THE BOOK OF JAMES
(“So You Want To Be A Teacher!”)
James 3:1-12 (NASU)
1“Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. 2For we all stumble in many ways …” (James 3:1-2a)
(A) IT’S SO EASY!
(1) In your opinion, what’s the easiest way for people to sin?1 Or, we might ask: what’s the most common way for people to sin against God, and each other? The Book of Hebrews talks about “the sin which so easily entangles us” (c.f. Hebrews 12:1) – indicating we all have certain sins that give us (personally) more problems than others. It might be ADULTERY in one of its various forms (c.f. Matthew 5:27) – or GREED (c.f. Luke 12:15), which Scripture equates with idolatry (c.f. Colossians 3:5) – or DISHONORING OUR PARENTS (c.f. Mark 7:10-13), which is not just a teen-age problem. But, is there any one sin we ALL struggle with? One area of life that gives ALL of us problems? And if so, what is it?
(2) Paul often uses the analogy of a human body to illustrate certain biblical truths – saying in First Corinthians chapter twelve, for example, that even though “the body is one (it still) has many MEMBERS” (c.f. I Corinthians 12:12) – meaning that our physical bodies have “members” like feet, and hands, and eyes, and ears, and so on (c.f. I Corinthians 12:21).
In another place he tells us “not (to) go on presenting the (various) MEMBERS of (our physical) body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness …” (c.f. Romans 6:13) – or “as slaves to impurity and … lawlessness” (c.f. Romans 6:19). So, which “member” of the body do you think is most easily enslaved to sin? Which “member” of our physical bodies has the greatest capacity for doing evil? Is it the “EYES”, that can be “full of adultery” (c.f. II Peter 2:14), or “haughtiness”? Is it the “HANDS that shed innocent blood”? Or “FEET that run rapidly to (do) evil” (c.f. Proverbs 6:17-18)? Or, is it some other “member” of the body?
(3) If we were to ask James these questions, his answer would probably be the tongue. James would probably say the easiest way for people to sin is with their tongue – that the most common way people sin is with their tongue – that the one “member” of the human body that has the greatest capacity and propensity for doing evil is the tongue!
James says (in verse two) that “we ALL stumble in MANY ways” (c.f. James 3:2a). He also says (not directly, but in so many words) that “ONE of the many ways we ALL stumble is with our tongue.” Hence, he goes on to say in verse two that “if anyone does not stumble IN WHAT HE SAYS, he is a perfect man …” (c.f. James 3:2b). Anyone here perfect? Is there anyone here who doesn’t sin any more? No? Well then, in all likelihood, there isn’t anyone here who has a perfect tongue either. In fact, James goes on to say (in verse eight) that “no one can tame the tongue” (c.f. James 3:8a) – which means no one ever has – and that would include you and me!
However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t work at trying to keep our tongue under control – after the example of Job, who once vowed: “My lips … will not speak unjustly, nor will my tongue mutter deceit” (c.f. Job 27:4) – and David, who once declared: “I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle …” (c.f. Psalm 39:1).
(4) Throughout Scripture the tongue is variously described as being wicked, deceitful, and perverse – filthy, corrupt, and flattering – slanderous, gossiping, and blasphemous – foolish, boasting, and complaining – cursing, contentious, vile, and sensual – and that’s not even an exhaustive list!1 Just in this morning’s Scripture lesson James said (in verse five) that the tongue “boasts of great things” (c.f. James 3:5) – (in verse six) that it’s “the very world of iniquity” – that it’s “set on fire by hell” (c.f. James 3:6) – and (in verse eight) that it’s “a restless evil … full of deadly poison” (c.f. James 3:8).
So, given what the tongue is – and, given what the tongue is capable of – it should come as no surprise to learn that Jesus once said “… men will … give (an) account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken” (c.f. Matthew 12:36).
Scientists tell us that once a sound wave is set in motion, it continues on a never-ending journey – and that, if we had instruments that were sophisticated enough, each wave could be captured and reproduced at any time. If that’s true, then every word you and I have ever spoken could be retrieved.1 Of course the omniscient, all-powerful God doesn’t need sophisticated instruments, does He (c.f. Mark 10:27)?! On “the day of judgment”, He will be able to recall every careless word we have ever uttered with complete, undeniable accuracy! No wonder David once prayed: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (c.f. Psalm 141:3).
