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James 3:1
“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”
In our study of James thus far, we have noted that the epistle covers three main themes: trials, wisdom, and poverty and riches. James 2 focused on the theme of poverty and riches, with even its rich theological teaching on faith and works an elaboration on how one should treat the needy in the church. In chapter 3, James returns to the subject of wisdom, beginning in today’s passage with a warning that not many should become teachers (v. 1).
That James must give a warning here implies that becoming a teacher in the church was desirable in his day. In the ancient church, few people were literate or had a substantive education as teachers did. Thus, Christian teachers held a position of honor and authority similar to rabbis in Jewish life, making the position of teacher in the church quite attractive. Even today in the church, those who are set apart as teachers, especially ordained ministers, are usually afforded a special respect and authority. This is good and proper as long as that the teacher is godly and qualified, but we should also recognize that the honor that attends the position of teacher is attractive to those who may be unqualified or have ulterior motives.
Certainly, James does not want to discourage those who have noble intent and the right giftings, qualifications, and character from becoming teachers in the church. Nevertheless, he wants even such people to know the heavy responsibility that they have. Not many should become teachers because teachers will be judged more strictly than others (v. 1). Dr. R.C. Sproul reminds us that “teachers exert influence over trusting students, a relationship that makes the students vulnerable to serious error.” Thus, it is easier for teachers to persuade people of doctrinal and moral falsehoods than it is for others to do so, and students who are so persuaded tend to push the errors they are taught into even greater errors. God will hold accountable those teachers who lead their students astray (Matt. 18:5–8), and all those who would become teachers must not forget this. Remembering this truth will make us more faithful teachers.
James’ point about teachers introduces a section on how hard it is to use the tongue wisely in speaking (James 3:1–12). Teachers earn their living by speaking. Few people should become teachers not only because their potential for misleading people is greater than that of others, but also because they speak so often and have more opportunities to sin with their tongues.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
The Venerable Bede comments, “Just as someone who serves well obtains a good report, so someone who tries to usurp the right to teach when he is not prepared to do so deserves greater punishment than the one he would have received if he had kept his wickedness to himself.” It is not inherently wrong to want to be a teacher, but if we want to teach in the church, we must have the right motives and be prepared for the job.
For further study
- Deuteronomy 18:20
- Ezra 7:10
- Ephesians 4:7–14
- 1 Timothy 1:3–7
The bible in a year
- Leviticus 10–12
- Matthew 26:57–75