The Test of the Tongue - The Weighty Responsibility of Teachers - James 3:1

Introduction

A teacher (Rom_2:20; Heb_5:12). The term occurs fifty-eight times in the NT, forty-eight times in the Gospels, forty-one refer to Jesus (twenty-nine in direct address).

There are didáskaloi in the churches (Act_13:1; 1Co_12:28-29; Eph_4:11).

Paul calls himself a teacher (1Ti_2:7; 2Ti_1:11).

Imagine being among the crowds who followed Jesus, hanging onto every word as He taught lessons that would echo through history. Teaching wasn't just something Jesus did—it was central to who He was. The New Testament mentions the word "teacher" 58 times. In the Gospels alone, it's used 48 times, and 41 of those directly refer to Jesus Himself. People called Him "Teacher" because He opened their eyes to new truths and showed them the way to live.

In the early days of the church, teachers played a crucial role. They weren't just sharing facts; they were helping people understand the message of Jesus and how to apply it to their lives. Passages like Acts 13:1 and Ephesians 4:11 show that teachers were essential in building up the community of believers. Even the Apostle Paul called himself a teacher, highlighting how important this role was in spreading the faith.

But teaching isn't something to take lightly. The book of James gives us a thoughtful warning: "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly" (James 3:1). This doesn't mean we should avoid teaching altogether. Instead, it's a reminder that teaching is a serious responsibility. It calls for humility, integrity, and a genuine commitment to live out the truths we share with others.

Our first point to the test of the tongue starts with the teacher: The Weighty Responsibility of Teachers. Thosed in essence using their tonges to direct people. Though it’s one verse, James says so much about teachers! This is seen through these 4 points...

The Outline

I. The Responsibility to be cautious

II. The Responsibility of Caring for Others

III. The Responsibility of God’s Calling

IV. The Responsibility of Greater Accountability

I. The Responsibility To Be Cautious

Jas 3:1  Do not, many of you, become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment.  2a, For we all stumble in many ways.

Teaching isn’t a casual choice but a serious commitment. It requires careful consideration because of the influence teachers have.

James is reminding believers to weigh the responsibility before stepping into this role, as it carries real spiritual weight and impact.

A. A Call ‘to see’ what a teacher’s responsibilities are.

The word ‘knowing’ - ἐγώ(eido) is more ‘to see’

eídō. To see. More specifically to see with perception.

Metaphorically spoken of the mind meaning to perceive by the senses, to be aware of

In a sense you need to see the end and understand that the present action influences it.

It’s like seeing and sensing in your mind the pain you will endure before you even start the task.

My dad taught us to work with out hands, and from young we would often help him with fixing, building, renovating and so on around the house. Often times we would need to cut wood to build cupboards or shelves. To do this we’d pull out the huge bench saw.

Before using it, he’d tell us that the blade can cut off our fingers. And in my vivid imagination I’d often picture making a mistake and cutting of my finger. And how I’d probably react.

This lead to us being extremely cautious with the machines.

Similarly becoming teachers comes with that cautionary warning. - James says do not just become a teacher. Knowing --- You need to see the warning of your finger being cut off.

Similar to how we were taught how to use the machine safely and what’s involved in a successfull cut, so too scripture gives us several things to know.

B. Teaching requires an alignment between what you say and do.

Having already explained to us that not not all ‘religious’ works are usefull

James 1:26 “If anyone thinks himself to be religious while not bridling his tongue but deceiving his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.”

Specifically pointing To the Jewish leaders of the day

Also addressed by Paul In Romans 2:21–22 “you, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that one shall not steal, do you steal? You who say that one should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?”

There was a Hebrew saying: he that teaches men, בדבר שהוא לא יעשה, "that which he himself does not do", is like a blind man who has a lamp in his hand, and enlightens others, but he, himself walks in darkness.

And just expaining that our faith needs to be accompanied by works

James Says that a teacher even MORE SO needs to have their works aligned with their ‘heart’ or faith

I often say that the qualifications of an elder is there to ensure these men are the most exemplary people in the community of believers.

C. James calls Teachers, and Aspiring Teachers To examin their motives

James’s caution is also an implicit call to examine one’s motives for wanting to teach.

In the early church, teaching could carry social esteem and influence, which could attract people for the wrong reasons.

James warns against approaching teaching out of ambition, pride, or a desire for recognition, and instead calls for sincere motives rooted in a desire to serve and honor God.