(5) Now, James has just concluded a lengthy discourse (in the previous chapter) on the relationship between faith and works – on the fact that just because a man “says” he has saving faith doesn’t necessarily make it so (c.f. James 2:14) – because, saving faith (which is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone) is always followed by good works (c.f. Ephesians 2:8-10). Hence, Abraham’s profession of faith in Genesis chapter fifteen (c.f. Genesis 15:6; James 2:23), for example, was followed by his willingness to obey God when told to offer up his only son Isaac on an altar in Genesis chapter twenty-two (c.f. Genesis 22:1-19; James 2:21).
One place where the proper relationship between saving faith and works ought to be evident is in a person’s speech. Sooner or later, who we really are on the inside will become evident by what we say – sooner or later our tongue is going to confirm or discredit the validity of our profession of faith in Christ. Hence, Jesus once said: “by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (c.f. Matthew 12:37).
(6) We all use our tongues everyday. However, some people’s job or calling requires them to make special use of their tongue – indeed, the tongue is their primary tool or instrument. A car mechanic, for example, uses his hands more than his tongue – while a professional athlete uses his feet more than his tongue. On the other hand, the tongue is THE most important implement for a professional singer, or a radio talk show host, or a public school teacher. It’s also the primary instrument for someone like myself, who preaches and teaches God’s word – and not just for me, but for anyone else who teaches God’s word to children or adults – whether full-time or part-time.
Because of the importance Scripture attaches to teaching the word of God (c.f. II Timothy 2:15), coupled with the dangers inherent in any job or calling that requires a person to use their tongue extensively, James issues a warning in this morning’s text, saying: “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many ways …” (c.f. James 3:1-2a).
(B) TO TEACH OR NOT TO TEACH
(1) We’re going to take a closer look at this text by breaking it down into three parts – beginning with the first phrase in verse one, where James says: “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren …” (c.f. James 3:1a).
(a) What kind of “teachers” (c.f. James 3:1a) is James referring to?2 It seems to me there are only two possibilities. One is that he’s referring to “teachers” in a very general and secular sense – i.e. to “teachers” in the public school system, for example, from those who “teach” the smallest children to those who “teach” people going after advanced degrees – or those who “educate” business associates on how to do their job better – or those who “train” people in law enforcement, or the military, or people in some other sphere of society. We live in a day when “teaching”, and “training”, and “educating” are going on all the time – so maybe James had these kinds of “teachers” in mind.
Actually, some the things James says here in chapter three could apply to secular “teachers” – especially those who are helping to shape the minds and mores of our children. There’s little doubt in my mind that school “teachers” and university professors will have to give an account to God for what they have taught. HOWEVER, I don’t think this is who James has in mind.
It seems clear from the context that James is talking about those who “teach” the Scriptures – that he’s talking about those who fill a teaching office in Christ’s church3 (c.f. I Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11). Scripture says “there are a variety of (spiritual) gifts” – that each gift can manifest itself in a “variet(y) of ministries” – and that each ministry can have a “variet(y) of effects” (c.f. I Corinthians 12:4-6). Hence, the gift of teaching can manifest itself from the pulpit, or via an independent ministry like Ligonier, or as a small group bible study leader, or as a counselor, or as a Sunday School or VBS teacher.
Of all these applications, however, James may have the more visible and prominent examples of the teaching gift in mind – like from the pulpit, or some other large public setting, that often has a certain allure or appeal to it because of the respect and admiration such “teachers” frequently receive.4
(b) James’ counsel, that “not many of (the brethren should) become teachers” (c.f. James 3:1a), isn’t meant to discourage people from “teaching” the Scriptures IF they have a genuine Spirit-given gift for doing so5 – nor is it meant to discourage people from “testing the waters” (so to speak) to see if they have the gift of “teaching”.
However, I think it IS meant to discourage people who do not have a special gift or calling to teach the Scriptures from doing so (c.f. I Timothy 2:12) – I think it IS meant to dissuade people, who are primarily motivated by a desire for the honors often given “teachers”, from taking the office upon themselves (c.f. Hebrews 5:4) – I think it IS meant to deter people, who should not be teaching, from becoming “teachers” (c.f. I Timothy 1:6-7). And the way James does that is by warning those who are thinking about “becoming a teacher” (c.f. James 3:1a) that if they do God is going to “judge them more strictly” regarding what they say, than if they had not become a teacher of His word (c.f. James 3:1b).
