INTRODUCTION
1. Open your bibles to James 3:1. Let’s read James 3:1, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.”
2. In this verse James is giving those who teach and preach God’s word a serious warning. In the other verse of chapter 3 James gives serious warnings to all Christians, even if you are not a teacher or preacher.
3. The tongue is of great concern to James, being mentioned in every chapter of his letter.
(1) Let’s read James 1:19, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
(2) Now, drop down to James 1:26, “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.”
(3) Look now at James 2:12, “So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.”
(4) Interestingly, in the last half of James 2, James gives warning after warning of trying to be justified and acceptable to God by just talking and verbally claiming to be justified. James gives the warning that justification takes more than just talk. James says that justifications takes works of obedience.
4. James 3:1 gives the serious warning to those who teach and preach and then the rest of the chapter and then even chapters four and five give instructions about the proper use of the tongue.
5. In this lesson we’re going to discuss the use of the tongue as it relates to those who are teachers and preachers.
DISCUSSION
I. FIRST, JAMES 3:1, IN THE KJV USES THE PHRASE “BE NOT MANY MASTERS” WHEREAS THE NKJV USES THE PHRASE “LET NOT MANY OF YOU BECOME TEACHERS”.
1. The Greek term James used which is rendered “masters” is better translated as “teachers.”
(1) The word is not properly used in the sense of master, as distinguished from a servant or slave, but as a “school master” teaching one who is a pupil, a disciple, or a learner.
(2) Turn to Luke 18:18. Here, the rich young ruler uses the word “master” as if he meant “teacher” when he ask Jesus a question about how to receive eternal life. Let’s read Luke 18:18, “And a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
2. Let’s turn and read a few passages from the KJV that translate the same Greek word that is used in James 3:1 and there translated “masters”, but in these other passages it is translated “teachers”.
(1) John 3:2: "The same [speaking of Nicodemus] came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him."
(2) Acts 13:1: "Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul."
(3) Romans 2:20: "An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law."
(4) 1 Corinthians 12:28-29: "And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?"
(5) Ephesians 4:11: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers."
3. All of these passages help us to understand that James is wanting his readers to understand that the serious and responsible use of the tongue relates to those who would teach and preach God’s word.
(1) James cautions the would-be teacher to give careful attention to this highly responsible activity.
(2) The teacher and preacher must practice what they teach and preach!
(3) This fits the prominent theme of the epistle of James, which emphasizes that we must be doers of the word and not merely hearers; we must act as well as believe; we must live up to what we teach.
(4) Turn to Acts 1:1. In this statement Luke let’s us know that our Lord set the perfect example of being an example of what He taught. Acts 1:1 says, “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach". Jesus did and then taught. Jesus was an example and not just a spokes person.
II. SECONDLY, LET’S OBSERVE SOME BIBLE PASSAGES THAT WARN TEACHERS TO NOT TEACH FOR THE WRONG REASONS.
1. Turn to Matt. 23:8-12. Here, Jesus warns those who aspire to be preachers or teachers and want the position due to the honor and prestige they think accompanies it.
(1) Let’s read Matt. 23:8-12, But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
(2) The word Reverend is not mentioned among the titles that Jesus gives in this passage, but this passage would also condemn the use of Reverend along with prestigious titles that Jesus condemns.
(3) Don’t misunderstand Jesus’ use of the word father and the word teacher. There is no sin in calling our fleshly father by the word father. There is no sin in calling any one a teacher.
(4) The sin would be when either of Father or Teacher is used in a way to exalt the being called by either term is being called that to exalt them above other Christians. Jesus teaches no Christian is greater or more important than others. Christians are to understand this about one another and when we would use the word father or the word teacher we should use them with a little f and a little t.
2. Turn to Rom. 16:17&18. This passage teaches that the teacher or preacher must not just be preaching for the purpose of exalting his personal doctrine.
(1) Let’s read Rom. 16:17&18, “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly [used in reference to what comes from deep within their thinking, instead of coming from our Lord Jesus Christ], and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.”
(2) We must guard against exalting our man made teaching above the teaching of Christ.
3. Turn to Titus 1:9-11. Here, elders of local congregations are to take the lead in putting a stop to those who are teaching just for the money that they can obtain. Verse 5 refers to elders serving over local congregations and vs. 9-11 refers to one of the qualifications of elders.