Didaskaloi (teachers) was often used of rabbis and any who functioned in an official teaching or preaching role

Teachers, rabbis were master teachers and were accorded great honor and respect by their fellow Jews. As reflected in the gospels, many rabbis relished their prestige and privilege.

Jesus said of the scribes and the Pharisees, many of whom were rabbis, that they

“have seated themselves in the chair of Moses.… But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men” (Matt. 23:2, 5–7).

In some Jewish circles, rabbis were held in such high regard that a person’s duty to his rabbi was considered greater than that to his own parents, because his parents only brought him into the life of this world, whereas his rabbi brought him into the life of the world to come.

It was written that if a man’s parents and his rabbi were captured by an enemy, the rabbi was to be ransomed first. Although rabbis were not allowed to take money for their services but were to support themselves with a trade, it was considered an especially pious act to take one into your house and support him in every way possible.

Here teachers are not to be the showman on stage that’s cool, hip, modern and full of energy. THey are not to be idols, flinging around their stuff to show how special they are!

D. To have a Heavy Responsibility

James is cautioning believers to recognize the weightiness of the teaching role.

Teaching isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about a significant responsibility to handle God’s truth accurately.

Misleading others in doctrine or practice can have profound spiritual consequences, so James is urging discernment and a sober mind before taking on the role.

Matthew 12:36–37 ““But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.””

The most seemingly insignificant sin—even a slip of the tongue—carries the full potential of all hell's evil (cf. Jas_3:6). No infraction against God's holiness is a trifling thing, and each person will ultimately give account of such indiscretion.

Nothing indicates a bad tree more truly than the bad fruit of speech (Mat_12:33, Mat_12:35).

The poisonous snakes were known by their poisonous mouths revealing evil hearts (Mat_12:34; cf. Luk_6:45). God judges a person by his words, because they reveal the state of his heart. As we’ve seen last week.

A teacher’s heart needs to be filled with the things of God. And be aware of their responsibility, to not say anything careless.

E. Awareness of Judgement

James's phrase “knowing that we will be judged with greater strictness” serves as a reminder that teaching God’s word places one under a unique level of divine scrutiny. - It’s like being the kid in the front row of the class where the teacher ALWAYS looks.

This isn’t to discourage teachers but to ensure they understand the gravity of leading others in faith.

Teachers are accountable not just to their listeners but ultimately to God, which demands humility and careful consideration.

F. The Impact on Others

1 Timothy 4:16 “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”

Charles Spurgeon emphasised that teaching has a profound impact on others' faith journeys.

Teaching is, therefore, a “sacred trust,” as Spurgeon would say, and James’s words serve to warn potential teachers that the souls of their listeners are at stake.

A teacher’s words, interpretations, and character can build up or tear down, leading others either closer to God or further away.

This awareness calls for a deep commitment to truth and integrity.

Are you willing and able to take up that responsibility? Are you willing to commit on this deep level? Is almost James’ question.

To those here today with a desire to teach, ask yourselve this question too. Are you willing to live with the integrity and commitment required of you to be a Godly Teacher?

G. Application: Having a Heart of Service, Not Status

Do not... become.. knowing...

Unlike the Rabbis and status seeking teachers. We are called to serve.

James’s caution implies that the call to teach should be seen as a form of humble service rather than a means to gain status or influence.

True teachers are those with a servant’s heart, not seeking personal gain but rather the spiritual good of others.

This aligns with James’s broader teachings on humility, cautioning against seeking roles for self-advancement.

II. The Responsibility of Caring for Others

A. Pastoral Compassion Amidst Correction:

James’s frequent use of the affectionate phrase “my brothers” (or “my brothers and sisters” in some translations) reflects his pastoral(shepherding) heart and compassionate approach to his readers, even as he addresses challenging topics.

This tone of care and familial warmth helps soften the weight of his words and demonstrates his deep love and commitment to the community of believers.

Even though he addresses serious issues like judgment, the dangers of teaching, and the misuse of the tongue, he does so in a way that emphasizes his love for them.

This affectionate address helps him connect with his readers, showing that his words come from a heart of concern rather than condemnation.

As Teachers we would all at times need to address correcting, and challenging topics. But we need to have the same compassion as James had.

Having concern, rather than condemnation

B. James’s Relational Authority

Just because James was in ‘Authority’ and have very evident ‘power’ in his teachings. He approaches the reader as equals.

