6-25-2017 Testing Teachers James 3:1-2
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Introduction:
A woman once came to one of the old Puritan ministers of London and told him that the bands which he wore with his pulpit gown were altogether too long, and that they annoyed her greatly. She would like his permission to shorten them. Confident of his approval, she had come armed with a pair of scissors. The minister hesitantly accepted and handed over the offending bands to the woman, who shortened them according to her taste with her scissors and then handed the fragments back to the minister.
When he received them, he thanked her and said: "Now, my good woman, there is something about you that is altogether too long, and which has annoyed me greatly, and since one good turn deserves another, I would like permission to shorten it."
"Certainly," said the woman, "you have permission to do so, and here are the shears."
Whereupon the minister gently said, "Very well, madam, put out your tongue."
One must wonder after an encounter like that, if she ever returned to his Sunday services! Two questions arise from this introductory anecdote: 1) Should have that woman said anything about her pet peeve and 2) did the minister respond rightly? Well… these are perfect questions for what James addresses in the start of chapter 3:
1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
In the early church, godly teachers were indispensable to the survival and spread of our faith. The spiritual depth of believers and even bishops depended on them. In the first century church at Antioch, teachers were held in same esteem with the prophets who sent out Paul and Barnabas in .
Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
In this scene setting, Luke is communicating the importance of teachers within the church.
Teachers were the point of contact for all new believers because converts needed instruction in the facts of the gospel, and teachers would build them up in the faith. The problem, however, was that some teachers had the ability to communicate but were driven by very worldly motivations. Others, still, had a motivation of status and privilege among their peers and so would act as teachers. They would take leading positions in a church, form cliques, and use their teaching positions to usually criticize others as the Apostle Paul points out in a few of his epistles. In this way, these false teachers could maintain their position and importance.
In this new chapter we find ourselves in now, James’s immediate concern is with the speech of false teachers who are ruining believers with their uncontrolled tongues. From that immediate concern he launches into the wider area of the use of speech among believers. --Barton, Bruce, Philip Comfort, Grant Osborne, Linda K. Taylor, and Dave Veerman. Life Application New Testament Commentary.
Remember, these messianic Jews to whom James is writing this are still very concerned about the mounting persecution and rumors of more was coming their way because of their faith in Christ. James was concerned about their suffering as well, but he was more concerned about the genuineness and authenticity of their faith. In essence, he is communicating to his readers: it is far more important that you have real faith than that your current suffering. Wise words for us today!
But how could his audience tell if they had real faith? You may recall from a couple months back at the end of chapter 1 James talked about genuine religion. There, James told them, and us, three distinct tests for “pure religion”:
How well one controls the tongue,
How well one cares for the needy, and
How well one avoids worldliness:
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
James ).
In the verses of our text in chapter three this morning, James begins to elaborate and expand on this matter of controlling the tongue. These two verses are preliminary or introductory in nature. As we examine them, we can identify three things that pertains to speech--First, A Stern Warning:
In this new chapter we find ourselves in now, James’s immediate concern is with the speech of false teachers who are ruining believers with their uncontrolled tongues. From that immediate concern he launches into the wider area of the use of speech among believers.
A Stern Warning (v.1)
A Stern Warning (v.1)
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
This warning should come as a bit of a shock to us! There are so many things that James could have warned his readers about, and the thing he chooses here is teaching!
3:1 “many of you” This shows the tendency of a large section of the church to want to speak during the group meetings. The worship service of the early church was dynamic and unstructured. Paul refers to this disorder in
26 What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. 27 If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. 30 If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.
As in all the churches of the saints,
26 What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. 27 If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. 30 If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.
As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.
36 Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? 37 If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. 38 If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But all things should be done decently and in order.
This makes sense then when considering the Greek grammar James uses:
© “become” This is a PRESENT MIDDLE (deponent) IMPERATIVE with a NEGATIVE PARTICLE which means to stop an act already in process. This section of James begins with the responsibility of Christian leaders but easily transitions into the responsibility of every Christian in relation to speech.
So, © “teachers” could then refer to either
The early church’s worship where anyone could speak or
The place of honor of the rabbi in Jewish society.
I believe Paul was using both meanings simultaneously by pointing out that people wanted the prestige of a rabbi without the proper preparation, recognition, nor the education of a rabbi. Plus, not all rabbis should have been rabbis based on what they were publically teaching.
