My Friend James: Teachers
Before we dive into James’ strong feelings about controlling our tongues in chapter 3, verses 1-12, I’d like to pause and reflect on his advice about leadership.
James 3:1 [NKJV] My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.
The Greek word means “an instructor” and is used for one who teaches concerning the things of God and the duties of man.
It is translated “Master” and used as a title for Jesus in His time of ministry [See Matthew 8:19; 9:11; 12:38 for examples]. So, being a teacher is not a negative thing. It is simply something that comes with a warning.
In a couple of places, it implies “one who is fitted to teach, or thinks himself so”.
Hebrews 5:12 [NKJV] shows us that we all ought to be progressing to the point where we are able to be teachers of others: 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.
In Romans 2:17-24, Paul goes into great detail about the Jewish leaders who are bad teachers because they have a “form of knowledge” [verse 20] and teach the law while being themselves breakers of the law. He ends with this indictment: For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," as it is written. [Rom 2:24 NKJV]
And therein lies the issue with being a teacher: Our examples must follow our teachings, or we blaspheme the name of God.
This is important advice to those who would be teachers, preachers, and pastors in the church today. We should not be teaching in a manner that implies that we are sinless ourselves. We must show humility. We must be willing to admit our mistakes and apologize. We must be honest with our struggles. And, most of all, we must be showing a passion for growth and change.
In that light, we should be warry of forbidding sinners from attending church or condemning a particular type of sin (one we don’t struggle with) as though it were more egregious than others. Sin is sin and all sin requires the sacrifice of Jesus. [See Romans 2:17-24 for details about this point.]
And be ready for persecution from other leaders or would-be leaders who think you are not being strict enough with your fellow brethren, especially if you are teaching love and mercy and showing great patience and compassion for sinners. Jesus was persecuted and warned that the leaders that followed His example should expect the same. Matthew 10:24 [KJV] The disciple is not above [his] master,[G1320] nor the servant above his lord.
Most important to keep in mind is the judgement that leaders will receive from God. Too often leadership positions, like preaching or teaching, are considered rewards or privileges given to those who either suck up to the higher leaders or act like a “strong man” until others cower to them. This can be women too. I’ve seen it.
Romans 2:23 [ NKJV] 23 You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law?
James wants us to understand that the position of teacher/preacher comes with serious responsibilities and potential consequences if we take it lightly or use it as an opportunity to “lord it over” others by word or deed. We must be like the Perfect Lamb of God: a lover of the people. We must teach with humility and grace and ensure that whatever we teach is biblically sound.
It takes time and effort to be this type of teacher. Not many are willing to put in the work required to be that humble, loving, and knowledgeable teacher. Therefore, not many should take on the risks and responsibilities of that role.
I hope you will continue to meet with me here and will share your own thoughts on the book of James.
You can write me any time at Nancy@DynamicChristianMinistries.org