A word to those who want to teach Gods Word

A word to those who want to teach the Word !!!

Don't just jump into this if God has not truly called you. And, if He has called you, please notice the important instruction here in James 3.

Essentially, he says to be very careful, and very aware. See James 3:1

He speaks to his brothers in Christ, and says, "let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we ( those who teach the Word ) shall receive a stricter judgement"

He goes on to talk about the tongue and it's power in the rest of the chapter. But, the statement he made about not many being teachers is apparently because of the simple fact, that teachers have to use their tongues when doing their ministry. And, the tongue is something that can be a great cause of stumbling and trouble.

We all stumble in many things he says. ( By the way, that's a comfort in some way, to know that we are not the only ones who stumble. We all stumble in many things and in many ways ) But, the tongue is something that if a man is able to not stumble in it's usage, then, he has been able to bridle his whole body.

We use bit's in horses mouths so we can control them. And on ships, even though they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they can be controlled by a very small device, known as a rudder.

The tongue is a very small part of our body, but it is so powerful. It can cause alot of problems.

But, back to the advice given. He is not saying don't follow God's will if He calls you to teach. He is saying, don't put yourself in that role if God has not called you to it. Reason being, you will be judged by a higher standard, you will have a greater accountability and the more condemnation.

The rest of this chapter is devoted to explaining the power of this very little part of our bodies. And, James also shows us that there are two kinds of wisdom. The wisdom that is from below, and the wisdom that comes down from God. Demonic Wisdom, or Divine Wisdom.

If you are called to teach, then by all means, follow God's calling. If your not sure if He has called you to teach, then you probably should consider what James is saying here.

Father, we need guidance to know what You want us to do. You not only call us to serve You, but You show us how to serve you, when and where to serve You. Thank You for that Lord. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promises

1. You do have a gift, or gifts from God.

2. He gave them to you to be used in serving Him.

3. He is telling us in James, be careful about appointing yourself to a teaching role

4. With opportunity comes responsibility.

5. By all means go for what God calls you to do.

6. Just be careful in doing it.

7. May God bless you in your service to Him.