Pastors have a hard time believing that James would say such a thing because it is very difficult it is for most churches to find enough teachers, but we cannot sweep this under the rug either.
Teaching is listed as a spiritual gift in and 14:26. It is also listed as a function of pastors (cf. ; ). In it is connected to prophets. But here it is viewed as an option for all believers.
However, it is interesting to note here that teaching is listed as a spiritual gift in
And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.
It is also listed as a function of pastors in In it is connected to
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,
And we already saw in the connection to prophets. But here in it is almost viewed as an option for all believers, however, that is James’ exact point—It really is not for all believers.
With that said, I strongly believe that all believers participate in ALL the gifts at some practical level (although some levels are stronger than other levels depending on how God made that believer). How can I be so sure? Well, how many of us would accept a fellow Christian saying:
"I do not have the gift of prayer so I do not pray,” or
“I do not have the gift of giving so I do not give,” or
“I do not have the gift of evangelism so I do not witness”?
“I do not have the gift of evangelism so I do not witness”?
We wouldn't accept that because we would say these activities are for all believers albeit stronger in some. God gifts some for effective service in these areas, but all believers have responsibilities in these areas.
So why did James then include this prohibition? Well, it is safe to say that he had not desired to make it harder for churches to find teachers; rather, he was warning his readers about the possibility of taking up the task of teaching with the wrong motive.
© “my brothers/brethren” this is now the time that James refers to his audience as brothers & sisters in the faith.
© “as such we” James includes himself in this group. Paul calls himself a preacher, apostle, and teacher (cf. ). All Christians have at least one spiritual gift as we just saw in , but some have several.
© “we will incur a stricter judgment” Knowledge and leadership bring greater responsibility (cf. ). This surprising statement agrees with the rest of the New Testament teachings on degrees of blessings and punishments (cf. ; ; ; ; :; ; ).
47 And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
lu 12:
luk 12
46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. 47 And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
Citing William Barclay, In fact, should a rabbi and one’s father and mother be captured by an enemy, duty demanded that the rabbi be ransomed first!’1
Such respect for teachers created a temptation for many to take up the task so that they might receive the fawning of an adoring public.
I also shudder when I hear about teachers who have such little regard for their task that they do not adequately prepare, or they use the time set apart for the teaching of the Word of God to discuss mere trivialities.
I shudder when I hear teachers and preachers joke about things that are sacred. And I shudder when I hear a person set aside the clear teaching of the Bible so that he or she can be in line with current thinking.
There are many, many ways in which we can misuse our tongues—blasphemy, lying, gossiping, profanity—but none could possibly be more serious than using them to misrepresent and distort the Word of God!
We had better know this very well: God takes the teaching of his Word seriously, and so should we! If we doubt that God takes the matter seriously, we need only read Paul’s words in .
10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13 each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
So, there are good teachers that have teachings with the value of gold, but there are teachers with teachings that hold up with the strength of straw. The coming day of judgement will reveal the kind of work that we have done. Eternity itself will reveal the value of such teachers.
This is why James tells us that people should not rush to become teachers in the church. Coming hard on the heels of chapter 2, one of the most honorable “works” or “deeds” of faith that would immediately come to the Jewish mind would be the position of teaching. James has in mind a greater emphasis on spiritual growth and self-control before someone assumed the role of a teacher. Teachers will be judged by God with greater strictness. Teaching authority carries with it greater responsibility. As works reveal the depths of a person’s faith, so words show the depth of a person’s maturity. The teacher is held to greater accountability because of his or her key teaching role. Jesus says :
3:1 James taught that people should not rush to become teachers in the church. Coming hard on the heels of chapter 2, one of the most honorable “works” that would immediately come to the Jewish mind would be the position of teaching. James has in mind a greater emphasis on spiritual growth and self-control before someone assumed the role of a teacher. Teachers will be judged by God with greater strictness. Teaching authority carries with it greater responsibility. As works reveal the depths of a person’s faith, so words show the depth of a person’s maturity. The teacher is held to greater accountability because of his or her key teaching role ().
