1 Tim. 4:1-11, True Religion!

Sometimes we “evangelical” types like to say, “ours is not a religion but a relationship.”  I understand.  But does the Bible use “religion” of Christianity?

threskeia: religious, religious worship, external

·       Ac.26:5: Paul, acc. to strictness of his religion (Pharisees) was impeccable

·       Col 2:18: don't let those who worship angels disqualify you

·       Jas.1:26,27: religion vain if religious person can't control tongue; religion God accepts is to look after orphans, widows, etc.

threskos: religious

·       Jas.1:26: religious person must control tongue

Paul used this of “false” religion.  But James, a thoroughly Jewish Christian, used it of external “religion” of those believers to whom he wrote.  The issue did not have to do with liturgy or hymn selection; it was the common use of the tongue. Religious people must control the tongue.

The above are the opposite of the following where the religious activity can be internal and reverential.  The NKJV generally translate these terms as godliness.

eusebia (fem. noun): reverence, piety, godliness, religion

·       Ac. 3:12: Peter did not heal the man by his power or godliness

·       1 Ti. 2:2: pray for rulers so we may live quite lives in godliness and purity

·       1 Ti. 3:16: great is the mystery of godliness

·       1 Ti. 4:7-8: exercise yourself for godliness; godliness if profitable for all things

·       1 Ti. 6:3: true doctrine is that which accords with godliness

·       1 Ti. 6:6: godliness with contentment is great gain.

·       1 Ti. 6:11: pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness

·       2 Ti. 3:5: turn away from those with a form of godliness but deny it’s power

·       Titus 1:1: Paul’s ministry was for the truth that accords w/godliness

·       2 Pt. 1:3: His divine power has given us all things that pertain to life & godliness

·       2 Pt. 1:6-7: to perseverance add godliness; to godliness add brotherly kindness

·       2 Pt. 3:11: what manner of persons ought we to be in holy conduct and godliness

eusebeo (verb): to be reverent, respectful, devout

·       Ac. 17:23: Paul observed the objects of worship in Athens

·       1 Ti. 5:4: piety should begin at home

eusebes (adj): reverent, respectful, devout

·       Ac.10:2,7; 22:12: Cornelieus, a devout man, devout soldier; Ananias devout man

·       2 Pt. 2:9: the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations

eusebos (adv): in a pious, godly manner

·       2 Ti. 3:12: all who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution

·       Titus 2:12: grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and live godly in this age

theosebeia (fem noun): in reverence for God, piety, religion

·       1 Ti. 2:10: good works is proper adornment for women professing godliness

theosebes (adj): god-fearing, devout

·       Jn. 9:31: God hears a worshiper of God who does His will

There is such a thing as the “Christian religion” but the religious activity is not bound up in liturgy or hymnology but in good works, love and respect in the home and the control of the tongue.