The Book of James Week Three Lesson Three

“Watch Out for the Fault Line”

“Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.”

 James 3:1-2

We’ve all had teachers who have either bored us to tears or moved us to learn. The role of a teacher is vital, especially those who teach God’s Word. As a Bible teacher myself I understand the importance of being a good and godly teacher to those who are Christians as well as those who are seeking to know more about Jesus. It is a role I do not take lightly. Teaching humbles me ~ oh boy does it humble me! Often I ask myself why did God put this desire in a person like me who messes up so much. I have to keep on my knees and remember its not about me, its about Jesus, who has charged me with the task of helping others understand the Bible and come into a closer walk with Him. I have so much to learn and even more reason to hold tight to Jesus. I stand in awe of the ultimate Teacher, my Lord Jesus.

Today’s lesson hits home. It raises my awareness of how much importance God places on His Word and how it is taught. The Bible warns against false teachers. It also reminds those who teach, who lead churches, or are in authority over others to check their egos at the door and humble themselves before the mighty hand of God.

 We must bow to Jesus as our Master and remain faithful in unswerving obedience.

Each Christian represents the Word of God to the world they live in. Our actions and words are often all some people see of Jesus. Even if you don’t stand over a congregation or a bible study, you are still held accountable for what your life teaches about Jesus.

Read James 3:1. How will teachers of God’s Word be judged?

In the history of the early church many of the apostles were always on the move and didn’t stay in one place for long. Their scope of ministry was the Church Body and helping start churches. After they set up the church in a town, appointed teachers and leaders, they left to plant another church. The teachers would teach the people the facts of the Gospel message. The role of the teacher was very important because of the impression they made on the people. Some teachers failed and became false teachers. 

They allowed the influence of the culture and pressures of society to creep into their messages. Not much different than some churches today. 

Read 1 Timothy 1:3-7. Who did Paul want Timothy to stop in the church at Ephesus?

What did these false teachers teach?

What was the purpose of Paul’s instruction in Ephesus?

Paul didn’t want his prodigy, Timothy, to allow the people in the Church at Ephesus to waste their time listening to things that took their focus of what really mattered, the Gospel message of new life in Christ. 

Church todays get off topic and onto other teachings, that appear to have importance and may well have a semblance of importance, distract from what is of ultimate importance ~ bringing people to know Jesus. This allows for false teachings and false preachers (and teachers) into positions of influence in the church.

Read 2 Timothy 4:3. What does the Apostle Paul warn Timothy about in this verse?

Can you think of things that people really want to hear as opposed to the true teachings of the Bible?

Here are some indicators of false teaching. Though this is not a complete list, hopefully it will help you in discerning who you should watch out for:

1. There are false teachers who place rocks in the baggage of religion. They turn the relationship with Christ Jesus into a burden by placing ritual and works about freedom found in Jesus. 

TRUTH:  In Christ Jesus we live in freedom.

2. There are false teachers who do not live what they teach. On the surface their words ring with a semblance of truth but under their teaching lies a life opposed to God. 

TRUTH: In Christ Jesus we live in Truth.

3. There are false teachers who teach that do not really know or understand what they teach. They are immature in their faith and do not spend time learning and praying. Often their teaching is filled with things the Bible doesn’t teach.

TRUTH: In Christ Jesus there is fellowship and learning in Him.

4. There are teachers who are afraid to offend and only teach a sugared version of the Bible. Like cotton candy, all fluffed up and pretty, it holds no last nourishment and leaves  people hungrier than before.

TRUTH: In Christ Jesus there is conviction and life-giving sustenance.

Just because a person isn’t preaching on stage or behind a pulpit on Sundays, they are not off the hook. Every believers is a teacher to some extent. We reflect who Jesus is to the world we live in. If we are parents, we teach our children about Jesus by our words and actions. If we have co-workers or employees we teach others about Jesus by how we conduct ourselves at work. So with that said let’s study the areas we must be so careful.

There are two important areas we should watch in our lives as believers as we live out our faith for our world to see:

1. Our opinions. Always teach God’s truth. Always use speak what we know about the Word of God and not something that sounds good when we tell other about Him. Keep it simple and direct the conversation back to the Good News of Jesus Christ.
2. Our actions. Live a godly life according to God’s truth. Treat others with God’s love and respect. Imitate the actions of Jesus. Love God, love others.

James reminds all who teach that we should never forget our responsibilities. Take a moment to think about your own life and how you influence those around you. Ask the Lord to help you be the best influence you can be in your world.

False teachers are very active in this world, even in our churches. We need to be very aware of the aspects of false teachers and be on guard. Remain in obedience to Jesus and in prayer and study of the Bible so that you can more easily recognize false teaching.

Read James 3:2. What does every person do?

What organ do we all have, if controlled, would lead us to live a godly life?

Have you heard the phrase, “Open mouth, insert foot”? My phrase should say, “Open mouth, change feet” sometimes. Do you know what I mean? If only my big foot would muffle my words, then I wouldn’t get into so much trouble. Seriously, its a common problem with all of us. We can create havoc with our mouths.

James gives two truths in the first two verses of James 3. They were and are part of Jewish thought, culture and scripture. So when he mentioned the “tongue” the people understood what he was talking about. He was reminding them of what they already knew, the tongue is a dangerous thing often leading us into sin and sin is what separates us from God. They made millions of sacrifices throughout the ages for the sins brought about by the sins of the tongue.

Two Truths from James

1. Sin is present in everyone’s lives. We all mess up. “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”

Read Galatians 3:22. Who is a prisoner of sin?

What is promised to those who place their hope through faith in Jesus?

We all sin and our only hope is found in placing our faith in Jesus as the only Redeemer. He alone makes a way for us to escape the inevitable result of sin that leads to death and total separation from God. He is our Holy Reprieve. God knows we are all sinners. However, just because we all sin doesn’t make it ok. God knows we can’t make it to Him without a redeemer so He gave us the perfect Redeemer ~ Jesus. 

2. Control the tongue. Keep your actions in check. “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.”

Whatever trips the switch that unleashes the tongue is a stumbling block to ourselves and those around us. Maybe you are better at holding your tongue that I am. James tells us that it is possible to do it. Through trust in Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit it is possible. When we control our words and allow His words to be spoken, our actions reflect Jesus.

Do you see? It is very difficult to hold your tongue on your own. The current is too strong. We are swept away by it. But, when we choose to walk with Jesus and remain obedient to Him, He gives us the words to say or not to say. All we have to do is ask Him. His Holy Spirit dwells within each believer and He is strong and can hold the flood waters back.

Read the following passages below that describe the tongue. Write out what you find in these passages:

Psalm 45:1

Psalm 52:2

Proverbs 12:18

Proverbs 15:15

Our words indicate not only our mental intelligence, but also the condition of our hearts toward Jesus. When we stumble, or strike our proverbial big toe against something that gets in our way, words can tumble out. Words that should not see the light of day spew forth. The sin of the mouth reflects the condition of the heart. 

Its our choice. What words are we going to allow to come out of our mouths? Are they words of hurt or words of healing? Are they words of godly correction directed by His Spirit, or are they words that cut and put down? Are they words of peace and praise of our Lord, or are they words they draw attention to our self-importance? 

Be careful what words you listen to and words you say. Be aware of the teaching at your church and teachers you may study under. By faith choose His words and actions over your own. Allow His Holy Spirit to direct your thoughts and speech. It’s a fault line. Watch out. Trust God and walk boldly on in your life.