So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. (Acts 17:22-23 ESV) If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. 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. (James 1:26-27 ESV)

Jesus Never Taught Religion Studies from John’s Gospel John 16:1-4

Religion is the basis for much harm done For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. (1 Peter 2:19-20 ESV) But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. (1 Peter 4:15-16 ESV) Christians should not suffer for sin…

Religion is the basis for much harm done But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’ (John 15:25 ESV) …having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. (1 Peter 3:16 ESV) With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; (1 Peter 4:4 ESV)

Credit/favor with God for some suffering For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. (1 Peter 2:19-20 ESV)  

…having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. (1 Peter 3:16) For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. (1 Peter 2:15) Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. (1 Peter 2:12) …they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. (1 Peter 4:5) If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (1 Peter 4:14)

Admonished not to be surprised, no strange thing Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12)

Religion is the Way Some Show Ignorance For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? (Matthew 16:26 ESV) Men can own much and have nothing. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. (1 Corinthians 8:2 ESV) Facts are not the same as wisdom.

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ …’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ (Matthew 25:40, 45 ESV) We treat the Lord the way we treat His brethren. …since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, (2 Thessalonians 1:6 ESV) Affliction is coming for afflictors.

Some show they lack knowledge by how they treat others… For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15 ESV) Withholding forgivness When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints. …To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers! (1 Corinthians 6:1, 7-8 ESV) Taking brethren to court

Some show they lack knowledge by how they treat others… Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise) (Ephesians 6:1-2) Disobedient children

Some show they lack knowledge by how they treat others… For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was … to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. (2 Thessalonians 3:7-11 ESV) Being a burden on others

Religion is No Preparation for Problems No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV)

Religion is No Preparation for Problems What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 ESV) No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39 ESV)

Religion is No Preparation for Problems In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. (Hebrews 12:4 ESV) Sometimes we set our bar too low, to give up.

When trials come it is too late to prepare for them… NOW is the time to… Study Pray Work Associate Teach Share Are you religious, or Are you a Christian?