Similar to Paul often introducing himself as a fellow ‘bondservant’

By calling them “my brothers,” he reminds them that he is not speaking as a distant authority but as a fellow believer who shares in their struggles and goals.

This brotherly address suggests that James himself is subject to the same standards and that he cares deeply about their spiritual well-being.

By addressing them as equals, he signals that he, too, is under God’s judgment and subject to the same standards.

C. Encouragement for a Faithful Community:

Sinclair Ferguson highlight that James’s term “my brothers” is a reminder that the Christian faith is lived out in a community, and within this community, members support and exhort one another.

By calling them his brothers, James emphasizes the importance of mutual accountability and encouragement within the church family, especially as they pursue holiness together.

Hebrews 10:24–25 “And let us consider how to stimulate

(paroxusmós - to stir up = a sharpening of a knife to cut = stimulating or inciting someone to do something.)

...one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

The Writer of Hebrews Further warns

Hebrews 10:26–27 “For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries.”

Also Strengthened in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore, comfort one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”

III. The Responsibility of God’s Calling

A. The Authoritative (Elevated) Role of a teacher

With all of that said. We do see that a teacher does still have an elevated role.

The Greek term διδάσκαλοι (didaskaloi) here is plural, referring to those who take on the role of teachers. In this case, the term strongly implies those who serve in an authoritative role of teaching or instructing within the community.

Hebrews 13:17 “Obey your leaders and submit to them—for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account—so that they will do this with joy and not with groaning, for this would be unprofitable for you.”

It should not be the motive or drive for any person. But the reality is that it is still.

The warning issued by James suggests a caution towards those who would aspire to this role, possibly due to the potential influence and responsibility they wield in guiding others.

Historical Context

In the early Christian community, the role of a teacher carried significant weight and authority.

Teachers were often looked up to for guidance in doctrinal understanding and moral instruction.

In Jewish tradition and early Christian communities, teachers (like rabbis) were considered leaders, responsible for upholding and transmitting the truth.

The historical emphasis is not simply on the act of teaching in general but on the authority and responsibility that comes with teaching in a communal or spiritual leadership context.

That is why God gave us in 2 seperate lists the qualifications of elders/teachers

B. God Calls Teachers

Ephesians 4:11–12 “And He Himself gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ,”

Also in 1 Corinthians 12:28 .

Teachers could be:

Pastor / Teacher

Other Elders

Small Group Leaders

Ministry Leaders

Youth Leader

Sunday School Leaders/Teachers

God Calls Teachers, Are you called?

Matthew 9:35–38 “And Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. And seeing the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. “Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.””

Sadly we are bombarded with deciete of pursuing of wealth, ‘Making a Living’ our futures, our families, our successes. Pursuing our desires and dreams

Matthew 6:24 ““No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”

Application

Where are the people being sent out?

Are there people among you called to go?

Where are the people in this church with the desire to teach?

1 Timothy 3:1 “It is a trustworthy saying: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work.”

If you are not one already, who here has the desire? If so why aren’t you following it.

This verse is not an excuse to run away from teaching but rather part of the tools to prepare you for it!

If you are called - Known by an inner desire. 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 John 15:16 Jeremiah 1:5.

Will you be like Isaiah 6:8 and answer God’s call. “Whom shall I send...”?

C. Application - James is not Scaring people away from Teaching. But rather enforcing the seriousness of using your tongue in teaching

In this passage, James is specifically addressing authoritative teachers. And warning them.

The Lessons though could apply to any form of Teaching.

There is a more general sense of teaching. Just because not many should become 'authoritative' teachers. Doesn't mean you shouldn't teach.

James' warning is by no means to scare people away from teaching one another and making disciples. Instead its a caution to those who would like to or currently is in a formal role of teaching.

We are all called to teach

Matthew 28:19–20 ““Go therefore and make disciples (Not converts) of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to keep all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.””

Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with gratefulness in your hearts to God.”

Hebrews 5:12–14 “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern both good and evil.”

IV. The Responsibility of Greater Accountability

A. We will recieve a Stricter Judgment

Greater Accountability for Leading Others:

Teachers of the Bible hold significant influence, and their words can either bring people closer to God or mislead them.

Thus, God judges teachers with greater scrutiny because their teachings affect the spiritual direction and growth of others.

