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Four Types of Religion Acts 26:1-7

Four Types of Religion Acts 26:1-7. Introduction-1. Paul was on trial before Festus and king Agrippa Because he had appealed to Caesar Festus was looking for a charge against Paul Agrippa’s visit provided hope of finding one Agrippa was a descendant of Herod the Great

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Four Types of Religion Acts 26:1-7

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  1. Four Types of ReligionActs 26:1-7

  2. Introduction-1 • Paul was on trial before Festus and king Agrippa • Because he had appealed to Caesar • Festus was looking for a charge against Paul • Agrippa’s visit provided hope of finding one • Agrippa was a descendant of Herod the Great • And son of Agrippa I who beheaded James • He was familiar with Jewish laws and customs

  3. Introduction-2 • Paul reviewed his life as a Jew • Which was known to the Jews in Jerusalem • Paul had been a Pharisee • The strictest sect (division) of the Jewish religion- V5 • 1st time the word religion is used in the New Testament • Religion (threskeia) refers to the outward observances of one’s devotion to God • Refers to the way people worship

  4. Introduction-3 • Paul referred to the traditions and ceremonies observed by the Pharisees • Man is a worshipping creature • This is evident in history and present behavior • There are a great variety of religions today • Most of man’s religions are not found in the Bible • Let us examine four types of religion that are mentioned in the scriptures

  5. Judaism • Paul’s past religion- Gal. 1:13-14 • He was a sincere and fervent practitioner • Even to persecuting and imprisoning christians • He saw the risen Christ • And realized his religion did not please God • Paul became a christian and preached the gospel • He described the relationship between Judaism and the religion of Christ- Rom. 10:3-4

  6. Our Relationship to Judaism • It was never required of Gentiles- Deut 5:3 • It was temporary and accomplished its intended purpose- Gal. 3:24 • All of it was removed by Jesus’ death on the cross- Col 2:14 • Including tithing, instrumental music and sabbaths • He replaced it with the New Testiment ratified in His blood • To add anything to it pervert’s the gospel- Gal. 1:6-7 • Traditional religions followed by people today are no more pleasing to God than Judaism

  7. Self-Imposed Religion-1 • Paul’s warning to the Colossians- Col. 2:18-23 • He spoke of a self-imposed religion • Based on man’s will rather than God’s word • Characterized by false humility • Pretended humility of self-deprivation- V23 • True humility recognizes God’s greatness and leads to reverent obedience

  8. Self-Imposed Religion-2 • They were really puffed up with pride- V18 • So are all who elevate human thinking and desires above God’s word • Worshipping (threshkeia) of angels • Which God’s word plainly forbids- Rev. 22:9 • Some give undue reverence to Mary and dead saints today • Such a religion doesn’t prevent sin nor please God- V23

  9. Vain Religion-1 • A vain religion is empty and without real value • May please the senses and the emotions • But doesn’t benefit the worshipper or please God 1. Wrong worship makes religion vain- Jn. 4:24 • Worship must be from our heart as authorized in Jesus’ New Testament 2. Wrong teaching makes religion vain- Mt. 15:8-9 • Jews had added many oral traditions to God’s law

  10. Vain Religion-2 • They claimed their traditions were part of God’s word • Some of their traditions contradicted God’s Law- Mk. 7:9-12 • Human traditions produce a vain religion today 3. A theoretical religion is vain • Worship without any effect on one’s life • James mentions controlling the tongue- Jas. 1:26 • No amount of worship or study can compensate for lack of obedience- Jas. 1:22

  11. Pure and Undefiled Religion-1 • Religion that pleases God and benefits its practitioners- Jas. 1:27 • James does not mean that regular worship is not necessary • But he teaches that our religion must be more than public and private worship • We must put the gospel into practice- V25 • To fail to do so makes our religion vain 1. It requires abstaining from sin

  12. Pure and Undefiled Religion-2 • Sins that are around us and tempt us daily • We must live a pure and holy life- Heb. 12:14 2. We must love our neighbor as ourselves- Jas. 2:8 • Shown by helping the helpless and the needy • Who can never repay us nor help us- Lk. 14:13-14 • This is the religion which God approves • Is your religion pure and undefiled today?

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