James proceeded to explain in 1:26-2:13 what a doer of works (1:25) does.
1:26 "Religious"(Gr. threskos, used here only in the New Testament) describes someone who fears or worships God. In particular, it refers to the outward consequences of what one believes (i.e., piety) rather than to what he believes or the fact that he believes deeply. The Jews who were James' original readers typically regarded personal prayer and fasting, regular attendance at worship services, and the observance of holy days and feasts as signs of true spirituality (cf. Matt. 6:1-18). However, James said a better test of spirituality was God's control of one's tongue (cf. 3:1-12).
1:27 Taking care of orphans and widows is a duty that lies close to the heart of God (cf. Exod. 22:21; Deut. 10:18; Isa. 1:17; Jer. 5:28; Ezek. 22:7; Zech. 8:10). Yet many who professed to love Him neglected it (Ps. 68:5; Eccles. 4:10; Mark 12:40).76Likewise personal moral purity is an excellent external indicator of godliness (cf. Acts 15:20; 1 Tim. 5:22). James argued for reality. He did not want us to deceive ourselves into thinking that we are spiritual if our obedience to God is only superficial.
"Like Jesus, James sees worship not in terms of external law but as an expression of inner active goodness."77
"To summarize, vv. 22-27 insist that a person's religion must consist of more than superficial acts. It is not enough to listen to the statement of spiritual truth (vv. 22-25), nor is it sufficient to engage in formal religious activity (v. 26). The person whose religious experience is genuine will put spiritual truth into practice, and his life will be marked by love for others and holiness before God."78
In this chapter James dealt with the practical problem of trials and temptations. He used this subject to remind his readers of some very basic truths that have implications in many other areas of practical Christian living. Some of these areas are consistent commitment to God and obedience to His Word. We will demonstrate behavior that is as genuinely religious as anything anyone can do when we respond to temptations to depart from God's will appropriately. The appropriate response involves rejecting them and rejoicing in them because we believe God is using them to perfect us for His glory.
