(Section 4) The Perfect Man And Speech Series

THE PERFECT MAN AND SPEECH

I. Introduction:

A. In Bible times, men were allowed to meet in assemblies and discuss--debate issues.

Men were free to discuss whatever was on their mind.

This method was often used by Jesus, Paul and others to spread the Gospel.

It gave men a sense of authority and importance and could result in more a show of

pride than anything else. Also it opened the doors for many who carried false—destructive

ideas. Many who were not mature to speak were allowed to speak.

B. Apparently, there was a rivalry in the assemblies over who would teach. James

warns them of the responsibility of teaching. Those who teach will have a stricter

judgment than those who listen. It is a sad thing when immature Christians try to

become teachers before they are ready. They think they have attained a great

blessing, when they are really asking for a more severe judgment from God!

II. TEACHING AND TEACHERS

A. Teacher

1. Term usage

a. teach --- 108X

b. teacheth --- 17

c. teacher --- 13

d. teaching --- 27

e. teach--- 183

2. Amplified version James 3:1-2

Not many (of you( should become teachers (self-constituted censors and

reprovers of others(, my brethren, for you know that we (teachers( will be

judged by a higher standard and with greater severity (than other people(.

Thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation.

For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if any one

does not offend in speech--never says the wrong things--he is a fully developed

character and perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his

entire nature.

3. Defined:

1320 didaskalos (did-as”-kal-os) from 1321

1) Teacher

2) in the NT one who teaches concerning the things of God, and

the duties of man

1a) one who is fitted to teach

B. Why Teachers?

1. To pass truth from one generation to the next.

2. To offer salvation to the lost.

3. To perfect (mature) the saints --- Eph 4: 11 - 13

C. Importance of Teachers

1. Offices given as Gifts from God --- Eph 4: 11 - 13

2. God set them in the Church -- --1 Cor. 12:28 - 29

Teaching comes before miracles and tongues.

D. Responsibility of Teachers

1. A Watchmen for men's souls --- Ezek. --- Chap. 3

2. Must deliver self from men's blood --- Acts 20: 26

3. Accountability of Knowing --- Luke 12: 46 - 48

James 4:17 no to do good

4. Greater Condemnation --- Judgment --- James 3:1

Condemnation Defined:

E. Requirements to Teach

1. Must be called according to God's purpose ---Members in the body-- Rom 12:5

2. Must be "gifted" with the ministry to teach --- Romans 12:6 - 8

Amplified version Romans 12: 5 - 6

Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) that differ according to the grace

given us, let us use them: (He whose gift is( prophecy, (let him prophesy(

according to the proportion of faith.

(He whose gift is( practical service, let him give himself to serving; he who

teaches, to his teaching;

3. Not a Novice

a. Teaching can create a feeling of superiority --- pride I Tim 3:6

b. Teaching requires some knowledge

c. Teaching requires spiritual maturity --- Hebrews 5:12 - 14

4. Must have experienced the Baptism of the Holy Ghost

a. Jesus said tarry (for power) before you carry (the message) Acts 1

b. The Holy Ghost Baptism is a sign of surrendering the whole person

to God --- exhibited by the little member --- Tongue

v. 8 "But the tongue can no man tame" --- The Holy Ghost can

c. Holy Ghost Teaches

(1) Luke 12:12

(2) John 14:26

(3) I Cor. 2:13

(4) I John 2:27

F. Who can teach?

1. Those who have the calling and meet the requirements of spiritual maturity.

2. Pastors Teach --- I Tim 3:2 II Tim 2:24 (apt to teach)

3. Older Holiness Women (Mothers in Israel) --- Titus 2:3 - 5

4. Nature Teaches --- I Cor 11:14

G. Who cannot Teach?

1. Those who have not the calling and do not meet the requirements

2. False Teachers are to be shunned --- II Peter 2:1 - 3

3. Jezebel ---symbolic name for false, rebellious doctrine Rev 2:20

H. Who can and can not be taught?

1. Can be taught

a. A teachable spirit can learn --- subjecting oneself to another to profit

b. An open mind can learn

c. Constructive criticism is good --- Search the Scriptures Acts 17:11

2. Cannot be taught

a. A proud spirit cannot learn

b. A closed mind cannot learn

c. Destructive criticism is a sign of a proud mind which cannot learn

Some Christians seldom receive a blessing in the public worship