42 And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. 47 And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
It is very natural that all Christians respect preachers – men through whom we came to know God, whose ministries have strengthened us in our trials, whose words have bid our sorrows cease. We make some problems for ourselves when we wrongly elevate them to the first rank of mankind, the most holy of men, the top grade of Christians and think of them as the professionals, ‘full-time’ disciples, while all the rest of the church are deemed second class. Every Christian is a 24-hour a day follower of the Lord Jesus, and there are true heroes amongst people of faith who have been soldiers, scientists, industrialists, explorers, and politicians.
We can understand why many men in the early church wanted to become teachers, even those not equipped for the work. The office was honourable, and the potential for helping others enormous. Many were busy teaching the Christian faith, Paul saying to the Corinthian church, “you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ” (). There was a need to test this zeal, as there still is for not all who enter the ministry and teach Christ’s church are called by God to this office. James cautions anyone who is reflecting upon taking up the life of the preacher: “You know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (v.3). ---Geoffrey Thomas
A Stark Reality (v.2a)
A Stark Reality (v.2a)
2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
Having provided us with the warning about rushing into the teaching of God’s Word, James continues with the reality that ‘we all stumble in many things’.
NKJV = “we all stumble in many things”
NRSV = “all of us make many mistakes”
Today’s English Version = “all of us often make mistakes”
NJB = “we all trip up in many ways”
This “stumble” verb is a PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE 1st person Plural --indicating continual, habitual action. “Stumble” is used here in the sense of “sin.”
In all of human history, there has only been one person who did the work of YHWH perfectly, and that was, of course, our Lord Jesus, the Christ. If we went to that extreme, then only Jesus would have be qualified! James is well aware of this so he is not instructing only perfect people to go about the work of teaching; rather, for imperfect people to go about this privelage in a serious and diligent way, praying, as they do so, that the Lord will be pleased to use them in their weakness. Even the apostle Paul understood James’ point which we should agree with him: ()
In all of human history, there has only been one person who did the work of YHWH perfectly, and that was, of course, our Lord Jesus, the Christ. If we went to that extreme, then only Jesus would have be qualified! James is well aware of this so he is not instructing only perfect people to go about the work of teaching; rather, for imperfect people to go about this privelage in a serious and diligent way, praying, as they do so, that the Lord will be pleased to use them in their weakness. Even the apostle Paul understood James’ point which we should agree with him: ()
5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God,
James, then, doesn’t want us to misuse his teaching about theological teaching. Yes, it is a serious business, but we ought not go to the extreme to which some do, which is excusing ourselves from the ministry of teaching YHWH’s truths simply because we are imperfect beings. But James does not conclude this thought on a hopeless note of our sinful nature. No, he concludes this thought.
“we all stumble in many ways”
NKJV = “we all stumble in many things”
“we all stumble in many things”
NRSV = “all of us make many mistakes”
“all of us make many mistakes”
Today’s English Version = “all of us often make mistakes”
“all of us often make mistakes”
NJB = “we all trip up in many ways”
“we all trip up in many ways”
This “stumble” verb is a PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE 1st person Plural --indicating continual, habitual action. “Stumble” is used here in the sense of “sin.”
© “what he says” James is concerned in 2:14–26 about faith without works. This section shows that one’s speech, in a sense, reveals true spiritual character. The Bible stresses the importance of our speech (cf. ; ; ; ; ; , ). We are known and judged by our words because our words reveal our character.
© “he is a perfect man” “Perfect” means “fully equipped,” “full-grown,” “complete,” or “mature,” not sinless. James uses this term often (cf. 1:4, 17, 25; 2:22; 3:2) because of his emphasis on the functioning, effective Christian life.
© “able to bridle the whole body as well” The control of the tongue is a sign of Christlike maturity and self-control (cf. 1:26; ).
A Sound Hope (v.2b)
A Sound Hope (v.2b)
2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
James is about to go into some detail about the importance of controlling the tongue as we’ll see in the coming weeks. We will find out soon enough what he has to say to be very challenging and somewhat distressing. But before he goes further, he holds out some hope for us: ‘If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body’ (v. 2).
© “If” This is a FIRST CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE; = Since all humans stumble.
© “what he says” James’ concerned in 2:14–26 about faith without works. This section shows that one’s speech, in a sense, reveals true spiritual character. The Bible stresses the importance of our speech ( ; ; ; ; ; , ). We are known and judged by our words because our words reveal our hearts and character.
