James 1:26-27 presents a clear contrast between a faulty religious life that is lacking in spiritual substance and a faithful religious life that is rooted in spiritual substance. This contrast is seen in that verse 26 closes with the statement, “This man’s religious is vain;” whereas verse 27 opens with the statement, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this.” Even so, verse 26 presents the case of a religious life that is vain, being spiritually profitless; whereas verse 27 presents the case of a religious life that is valuable, being spiritually pure. Therefore, as we focus our attention upon verse 26, we observe more closely the case of a religious life that is vain, being spiritually profitless – “This man’s religion is vain.” Grammatically, this verse can be divided into four parts. First, there is the condition of spiritual appearance – “If any man among you seem to be religious.” Second, there is the contrast of selfish communication – “And bridleth not his tongue.” Third, there is the condemnation of self-deception – “But deceiveth his own heart.” Finally, there is the confrontation of spiritual emptiness – “This man’s religion is vain.”
1. The Spiritual Appearance
2. The Selfish Communication
3. The Self-Deception
4. The Spiritual Emptiness |
