El sermón de Joel Coyoc, titulado "La religión que proviene de Dios", se centra en la distinción entre una religión verdadera, que proviene de Dios, y una religión vana, que es producto del corazón del hombre. Coyoc argumenta que todos los seres humanos son inherentemente religiosos, ya sea que se identifiquen como tales o no, y destaca que la verdadera religión se caracteriza por el dominio de la lengua, en contraste con el engaño del corazón. El pastor utiliza la Escritura de Santiago 1:26-27 para ilustrar que la religión pura y sin mácula implica una vida de servicio a los necesitados y una práctica de control sobre la lengua. La importancia de esta enseñanza radica en la necesidad de discernir si nuestra religión es conforme a la revelación divina o si es simplemente un autoengaño que proviene de un corazón corrompido.
Key Quotes
“La pregunta no es si vamos a adorar o no vamos a adorar. La pregunta es a quién estás adorando.”
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“Ningún hombre puede refrenar su lengua, porque no hay justo ni aún uno.”
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“La religión pura y sin mancha... no puede venir de ninguna manera del hombre.”
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“La verdadera religión es aquella que nos muestra que somos corrupción total.”
True religion, according to the Bible, is visiting orphans and widows in their affliction and keeping oneself unstained from the world.
The Bible clearly states in James 1:26-27 that true religion is characterized by action and purity. It involves caring for those in need, such as orphans and widows, while also maintaining personal integrity and holiness by not being corrupted by the world. This definition emphasizes that mere outward expressions of faith or self-proclaimed religiosity can be empty without genuine love and a heartfelt desire to live righteously before God.
The essence of true religion involves a transformation that comes from understanding our state before God. Genuine faith manifests itself in tangible acts of service and a commitment to living a life that reflects God’s holiness. It teaches that religion is not merely an intellectual belief or a set of ceremonies; rather, it is a way of life that flows from a heart transformed by God’s grace. In light of this, we recognize that authentic faith is inseparable from good works that bear witness to our relationship with God.
James 1:26-27
Controlling our tongue is vital as it reveals the state of our heart and demonstrates the authenticity of our faith.
The importance of controlling our tongue is emphasized throughout the book of James, particularly in James 3 where it is described as a small but powerful member of our body. The tongue can bless or curse, and it reflects what is in the heart, as Jesus pointed out in Matthew 12:34-35. If our hearts are genuinely transformed by God's grace, our speech will naturally reflect that change, producing encouragement and truth rather than deceit and harm.
A failure to control our tongue often indicates a deeper issue of the heart—pride and arrogance, which leads to a religion that is ultimately vain and deceptive. In contrast, a restrained tongue is a mark of true religion, evidencing humility and a heart aligned with God’s will. Thus, the act of controlling our speech is not merely about discipline but reveals the transformative work of God within us, affirming our identity as children of God.
James 3:1-12, Matthew 12:34-35
We can discern the truth of our religion by examining the fruit it produces in our lives, especially our speech and actions.
Determining whether our religion is true or false involves a careful examination of both our beliefs and their outworking in our lives. James 1:26 warns that religion that does not control the tongue and engages in deceit is worthless. This indicates that a true faith will always lead to a life marked by good works, kindness, and integrity, reflecting the character of Christ.
Furthermore, true religion is defined by its source: it comes from God and aligns with His righteousness. Deuteronomy 32:4 describes God as perfect and just, reinforcing that any true form of religion must stem from His nature. Therefore, if our beliefs lead us to act in ways that contradict God’s commands or promote self-righteousness, we must question their validity. True religion brings us to a place of humility, recognition of our sin, and utter dependence on God’s grace.
James 1:26, Deuteronomy 32:4
Christians are called to care for orphans and widows as a reflection of God's love and justice.
Caring for orphans and widows is a fundamental aspect of true religion as outlined in James 1:27. This call to service is not merely a suggestion but a command rooted in the character of God, who has a special concern for the vulnerable and marginalized in society. By caring for those who cannot help themselves, Christians live out the command to love our neighbors and embody the love that Christ has shown us through His sacrificial death.
In addition, this care is a visible expression of our faith and a testimony to a watching world that reflects God’s justice and compassion. It serves as a reminder that the Gospel is not only about personal salvation but also about active involvement in the lives of others. By stepping into the hardships of others, we demonstrate the distinctive nature of our faith and fulfill God’s calling to be His hands and feet in a broken world.
James 1:27
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