Taming the Tongue: Part 1 - James 3:1

Taming the Tongue: Part 1 - James 3:1
Written by LaRosa Johnson
Thursday, 31 January 2008

As we spoke of in our previous devotion, the first two-thirds of this third chapter deal with the issues of the tongue, with the overarching theme being a warning to those who desire to be teachers in the body of Christ. Our opening verse serves not so much as an introduction to the matter of the perils of the tongue, but serves more as a warning for would-be teachers. Today, we will spend a good amount of time dealing with this one verse as it is the basis for the remainder of this chapter. Let us begin by reading the passage.

Quote :

James 3:1 (NASB) - Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.

Quite frankly, this is one of those verses that speaks for itself and does not require much interpretation. The language is very plain, as James warns those that wish to become teachers that they will face a stricter judgment. Even with that, there are a few things we want to take a look at in this verse, as well as bring in some background information so that we can have an adequate picture of what James was speaking of before attempting to move forward from this verse. We will also look at a few reasons as to why James would discourage would-be teachers from engaging in ministry activity.

For starters, we do need to take a look at the word teacher so that we know exactly what we are dealing with. In the Greek, it is the word didaskalos (Strong's #G1320) and refers to a person who works in an official teaching or preaching capacity. This word is used close to sixty times in the New Testament and refers most often to Jesus Christ being Master/Teacher. In other instances, it refers to those, such as the apostles, who taught the truths of the Word of God. There are also miscellaneous applications, including referring to false teachers. In a present day church dispensation application, this would refer to those who teach the Word of God, including: pastor-teachers, Bible study/Sunday school teachers, or basically anyone who works in a capacity of teaching the Word of God.

Now, what is meant in light of a stricter judgment? Well, for that, we have to first understand the role of a teacher. A very obvious understanding is that a teacher is one who has been entrusted with the responsibility of teaching something to others. In our case, we are dealing with those who have been given the spiritual gift of teaching and are entrusted with sharing the truths of God's Word with His people. Considering the fact that biblical teachers are communicating the words of God, and teaching it as truth (whether falsely or accurately), the people are going to then take it as truth and turn around and teach others. It is not a position to take lightly because God is very serious about having His Word communicated lightly, therefore those who are burdened to teach it are judged more harshly than someone who does not teach God's Word. Let us be clear in indicating that this is not an earthly judgment that is being spoken of, but it is a future judgment that will happen when we stand before God. False teachers will be judged for their inaccurate teachings (Jude 14-15); and, the believer will be rewarded for accurately handling the Word of Truth (1 Cor 4:3-5).

Please be aware that this warning is not meant to discourage true teachers, but only to forewarn of the role's seriousness and severity. In other words, only get into the ministry of teaching the Word if you're serious about it and can commit to doing it right. As someone who teaches, this serves as a means of keeping me humble, knowing that God is keeping an eye on every word that I teach and the deeds that I'm backing it up with; so, if I don't come correct, then the Lord is going to handle His at the judgment. Lord forbid that His teachers are more like those spoken of in 1 Timothy 1:7, instead of those in 2 Timothy 2. Let us remember the words of Luke 12:48, knowing that if we are going to take on added responsibility that more is going to be required of us, hence a harsher judgment. And just as there is a harsh judgment for those who misrepresent His Word, let us also not forget that we shall be rewarded in heaven for teaching rightly because we will have built with gold, silver, and precious stones (as opposed to wood, hay, and stubble) [1 Corinthians 3:12-14].

We have just looked at a few of the reasons why James discouraged his readers from being so quick to become teachers, but let's quickly look at some history behind that. Remembering that he is writing to Jewish believers, we have to realize that they come from a temple and synagogue tradition where the rabbi/teacher was highly honored and respected. This was so much so that many would put a rabbi's needs above that of their own parents. It is this kind of acclaim and adoration that likely passed on into Christianity and the role of teachers, thus making the position a much desired one. Also, throw in the fact that many synagogues and early churches were more in the format of an open discussion, this position was all the more enviable amongst believers and unqualified/un-gifted would-be teachers. Therefore, the main problem was selfish motives and ambition that was pushing many to desire to become teachers. It is with that in mind that James clearly wrote his words as warning to those who were un-gifted and unqualified for the role of teacher in the first place, reminding them of the judgment to come.

With that, we have our introduction to the chapter, which leads us right into the rest of the chapter and the perils of the tongue. But, before we get there, verse 2 gives us more qualifying statements before jumping right into the heart of the matter. We will look at that next time. Remember, that teaching God's Word is a gift, and to whom much has been given, much is required. Don't be so quick to want to jump into things without first realizing all of the consequences involved. God bless!

devotion courtesy of Trailblazin Ministries
http://www.trailblazinministries.com/daily-devotions/01-31-2008.php