“Let Not Many of You Become Teachers”

By Steve A. Hamilton

James 3:1-5

Introduction: We all know how easy it is to become engaged in a heated discussion over some subject in God’s word.  At times these discussions turn sour where things are said and feelings are hurt.  I know of brethren who continue to hold grudges years later because of such discussions in a Bible class.  I believe James said, “Let not many of you become teachers” for good reasons.   

I. “Faith without works is dead.”

          A. Prior to James’ statement above, he encourages us to prove our faith by doing something; showing our faith by our works (Jas. 2:14-26).

          B. We certainly suffer in the church by brethren who do nothing.

          C. The lack of faith, evident by the lack of works, has gotten so bad that people make fun of the hypocrisy by writing cleaver articles like “Did it Finally Get Done or Not?”

          D. It almost seems contradictory for James to restrict our works of faith by saying that not many should become teachers.

II. “Let not many of you become teachers.”

          A. James is not discouraging someone who desires the work of teaching.  It is not wrong to teach nor should it be avoided. 

          B. However, teaching should not be entered into carelessly because there is a great amount of responsibility with teaching.

          C. Only those who are qualified by their ability should teach (Rom. 12:3-8;  1 Pet. 4:10-11). 

III. Reasons why many should not become teachers.

          A. “Knowing that we (teachers) shall receive a stricter judgment.”

                   1. Teachers could lead others into error (Gal. 1:8; 2:11-14).

                   2. Likewise, Elders are held accountable for how they lead (Heb. 13:17).

          B. “For we all stumble in many things” (Jas. 3:2).

                   1. In particular, a teacher with an uncontrolled tongue will defile the church (Jas. 3:6).

                   2. Why do you think there are so many religions in this world when the Lord said there is but one Church (Eph. 4:4-6)?

                   3. A small fire can cause great damage. (For example, the great Chicago fire; pick any denomination or cult.)

                   4. Due to the uncontrollable nature of the tongue, we must have teachers who season their speech (Col. 4:6) and watch their words (Eph. 4:29).

                   5. The words a teacher uses will reflect his/her heart.  It can just as easily defile as it could enlighten (Mark 7:20-23). People will gain an insight into the character of any teacher.  That is not always considered by the teacher.  Many potential Elders have lost that opportunity because of what they said while teaching.

          C. If everyone were teachers in the church, the church would be dysfunctional (1 Cor. 12:17-20).  

Conclusion: “Let not many of you become teachers.”  The Lord does not expect all of us to become teachers (1 Cor. 12:29). 

Last modified: 05/02/08