Lifegroup Discussion Guide

Truths About True Religion

John Lindell

Scripture

James 1:26-27
“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”

Main Idea

Real faith is not just about what we hear, but how we live. In this passage, he gives us three practical ways to evaluate whether we are truly doing what God’s Word says: by the way we control our conversation, by the compassion we show to those in need, and by the consecration we maintain in staying set apart from the world. These essentials reveal whether our faith is active, genuine, and growing.

1. Our Conversation

The tongue can bring life or death to you, your family, your friends, or your co-workers. We choose what kind of words we will say.

In your life, how have you seen the right words at the right time bring life into a situation?

2. Our Compassion

So the true test of the validity of our faith is… our compassion.

What are some things we can do as believers to help care for vulnerable and needy individuals in our community?

3. Our Consecration

Pollution doesn’t happen in a moment – a little compromise, a little justification – until finally you’re thinking like the world, living like the world, and talking like the world.

What are some key signs that a person has become spiritually polluted or has become “a friend of the world”?

Call To Action

Reflect:

Are you living out what God’s Word says, or just listening to it?

Respond:

This week, commit to growing in your faith by focusing on one area: Conversation, Compassion, or Consecration.

Remember:

Real faith isn’t just heard — it’s lived!

Care Form

If someone in your group needs care,

We want to be there for them. The James River Care team is designed to walk alongside people in every season – to celebrate life’s best moment and offer support through the challenging ones. We want to be there for the following life events:

Marriage
Births
Hospitalization and deaths
Questions or concerns.

Please submit a request at: jamesriver.church/care-form

Additional Leader Resources

Please please visit jamesriver.church/lg-resources