Page 33 - book_james

THE BOOK OF JAMES ‐ 3

3:1‐18 Self Control: Faith’s Production

The Challenge of Chapter Three

One of the greatest indicators of maturity in our Christian life is the ability to control our
tongue. There is great power available for both good and evil through the words we speak.
We must guard against blessing God with our lives while at the same time, speaking against
His children. We must constantly seek God’s wisdom in our lives, which is found in the Word
of God. The wisdom we have received from God should be displayed in our sincere love for
the saints.

1. The Controlled Tongue (1‐2)

Many in James’s congregation aspired to be teachers of the Word of God because they had
been exposed to so many teachers in the church at Jerusalem. James warns them that
teachers have a higher accountability before the Lord. He also explains that the greatest
Mark of maturity is the ability to control the tongue.

A. Not Many Should Become Teachers of the Word

Jas 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater
condemnation.

My brethren, be (ginomai: become) not many (of you) masters (didaskaloi: teachers),
knowing that we shall receive greater condemnation (heavier judgment).

In this verse, James is not attacking the office of the teacher or discouraging his people from
desiring the office. He is just trying to stop them from rushing to become teachers. He wants
them to understand the office of a teacher is solemn and has a heavy responsibility
attached to it. Because their pastor was also a teacher (Ephesians 4: 11‐12), and they had
been exposed to many other gifted teachers, many members in James’s congregation
wanted to become ministers of the Word of God. Jerusalem was the center for Christianity,
and because of that, many ministers passed through during every season of the year. It was
very desirable to minister in the Jerusalem church (Galatians 1: 17, 22), so those who were
selected were probably the best of the best. These teachers became heroes to the
congregation, and many in the congregation desired to imitate them (2 Corinthians 10:12).
James wanted them to know the awesome request they had made. They desired the
esteem of being a teacher without paying the price demanded by the position (1 Timothy
1:7). The judgment handed down on teachers will occur at the judgment seat of Christ.

B. The Test of the Tongue

Jas 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a
perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

For in many things we offend all (all stumble). If any man offend (stumble) not in word, the
same is a perfect man (aner), and able also to bridle the whole body.