On the other hand, a person WITH the gift of teaching God’s word ought not pull back from doing so just because he’s afraid of this “stricter judgment” (c.f. James 3:2b). Indeed, it would be as sinful for him NOT to develop and use the gift he has been given (c.f. Luke 19:20-21), as it would for someone without the gift of teaching to insist on doing so. The one who has been called needs to take his calling seriously, and then exercise his gift for teaching God’s word accordingly.
(2) Moving on to the second phrase in verse one, James says: “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment” (c.f. James 3:1b).
(a) Note that by using the word “we” James includes himself in this warning6 – which tells us no one is exempt –no “teacher” is so great they get a pass from God, or so insignificant that He chooses to overlook them. Jesus’ own brother is going to “incur a stricter judgment” (c.f. James 3:1b) – as will His apostles like Peter, John and Paul – AND so will lesser known disciples with the gift of teaching, like you and me. Anyone who teaches the word of God to others – whether it be one, or ten’s of thousands – needs to take the counsel found in Second Timothy to heart, that says: “BE DILIGENT to present yourself approved TO GOD as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, ACCURATELY HANDLING the word of truth” (c.f. II Timothy 2:15).
(b) So what does James mean when he says teachers will “incur a stricter judgment” (c.f. James 3:1b)? Does he mean God has different sets of standards by which He judges people – like one set for those who teach the Scriptures, and another set for those who don’t?
The answer may surprise some of you – for the answer is a qualified “Yes”. Scripture indicates people will be judged (in part) according to the amount of light they were given7 (c.f. Luke 12:47-48) – and who has been given more light than those God has raised up to teach His word?! People who teach (even in the secular realm) invariably say they learn more than the people they are teaching. Hence, “teachers” (c.f. James 3:1) will not only be judged on the quality of their works in general (c.f. I Corinthians 3:11-15) (just like everyone else) – they will also be judged on the content of their teaching7 – as well as on whether or not they put what they taught others into practice in their own lives (c.f. James 1:22)!
As “teachers” (c.f. James 3:1), were they diligent about handling the word of truth accurately (c.f. II Timothy 2:15)? As “teachers”, did they “speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine” (c.f. Titus 2:1) – or did they tickle people’s ears by telling them what they wanted to hear (c.f. II Timothy 4:3)? As “teachers”, did they boldly declare the whole counsel of God (c.f. Acts 20:27, NKJV) – or did they shrink back from certain doctrines because they might be controversial? As “teachers”, did they preach a full gospel that includes the need for confession of sin and repentance (c.f. Acts 26:20), coupled with an emphasis on God’s grace (not man’s works) – or did they preach a water-downed version of the Gospel that only talked about how God loves everyone. As “teachers”, did they tell people about the importance of good works, as proof that a person has been saved by grace through the gift of faith (c.f. James 2:24) – or did they let people think they could make a verbal profession of faith in Christ, and go on living the same way they’ve always lived?
While there is “no longer any condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (c.f. Romans 8:1) – no fear of judgment (c.f. I John 4:17-18), because the possibility of ending up in hell has been forever removed – nevertheless, we Christians ARE going to stand before our heavenly Father and give an account of how we lived (c.f. Romans 14:12). Most Christians will have to give an account of their conduct and their words – but “teachers” will have to give an account of their conduct, and their words, AND the content of their teaching! In that regard, then, theirs (mine, perhaps yours) will be a “stricter judgment” (c.f. James 3:1)! Hence, those who want to “become teachers” (c.f. James 3:1) ought to carefully consider the consequences of what they are thinking about doing – while those who have been called to be teachers of God’s word ought to recognize the serious nature of their calling, and do all they can to fulfill it with great care and diligence
(3) Finally, we come to the third phrase in this morning’s text – found in the first part of verse two – where James says: “For we all stumble in many ways …” (c.f. James 3:2a).
