Practical Christian Wisdom from the New Testament Book of James

Taming the Tongue (James 3:1-12)  

Verse 1: “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1 NIV). 

All disciples are to be teachers, for Jesus commanded us, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV). All of us must be careful about hypocrisy, for we do not want to be numbered among those, who “say, and do not” (Matthew 23:3 NIV). But, the special gift and office of a teacher, as in “pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11 NIV), should not be assumed lightly. “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded” (Luke 12:48 NIV). Greater blessing will come to that teacher; but, greater judgment will also come against that teacher for misuse of that gift. 

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