True Religion

Role-playing righteousness is hollow. vv - 1-5

True religion is one that moves us to do justice.  vv. 6-7

The God of the Bible identifies with the vulnerable.

Psalm 68:5: “Father of the fatherless and the protector of the widows is God in his holy habitation.”

Proverbs 14:31:“Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.”

Zechariah 7:4, 9-10: “When you fasted and mourned, was it really for me?” …. “Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner or the poor and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.”

Luke 11:42; “Woe to you Pharisees!  For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God.”

James 1:27: “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.”

Three aspects of justice:  vv. 6-7

• Equal treatment for all people.
• Special concerns for the vulnerable population.
• Generosity.

When we put justice into practice we will be blessed.  vv. 8-12

Take Home Idea: True religion moves us to make our world a better place.