What is Vain Religion? A Warning from Scripture
Opening Scripture:
"And in vain they worship Me..." (Matthew 15:9)
Introduction:
Beloved, today we come to reflect upon the nature of true religion and the danger of falling into vain worship. The Word of God is clear: not all worship is acceptable to Him. There is a religion that is pure and holy, and there is a religion that is empty and meaningless. We must examine our hearts and our practices to ensure that our worship is pleasing to the Lord.
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I. What is Religion?
Religion, at its core, is a belief in a divine power—a reverence and worship of the Creator of the universe. It is the outward expression of an inward faith, manifesting in conduct, devotion, and obedience. Through religion, we hope to accomplish three fundamental things:
Worship and honor God.
Draw closer to God.
Secure the salvation of our souls.
But let us be warned: not all religion is acceptable before the Lord. Some religion is vain, worthless, and empty. Let us consider the characteristics of vain religion so that we may avoid them.
II. What Does "Vain" Mean?
The word "vain" means without value, worthless, or without real effect. A vain religion is one that does not bring us closer to God, does not transform our lives, and does not secure our salvation. It is a hollow shell with no spiritual power. The Bible warns us of several ways that religion can become vain.
1. When We Teach and Follow the Doctrines of Men
Jesus said, "In vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men" (Matthew 15:8-9).
Paul warns in Colossians 2:20-23 that man-made rules and traditions may have an appearance of wisdom, but they are ultimately futile. The Bereans in Acts 17:11 were commended because they searched the Scriptures to ensure that what they were being taught was from God. Let us be diligent to test everything against God's Word, lest we fall into vain worship.
2. When Our Religion is for Show
Jesus cautioned us in Matthew 6:1-4 not to practice our righteousness before men to be seen by them. When we pray, give, or fast, it should not be to gain the applause of others but to seek the approval of our Heavenly Father. A religion that seeks human recognition is vain and empty.
3. When We Fail to Control Our Tongue
James 1:26 gives us a solemn warning: "If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless."
A tongue that speaks evil, spreads gossip, or sows discord is a sign of an untransformed heart. James further reminds us in James 3:5-8 that the tongue is a small member, but it can set a whole forest on fire. Jesus Himself declared in Matthew 12:33-37 that we will give account for every idle word we speak. Let our words be full of grace and truth, lest our religion be in vain.
4. When We Do Not Practice What We Preach
The apostle Paul rebukes the hypocrisy of those who teach others but do not follow the truth themselves. Romans 2:1-3 warns against judging others while failing to live righteously. Romans 2:17-24 further exposes those who claim to know God but dishonor Him through their actions. Let us not be hearers of the Word only, but doers also (James 1:22), lest our religion be in vain.
5. When Our Religion is Without Love
Paul gives a powerful teaching in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, saying that even if we speak with tongues of angels, have great faith, and give all we have to the poor, if we do not have love, it profits us nothing. Jesus declared in Matthew 22:36-40 that the greatest commandments are to love God and love our neighbor.
John echoes this truth in 1 John 3:17-18, reminding us that if we see our brother in need but close our heart, the love of God is not in us. A religion without love is empty, void, and unacceptable before God.
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Conclusion:
Brethren, let us examine our hearts and our faith. Are we walking in true worship, or is our religion vain? Are we holding fast to God's truth, or are we following the traditions of men? Are we living out our faith with sincerity, self-control, and love, or are we putting on a mere outward display?
Let us strive to have a religion that is pure and undefiled before God, as James 1:27 describes: "To visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." May our worship be in spirit and truth, pleasing and acceptable to our Heavenly Father. Amen.
