In the Lord’s church, the teaching of God’s Word is paramount. It is by sound instruction that faith is born, nurtured, and sustained. The apostle Paul declared, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Preaching and teaching are, therefore, essential to the spiritual health of the church. Yet, while this is a noble and necessary work, it is also very much a work not to be entered into lightly. At the start of a section of scripture detailing the dangers associated with the use of the tongue, James issued a solemn warning: “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment” (Jas. 3:1). Teaching, in all its many forms, is a weighty responsibility. Let us briefly consider what Scripture reveals concerning the role of the teacher and some of the many concepts connected with this area of study.
Relationship – The Influence of Teachers
James addressed his readers as “brethren,” emphasizing the familial nature of the church. Yet even within the family of God, not all roles are the same. While there is a sense in which all Christians are called to proclaim the truth (1 Pet. 2:9), there is a unique level of authority and influence granted to those who become teachers.
A teacher has the power to shape minds and direct hearts. Whether standing before a class, speaking from the pulpit, or mentoring someone one-on-one, a teacher becomes a spiritual guide. As such, they will either lead souls toward truth and salvation or into error and ruin. Paul warned Timothy to “pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching,” noting how adherence to Christ’s doctrine would save his listeners as well as himself (1 Tim. 4:16, NASB). By contrast, Jesus warned of the Pharisees who, though claiming to be spiritually upright teachers, were “blind leaders of the blind” (Matt. 15:14). The one who teaches must be keenly aware of how closely their words may be followed by their listeners.
Risk – The Potential to Mislead
James also cautioned, “we shall receive a stricter judgment.” He includes himself among the teachers, acknowledging both the necessity of the work and the increased accountability that accompanies it. To presume to speak on God’s behalf is not a light thing; it is to place oneself under not only the scrutiny of human judgment, but also divine. Paul wrote that those who pervert the gospel are “accursed” (Gal. 1:6-9). Jesus warned that anyone who “causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin” would be better off drowned in the sea with a millstone around his neck (Matt. 18:6). The use of such vivid imagery underlines the spiritual danger posed by careless or corrupt teaching.
What’s more, teaching is not only about doctrinal correctness; it is also about character. Hypocrisy in a teacher can undermine the truth as surely as false doctrine. One of the reasons Jesus rebuked the scribes and Pharisees was because “they say, and do not do” (Matt. 23:3). Those who teach must practice what they preach, or else risk becoming a stumbling block to others (Rom. 2:21-24).
Reverence – The Need for Preparation
James’ meaning is not that the faithful shouldn’t teach, rather he issues a warning against presumptuousness. Let a teacher’s attitude be one of caution and reverence rather than overconfidence. The immature cannot well promote the development of saints in the body of Christ (Eph. 4:11-13). Ezra serves as a powerful example. He taught Israel only after he had first “prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it” (Ezra 7:10). In the same fashion, a teacher today must not rush into the role hastily.
Since teaching is such a serious responsibility, it must be approached with prayer, study, and humility. Teaching well requires much more than just knowing Scripture, it requires us to handle it in a responsible and accurate way. The teacher must “be diligent to present [himself] approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Sound teaching may not always meet with man’s approval, but it is not man’s approval that we are after.
Reason – The Motivation to Teach
Teaching is not about showing off knowledge or intellect. It is not about wielding authority over others. It is about humbly guiding souls and building them up in the truth. Peter instructed elders to shepherd the flock “not for dishonest gain, but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Pet. 5:2-3). Paul described his ministry as one driven by “the love of Christ” (2 Cor. 5:14). The Lord taught “many things” because of His compassion for the multitudes who lacked good guidance (Mark 6:34). A faithful teacher is driven not by pride, but always by love—love for God, love for the truth, and a love for souls. This same spirit should govern all who teach, in both informal and formal settings.
Closing
James 3:1 stands as a sobering reminder to all who would teach in the Lord’s church. It is a necessary role, but one that must be approached with reverence, caution, and prayerful dependence on God. Yet, for those who undertake it faithfully, the reward is great. Paul told the Thessalonians that they were his “joy and crown” in the presence of the Lord (1 Thess. 2:19-20). Let us, therefore, give thanks for the faithful men and women who teach God’s Word with conviction and care. And as we are among them, let us remember the sacred trust we carry.