© “he is a perfect man” “Perfect” means “fully equipped,” “full-grown,” or “complete,” not sinless. The word ‘perfect’ (gk: teleos) used in this context refers closer to maturity. James was saying that those who control their speech are well on the way to spiritual maturity. James has already used this teleos word a few times just in the first couple chapters alone and for good reason--because of his emphasis on the functioning, effective Christian life.
© “able to bridle the whole body as well” The control of the tongue is a sign of Christlike maturity and self-control
.
[Give illustration on my view that thought I would be able to control all my sins if I could control my cursing]
Every believer is interested in spiritual maturity. No one can truly be "born-again” and not be interested in growing in Christ-likeness (sanctification).
Every Christian is interested in spiritual maturity. No one can be a Christian and not be interested in growing in the things of the Lord.
James gives us some valuable direction. He essentially is saying to us, ‘If you want greater spiritual maturation, focus on your words! If you can get this under control, the process will be easier for you.’
3:2
It is very natural that all Christians respect preachers – men through whom we came to know God, whose ministries have strengthened us in our trials, whose words have bid our sorrows cease. We make some problems for ourselves when we wrongly elevate them to the first rank of mankind, the most holy of men, the top grade of Christians and think of them as the professionals, ‘full-time’ disciples, while all the rest of the church are deemed second class. Every Christian is a 24-hour a day follower of the Lord Jesus, and there are true heroes amongst people of faith who have been soldiers, scientists, industrialists, explorers, and politicians.
James gives us some valuable direction. He essentially is saying to us, ‘If you want to achieve spiritual maturation, focus on your words! If you can get this under control, the rest will be easier for you.’
He does not say that spiritual maturity is impossible. But neither does he say it is easy to accomplish. Here is the sound hope—it is possible! And the way to begin is by giving special attention to our speech.
We can understand why many men in the early church wanted to become teachers, even those not equipped for the work. The office was honourable, and the potential for helping others enormous. Many were busy teaching the Christian faith, Paul saying to the Corinthian church, “you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ” (). There was a need to test this zeal, as there still is for not all who enter the ministry and teach Christ’s church are called by God to this office. James cautions anyone who is reflecting upon taking up the life of the preacher: “You know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (v.3). ---Geoffrey Thomas
So What?
So What?
Geoffrey Thomas said,
“It is very natural that all Christians respect preachers – men through whom we came to know God, whose ministries have strengthened us in our trials, whose words have bid our sorrows cease. We make some problems for ourselves when we wrongly elevate them to the first rank of mankind, the most holy of men, the top grade of Christians and think of them as the professionals, ‘full-time’ disciples, while all the rest of the church are deemed second class. Every Christian is a 24-hour a day follower of the Lord Jesus, and there are true heroes amongst people of faith who have been soldiers, scientists, industrialists, explorers, and politicians.
We can understand why many men in the early church wanted to become teachers, even those not equipped for the work. The office was honourable, and the potential for helping others enormous. Many were busy teaching the Christian faith, Paul saying to the Corinthian church, “you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ” (). There was a need to test this zeal, as there still is for not all who enter the ministry and teach Christ’s church are called by God to this office. James cautions anyone who is reflecting upon taking up the life of the preacher: “You know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (v.3).
To all who are interested in teaching in the church, James is simply saying this: take up the work, but make sure you are doing it for the right reason. We are not to teach to satisfy our own pride, but to bring glory to God and to proclaim his Word accurately to the eternal benefit of those who hear us.
To all who are interested in teaching in the church, James is simply saying this:take up the work, but make sure you are doing it for the right reason. We are not to teach to satisfy our own ego needs, but to bring glory to God and to deliver his Word accurately to the eternal benefit of those who hear us.
Conclusion:
James is right, we all make many mistakes or slip up when we are off guard. We sin, but our most frequent failures occur when we are speaking. Since we are prone to make mistakes in our speech, we need to be even more diligent to let YHWH control what we say.
Life Application New Testament Commentary says:
He is capable of guiding our motivation, our thoughts, our very choice of words, and even the impact our communication has on others.
Many people may think that it is impossible to control their tongues, but most people haven’t even begun to try.
Many people may think that it is impossible to control their tongues, but most people haven’t even begun to try.
I did it, and so can you!
Bruce Barton et al., (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 2001), 1082.