(a) One writer called this “the biblical doctrine of imperfection”8 God commands us to “be holy because He is holy” (c.f. Leviticus 11:44; I Peter 1:16) – and to “be perfect, just as He is perfect” (c.f. Matthew 5:48). BUT, the fact is, none of us are perfect – none of us are holy, in the sense that we no longer sin – all of us “stumble”, not just a little bit here and there, but “in many ways” (c.f. James 3:2a). This is not an excuse to give up8 the pursuit of holiness, or to give up the pursuit of sanctification (c.f. Hebrews 12:14), or to give up the pursuit of perfection (c.f. I Timothy 6:11; II Timothy 2:22) – but it is a fact of life in a fallen world – a fact of life this side of heaven – a fact of life that ought to drive us back to Christ and His saving, forgiving grace every day (c.f. Acts 13:38-39).
(b) The idea of “stumbling” (c.f. James 3:2a) is that of being tripped up as we are walking along a path9 – in this instance, the path of life – or more specifically, the path of being a teacher of God’s word. So, the picture James paints is NOT that of a Christian deliberately setting out to commit a premeditated sin (like David did when he sent his servants to bring Bathsheba to his bedroom – c.f. II Samuel 11:3-4) – rather, it’s the picture of someone unexpectedly tripping over something in their path, like a rock or a tree root. James isn’t addressing all the times we knowingly or intentionally sin – he’s addressing all the times we sin inadvertently or unintentionally – and he says we do this many times and “in many ways” (c.f. James 3:2a).
John Blanchard says if we were to stumble just once a day – in word or thought, in attitude or action – in fifty years we would have sinned against God 18,250 times (c.f. Psalm 51:4). But surely we will admit that we sin more often than that. So, if we stumbled once an hour – in fifty years we would have sinned against God 436,800 times. AND, if we stumbled every sixty seconds (which is not as hypothetical as it sounds, since the Book of Genesis says that in the days just prior to the Flood, “EVERY intent of the thoughts of (men’s) heart(s) was only evil CONTINUALLY” – c.f. Genesis 6:5) (if we stumbled just once every minute), in fifty years we would have sinned against God 26, 208,000 times!10
The numbers are almost beyond comprehension! How grateful we should be then, that through Jesus Christ our Savior “(God’s) mercy (toward His elect people) triumphs over (His) judgment” (c.f. James 2:13), so that we do not perish on account of our “many” sins (c.f. James 3:2a; John 3:16; Hebrews 11:31)!
(c) James brings up this whole “stumbling in many ways” (c.f. James 3:2a) idea in connection with the use of one’s tongue, and becoming a teacher of God’s word (c.f. James 3:1). The primary tool of teachers is their tongue – and of all the members of the body, the tongue may be the easiest and most common way for a person to sin. Hence, teachers are in an especially vulnerable position because it is so easy to misspeak – so easy to say the wrong thing – so easy to speak carelessly,11 or even recklessly.
I think of Moses, that great man of God – whom the Lord spoke with face to face (c.f. Exodus 33:11) – who was given the privilege and responsibility of teaching God’s people His laws. Moses – whom God told on one occasion to speak to a certain rock, that He might give His people water from it. Moses – who let his words slip, saying: “Listen now, you rebels; shall we bring forth water for you out of this rock?” – after which he struck the rock twice (c.f. Numbers 20:7-11). Moses – whose unguarded words on this occasion (along with his actions) got him into trouble – so that he received a “stricter judgment” (c.f. James 3:1) by being denied entrance into the Land of Promise, because he publicly dishonored God in the presence of the congregation of the people (c.f. Numbers 20:12-13).
(d) In a fallen world, it’s so easy to stumble with our tongue – and teachers are especially susceptible. Hence, James says: 1“Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. 2For we all stumble in many ways …” (c.f. James 3:1-2a).
Do you think you have the gift of teaching – or have been called to teach God’s word in some capacity. Good! “It’s a fine work” (c.f. I Timothy 3:1) – an important work – a necessary work if Christians are to grow and mature in their faith. Don’t shy away from it – just take it seriously, by being careful about what you say, and by “being diligent to handle the word of truth as accurately as you possibly can” (c.f. II Timothy 2:15).
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1MacArthur: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary;
James; p. 144.
2Blanchard: Truth For Life; p. 176.
3MacArthur: Ibid; p. 146.
4Blanchard: Ibid; p. 177.
5MacArthur: Ibid; p. 147.
6IBID; p. 150.
7Blanchard: Ibid; p. 181.
8Keddie: The Practical Christian; p. 126.
9Blanchard: Ibid; p. 182.
10IBID; p. 183.
11Kistemaker: NTC – James; p. 107.