if they do not repent and return
to their first love.

 

 

        IV.      IF WE DO NOT TELL OTHERS ABOUT JESUS - 

A.     MATT. 28:18-20 - Jesus instructs us to go teach baptize and teach.
If we refuse to go to someone with the gospel our religion is useless.  I.
E. - What if you had the cure for cancer, aids and heart disease and did not
share that with someone.

B.     JOHN 1:40-42, 43-46 - The natural inclination is to desire to tell
others.  I. E. - We are quick to recommend a restaurant, doctor, dentist to
someone why not recommend Christ.

C.     ROM. 1:16 - Are we ashamed of the gospel?  If we are our religion is
useless because only the gospel has the power to save the souls of men and
women.

D.     2 TIM. 2:1-2 - What if someone who taught you the truth had been
ashamed of the gospel and not taught you.  Where would you be?  We cannot
afford to allow our religion to become useless.  We must be growing in faith
and love!!!

 

CONCLUSION - 

Is your religion useless?  Repent!!!

Maybe you would say religion is not important to me and that is like saying
life is not important.

Use your life to serve Christ!!!

Obey the gospel today!!!

 

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