Warning for Teachers

James 3:1-2

Introduction
Teachers are God’s gift to the church (1 Cor. 12:28, Eph. 4:11-12). Some can teach better because they are more gifted, more talented and probably more educated and trained. Jesus Christ the greatest and the best teacher left an impact to the lives of many people that until now His words are preserved, loved, studied, taught, and still changing lives despite thousands of years had passed. Many want to teach in the church for the love of the Lord, others like to teach because they want status and respect like the Pharisees and scribes who wants a place of honor in the banquets and best seats in the synagogue and for people to call them Rabbi (Mat. 23:6-7). James has a message to those who would be teachers.

I. Be not many masters (Jas. 3:1)
A. The word “master” here means “teacher” in Greek.
B. The warning literally means do not become teachers hastily

The word masters here is an old English word that simply means “teachers.” In Jewish culture teachers were held in great admiration. In the Old Testament, teachers were called “Rabbis.” The word itself means “great one.” Being a teacher of God’s Word involves the instructing and directing of other people’s lives. Therefore, such a work is a solemn responsibility. James urges that believers, especially those young in the faith, not be overzealous or over anxious to impart their knowledge. They need first of all to study, learn, and grow in spiritual matters.
Some view teaching as a big social and political opportunity instead of a great responsibility. They have their own personal interest which may include popularity, and maybe material gain aside from respect and status.
It is a big mistake for somebody to teach God’s Word unless he has been called and prepared by God to do so in truth and faithfulness.
To be a teacher one must be a diligent student of the Word (2 Tim. 2:15), and be apt to teach (2 Tim. 2:24-25).
a. 2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
b. 2 Tim. 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
c. 2 Tim. 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
The most common mistake that will be committed is erroneous teaching and careless use of words. Remember our previous lesson that we should be “slow to speak?”
Furthermore, teachers must practice what they teach; otherwise, their teaching is hypocrisy. Think of the damage that can be done by a teacher who is unprepared, or whose spiritual life is not up to par.
Although through teaching we can to win souls for Christ, it can be misused. Over eagerness might tempt some to assume responsibility carelessly. Careful preparation is necessary as for a lawyer to defend a case, or a pilot to fly a plane. So many now are standing in the church to teach even preach. People who are overzealous yet ill-prepared and the result is false doctrines and erroneous teaching which led people to go astray.

Illustration 1: For Trainers of People
The Research Institute of America lists these requirements for those who train others: (1) Desire to teach (2) Knowledge of the subject (3) Ability to communicate (4) Patience (5) Sense of humor (6) Time to do a thorough job.

Illustration 2: What Kind of Teacher?
The average teacher tells.
The good teacher explains.
The superior teacher demonstrates.
The great teacher inspires.
Progress Magazine, December 23, 1992

II. Greater Condemnation (Jas. 3:1b)
A. The word condemnation comes from the Greek word “krima” and it means “judgment.”

Preaching and teaching the Word of God is one of the greatest privileges that God gives to man. However, because it is a ministry that affects the lives of others in such a great way, God will judge the teacher with more scrutiny.
In other words, the judgment of God will be more severe for the teacher. With privilege comes responsibility and responsibility brings accountability.
The Lord will hold us responsible for those we teach. Jesus taught the same thing. And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation. (Mark 12:38-40).
The Preacher and the teacher are to use their tongues to enlighten, establish, exhort, encourage, and edify others. What a serious undertaking it is to teach others. If one fails in this matter of teaching and declaring the whole counsel of God’s Word, God will hold him accountable for misleading his hearers, whether done through ignorance of the Word or through neglect
Paul was able to say, Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. (Acts 20:26-27). Had Paul been careless and negligent in proclaiming and explaining God’s Word he would have been guilty of the hearer’s blood. James says those responsible for proclaiming the Word will receive the greater condemnation.
This means greater punishment and indicates future judgment
a. For unbelieving false teacher at the second coming of Christ. Jude 15
b. For believers when he is rewarded at the judgment seat of Christ. 1 Cor. 4:4-5.
c. Teachers have great influence as well as greater knowledge therefore they will be held more accountable. Lk. 12:48b
d. We all will be judged according to our words, so teachers, whose work involves many words, will receive more severe punishment. Mt. 12:36-37.

Illustration 3: Teaching
This should not discourage us. Christ commissioned us to teach and without teaching, Christianity will never spread. What is given emphasis here is the enormity of the responsibility that is put upon the shoulder of the teacher. Allowing a novice to teach is as dangerous as allowing a child to play a fully loaded pistol ready to fire. The teacher who speaks constantly is in much temptation to speak carelessly and thoughtlessly and the consequences are grave and serious both to the teacher and to the hearer.

III. For in many things, we offend all (Jas. 3:2a)
A. We all commit sin, err, or stumble. Continually we fail to do the right thing, sinning against God and against our fellowmen.

With our words we commit sin easily and people stumble or get offended.
You do not have to be a teacher to offend somebody with your words or language.
Slip of the tongue can make us sin unintentionally and hurt the feelings of others or even reveal secrets you ought not to say.
Even Pastors who struggles to pray, and prepare sermons makes mistakes when delivering his message in the pulpit, and if I have committed some mistakes while preaching, I apologize. I didn’t mean to.

IV. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man (Jas. 3:2b)
A. This literally means if any man can control his tongue or his words, he can really control himself.
B. Perfect man here is for me a spiritually matured man who can refrain from talking nonsense and vain words.

Illustration 4: You Can’t Run the Country If You Can’t Run Yourself
During his term as President of the U.S., Lyndon Johnson was somewhat overweight. One day his wife challenged him with this blunt assertion: “You can’t run the country if you can’t run yourself.” Respecting Mrs. Johnson’s wise observation, the President lost 23 pounds.
Source unknown

V. CONCLUSION:
It is a great responsibility to teach people God’s Word, and it is very important for Bible teachers to study the Bible diligently (2 Tim. 2:15). Christ had given us faithful teachers who spent their whole life studying just to serve the Him and convey the truth to the church. However, Satan also has his own false teachers also whose mission was to sow lies, confusion and heresy (2 Pet. 2:1). Sincerity will not be enough. Jehovah’s Witnesses are very sincere in teaching that Jesus Christ is a lesser God, yet they are sincerely wrong. If the Lord is calling you to teach, obey, but do all the necessary preparation.