(1) Let’s read Titus 1:9-11, “9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
10 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.”
(2) Many other passages teach that those who teach and preach God’s word are to be paid adequate salaries, but if that is the only reason that one teaches or preaches they will wind up, like Paul warns here, teaching things that are false.
4. We have discussed three reasons or three motives for not teaching for the wrong reason. #1, the bible has warned us to not teach just to be exalted and honored. #2, the bible has warned us to not teach just to exalt our false doctrine. #3, the bible has warned us to not teach just for the money.
(1) The bible gives other warnings, but these warning emphasize the seriousness of teaching.
(2) Let’s move on to another major point in this discussion of things that James would be referring to as he gives precaution to those who would become teachers.
III. THIRDLY, A TEACHER MUST UNDERSTAND THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE WORK OF A TEACHER, NOT ONLY RELATING TO GUARDING AGAINST TEACHING THINGS THAT ARE FALSE BUT ALSO TAKING PRECAUTION TO NOT NEGLECT TEACHING ALL OF WHAT THEY SHOULD TEACH.
1. Turn to Ezekiel 3:17-21. Even though this passage is in the O. T., we can benefit by reading it, because the same things that it teaches are also taught in the N. T. In Ezekiel 3:17-21 they are said in such clear and un-mistakable language that we would be doing our self an injustice by not reading it.
(1) Let’s read Ezekiel 3:17-21, “17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: 18 When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. 19 Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.
20 “Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die; because you did not give him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. 21 Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man that the righteous should not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; also you will have delivered your soul.”
(2) Turn to James 4:17. In this passage James, like Ezekiel, warns us against negligence. If we fail to speak and warn others we commit sin.
(3) Let’s read James 4:17, “17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”
2. Turn to Acts 20:26&27. In this passage the Holy Spirit guided Paul to refer to being pure from the blood of all men. Paul said what he did to the elders of the church at Ephesus and he said it in language that the previous reading from the book of Ezekiel helps us to understand what he meant.
(1) Let’s read Acts 20:26&27. “26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.”
(2) While Paul worked with the church at Ephesus for three years he taught and warned both the wicked and the righteous.
(3) Let’s read Acts 20:20&21, “20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”
IV. FOURTH. WE MUST UNDERSTAND THAT JAMES IS NOT TRYING TO DISCOURAGE CHRISTIANS FROM BECOMING TEACHERS, BECAUSE THERE ARE MANY PASSAGES THAT TEACH THE IMPORTANCE OF AS MANY AS POSSIBLE BECOMING TEACHERS AND PREACHERS.
1. Turn to Matt. 28:19&20. This is the Great Commission and it actually places a responsibility upon everyone who obeys the gospel plan of salvation to do their part in teaching and trying to convert others.
(1) Let’s read Matt. 28:19&20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”
(2) This passage teaches that everyone who becomes a Christian has the responsibility of becoming involved in doing their best to teach and convert others.
2. Turn to Hebrews 5:12-14. Paul gives exhortation for each Christian to grow spiritually and become teachers.
(1) Let’s read Hebrews 5:12-14, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
(2) A baby starts out on milk, but as time goes on he must begin to eat solid food it he is going to grow to maturity.
(3) Spiritually Christians start out on the milk of God’s word, but as time goes on, through regular study and obedience they mature and are able to discern the difference between good and evil.
(4) They are to use their maturity maintain their own faithfulness.
(5) They are to use their maturity also to teach the lost and to also help those who are less mature.
3. God and Christ definitely want as many Christians as possible to become teachers.
CONCLUSION
1. Again, let’s read James 3:1, ““My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.”
2. James is warning and teaching that it is not enough for a teacher to possess “the gift of gab” and then think that they are qualified in the eyes of God to teach his precious word.
3. The teacher, whether man or woman must be able to control the tongue, and must be sure to say the things that are necessary, right, and helpful to others.
4. James does not intend to offer a prohibition against teaching, but instead offers a warning to those who teach. The church needs as many teachers as can possibly be encouraged to teach, but they must take the job of teaching seriously.
5. In teaching we must also never teach what we ourselves will not live and obey. Romans 2:21 says, “You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say, “Do not commit adultery,” do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
6. If you need to respond to the gospel we encourage you to come forward as we stand and sing.
