THE DANGERS OF TEACHING

JAMES 3:1–2

Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly

(James 3:1).

As we return to our studies in James, we begin chapter 3 where James seems to change subjects. But remember that James did not write his letter in chapters and verses. In fact he is continuing his basic theme. He has discussed two matters: kindness to the helpless and the doctrine of faith and works. These are closely related, because those who were ignoring the weak and despising the poor claimed to be saved by “faith alone,” yet their bad works were calling their faith into question.

Back in James 1:26–27, James related the use of the tongue to the theme of kindness to the helpless. He said that true faith is a matter not of many words but of deeds. One weakness we all face is the tendency to substitute doctrine for obedience. We can become so caught up in learning doctrine that we think this “good work” substitutes for acts of charity. Moreover, people who are full of words are usually people who have few acts of charity, while those who are engaged in true good works are usually people of fewer words.

When James moves to a discussion of the tongue in chapter 3, he is continuing his theme. Many people would like to be teachers. They enjoy the limelight that seems to come to teachers. (In fact, true Bible teachers often receive much scorn and rejection.) Such people want to become deacons and elders in the church, to tell the church what she should do, but they are not interested in a life of quiet service to others.

James begins his discussion of the tongue, therefore, with a warning. Teachers, he says, will be judged more strictly by God, and so it is not wise to thrust yourself into a position of being a teacher. Being a teacher is something that should be thrust upon you by the church and by God, and should be approached with fear and trembling.

False teachers distort the truth of God, compromising His integrity. James has been discussing such false teachers, who say that good works are not necessary for the Christian life. A true teacher grows out of his constant contact with the revealing mirror of God’s law (1:22–25).

CORAM DEO

Romans 12–13

Every heresy in church history has been started by someone who thought he (or she) should be a teacher. A true teacher teaches the orthodox Christian faith and is a person of kindness and humility. If you are a teacher, measure yourself by these standards. Hear the warning James gives.

For further study: Matt. 23:1–34 • Luke 20:45–47

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