James 3, Want t o be a Teacher
James 3
March 25, 2007
Intro: Remember what was said in the previous chapter; It’s NOT our words BUT our works that validate (justify) our salvation or what has occurred within you.
A- If you recall: It’s not Faith and Works, It’s not Faith or Works, It is Faith that Works that gives you an assurance of your salvation.
1- You can give lip service, as many do, BUT it’s leg
service that confirms your heart.
James 2:18, But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works (impossible), and I will show you my faith by my works.
Ø NOW, in what seems to be a complete about face, James goes into the relationship of Faith and Words.
A- On the surface it seems that he is about to run over what he has just said in Chapter 2.
1- BUT NOTICE: When it comes to our speech, the evidence of faith is more about what we DON”T say than what we do say.
Proverbs 10:19, In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.
a- Ever thought: wish I didn’t say that, if only I could take back what I said, I shouldn’t have participated in THAT conversation.
b- TONIGHT we see how to avoid those frustrations, at least keep them to a minimum.
Ø The foundation of what James has to say was 1st laid by his ½ brother Jesus Christ.
Read Matthew 12:33-37
A- So be careful what you say, check those idle words BECAUSE:
1- 1st Words reveal your heart.
2- 2nd Words lead to deeds.
a- Everything I’ve done I’ve:
- Thought about it
2 Corinthians 10:5, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
- Then I’ve talked about it
Ephesians 4:19, who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
- Then I’ve acted upon it.
James 1:14-15, But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
Ø SO, on this subject of scrutinizing speech who is to be the most accountable, who should be the prime examples TEACHERS.
James 3:1, My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.
A- “Stricter Judgment” = A closter scrutinization of what is said.
1- This being the case what do I look for when considering someone to teach from this pulpit?
a- As the responsible leader of this church I look for 4 basic things.
#1- A call or gifting in this area.
1- If not gifted then not called if not called then find something else to do.
a- A essential as gifting and calling are the next 3 areas will disqualify a person.
#2- Next, Integrity, Biblical adherence, and Character are
considered.
2- Does your manner of life, what you do or what you say disqualify you from being a teacher.
a- Every preacher preaches a life that he can never life because we preach the example of Jesus Christ.
- But a determination must be made, is he reaching to that higher calling.
b- Biblical adherence goes without saying.
#3- Teaching is the ultimate in Spiritual leadership, SO:
3- You must do what you say the bible says to do.
a- You must be here to do it.
- Your life is the 1st and most important bible study people will perceive.
b- If you’re not here for the majority of bible studies and event THEN YOU’LL NOT BE ASKED TO TEACH.
#4- The biggest earmark of a teacher is someone who has a
GREATER desire to be a learner.
4- Your passion to learn should overshadow your desire to teach.
B- So, are you able to be more “strictly judged”?
1- When you come behind the pulpit you open your whole life before EVERYONE.
Jeremiah had a dilemma: Jeremiah 18:18, Then they said, “Come and let us devise plans against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come and let us attack him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.”
Charles Spurgen: If you could possibly do anything else DO IT.
Jeremiah tried: Jeremiah 20:7-12
1 Corinthians 9:16, For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!
2- To be a teacher of God’s word sincerity is not
enough YOU MUST BE RIGHT.
Read Verse 2
A- Even as no one is perfect it’s a mature person who has self control.
1 Corinthians 9:27, But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
1- And what is the ultimate biblical sign of maturity.
a- Laying it all out on the line, setting your self up to
be the fool, making yourself vulnerable AND
TEACH.
Hebrews 5:12-14
Ø So, Verses 1 & 2, why do they only apply to the sanctuary and not the Children’s Ministry class room???
#1- Unfortunately we’ve had to compromise or we’d not have
enough teachers.
#2- The greater influence in a home is the adult.
#3- Your not going to receive that “Stricture Judgment” in the 3
year old class.
1- You will where ever it is that you teach God’s word.
Ø James now illustrates.
Read Verses 3-6
A- So Christian, whoever you are, how are you going to use
your speech???
1- Are you going to use it to DIRECT.
Verses 3-4
2- Or are you going to use it to DESTROY.
Verse 5-6
To DIRECT: Romans 10:8-13
TO DESTROY: Mark 3:28-30, “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”— because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.”
B- But as far as believer within the church let me ask you:
1- Do you user you tongue for praying or preying.
a- There’s PRAYING, truly interceding for the brethren and unbeliever speaking to God for their edification.
b- Then there is PREYING, a Spiritually veiled gossip session that starts a destructive fire.
- There is only one instant where the tongue and fire are used in a good context.
Acts 2:3-4, Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
2- Another thing, are you finding that people are always gossiping to you?
Proverbs 26:20-22, Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife. The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.
a- The damage done in this matter?
- A person becomes, in the eyes of others, what is said about them when they are not around.
· Do you want to see people properly???
Mark 8:24-25, And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.” Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly.
Read Verses 7-12
A- This is according to your own ability to tame; CAN’T BE DONE.
1- According to your own ability the flesh will always leak out.
a- The antidote: (based upon V:11)
2 Kings 2:19-22
Colossians 4:6, Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
- Salt purifies and makes one thirsty for water (word).
Read Verses 13-15
Proverbs 14:3, In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, But the lips of the wise will preserve them.
A- Weather it’s TEACHING, CONVERSATION, or the SHARING OF INFORMANTION concerning someone else.
1- How do we know what is right and proper.
a- I guarantee if you run it through this filter you’ll be fine:
THE FILTER = Verses 16-17
Ø So got a problem with gossip or damaging speech? Three things to remember when confronted with the problem person.
#1- Pray in the Spirit (only acceptable combo of fire and tongue
is the Holy Spirit).
#2- Don’t answer (Throw no wood on the fire)
a- I’ve found and blank stare to be most effective.
#3- Add Salt (Go to the Word of God)
Read Verse 18
James 3
March 25, 2007
James 2:18
Proverbs 10:19
Matthew 12:33-37
2 Corinthians 10:5
Ephesians 4:19
James 1:14-15
Jeremiah 18:18
Jeremiah 20:7-12
1 Corinthians 9:16
1 Corinthians 9:27
Hebrews 5:12-14
Romans 10:8-13
Mark 3:28-30
Acts 2:3-4
Proverbs 26:20-22
Mark 8:24-25
2 Kings 2:19-22
Colossians 4:6
Proverbs 14:3