Consequences of False or Careless Teaching:

This stricter judgment can mean that teachers who handle Scripture carelessly, twist the truth, or teach false doctrines may be more severely disciplined by God.

Jesus Himself emphasized this in passages like Matthew 18:6, where He warned that leading others into sin carries serious consequences.

Matthew 18:6 “but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depth of the sea.”

Infact in Luke 17:1 Luke says that causing people to stumble are bound to come. Teachers responsibility is realy realy great

Personal Responsibility to Practice What Is Taught:

Teaching God’s word requires that one live in alignment with it.

Teachers are expected not only to speak truthfully but also to model a life of obedience and faith.

A failure to live up to this standard reflects poorly on the gospel and can damage the credibility of the message.

Thus, teachers who fall into hypocrisy may face stricter discipline.

Paul took this so serious:

1 Corinthians 9:27 “but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”

A Judgment Based on Intentions and Faithfulness:

Some scholars suggest that this stricter judgment involves God examining the intentions, heart, and motivations of teachers.

Faithfulness to the truth, humility, and a genuine desire to honor God are essential qualities for teachers; failing in these areas may bring God's rebuke.

This stricter Judgment is:

Present Accountability before people

Accountability before God

Matthew 12:36–37 ““But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.””

Present Discipline - harsher than those not teaching

For genuine Christian teachers, many scholars emphasize that God’s judgment in this context is more about discipline than condemnation. Hebrews 12:6 speaks of God disciplining those He loves, a concept applied here to mean that Christian teachers are held to a higher standard, with God correcting them when they fail, often through conviction, difficult lessons, or even public correction. This view emphasizes that teachers who truly belong to Christ are not under eternal condemnation (Romans 8:1), but they do face stricter divine discipline due to their influence.

The Teachers Eternal Reward will reflect the faithfulness of his teaching

Acts 20:26–27 ““Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all. “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.”

B. We stumble in Many ways

The truth that no one is exempt in regard to the dangers of the tongue and other forms of sin against God.

The writer of Proverbs asks rhetorically, “Who can say, ‘I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin’?” (Prov. 20:9),

The chronicler states emphatically that “there is no man who does not sin” (2 Chron. 6:36),

Paul’s well-known and oft-quoted statement that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23)

John’s that “if we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8; cf. v. 10).

This is a call to Humility

Recognizing that "we all stumble" guards against self-righteousness and reminds teachers that they, too, are flawed and susceptible to sin.

A Reminder of the universal struggle with sin

This is a caution against self-reliance

By admitting our tendency to “stumble in many ways,” James cautions against overconfidence in one’s abilities or knowledge, particularly for teachers who may be prone to pride. This awareness should lead to a deeper dependence on God and a constant prayer for wisdom and discernment.

The Need for a Spirit of Repentance:

Recognizing their own imperfections should lead teachers and believers to repentance, knowing that God’s grace is sufficient even in their weaknesses. This stance fosters an ongoing journey of growth, humility, and dependence on God’s mercy.

An Emphasis on God’s Grace in Our Weakness:

While stumbling is inevitable, it’s God’s grace that sustains believers and enables them to grow. For teachers, this is a reminder that God’s grace must be at the center of their ministry and that only through His strength can they fulfill their calling effectively.

Conclusion

Because we stumble in many ways. Having the right tools to study the Word of God, and teach it effectively is extremely important. If you are interested in learning how to study the Bible please come talk to me, or any of the deacons to see how we can organize a way for everyone to learn.

Thinking about James's warning, we realize the great responsibility that comes with being a teacher. For those who are already teaching, let this serve as a reminder to approach your role with humility, integrity, and a sincere desire to honor God. May it encourage you to align your words and actions, knowing that you have a significant influence on others' spiritual journeys.

For those who wish to teach, see this as a call to prepare earnestly. Understand that teaching isn't just about sharing knowledge; it's about living the truth you teach. Let this inspire you to grow personally and spiritually, so you're ready to guide others faithfully.

And for all believers, whether you're a teacher or not, remember that we're all given the privilege of sharing God's truth in our daily lives. We're called to "make disciples of all nations... teaching them to obey everything [Jesus has] commanded" (Matthew 28:19–20). Let's embrace this shared responsibility with reverence and joy, committed to serving one another and reaching out to those who need God's love.

May we all strive to fulfill our roles diligently, ensuring that in everything we teach and do, we reflect the heart and character of Christ.

Amen.