(1) 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, because you know that we will be judged more strictly.
(PNTC) We can understand, then, why James might have to admonish believers about seeking too eagerly the role of teacher... Too many were seeking the status of teacher without the necessary moral (and perhaps also intellectual) qualifications
3:2 For we all stumble in many ways. If someone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect individual, able to control the entire body as well
(PNTC) teachers, because their ministry involves speech, the hardest of all parts of the body to control, expose themselves to greater danger of judgment. Their constant use of the tongue means they can sin very easily, leading others astray at the same time.
(PNTC) teachers, because their ministry involves speech, the hardest of all parts of the body to control, expose themselves to greater danger of judgment. Their constant use of the tongue means they can sin very easily, leading others astray at the same time.
When we undertake to guide others in the faith, we must be especially careful to exhibit the fruit of that faith by the way we live
Reflection: When we, teachers, stand in front of a class we have great responsibility. The more we speak the more we need God. What can we bring to the students?
In the audience of James, many people in the church wanted to be teachers and therefore he gave this teaching. I was reminded of my conversation with Mike yesterday. I told him how he could improve his children's message. I thought it was too complicated and hard to absorb by children in 5-7 minutes. He told me that I need to watch out for what I said. He is right. I was too proud because I thought I was a seasoned teacher and started to criticize on others.
In the audience of James, many people in the church wanted to be teachers and therefore he gave this teaching. I was reminded of my conversation with Mike yesterday. I told him how he could improve his children's message. I thought it was too complicated and hard to absorb by children in 5-7 minutes. He told me that I need to watch out for what I said. He is right. I was too proud because I thought I was a seasoned teacher and started to criticize on others.
(2) 3:3 And if we put bits into the mouths of horses to get them to obey us, then we guide their entire bodies.
3:4 Look at ships too: Though they are so large and driven by harsh winds, they are steered by a tiny rudder wherever the pilot’s inclination directs
(PNTC) as the bit determines the direction of the horse, so the tongue can determine the destiny of the individual. Believers who exercise careful control of the tongue are able also to direct their whole life in its proper, divinely charted course: they are “perfect” (v. 2). But when that tongue is not restrained, small though it is, the rest of the body is likely to be uncontrolled and undisciplined also
Reflection: Our life was guided by our speeches. At least, what kind of people will become our friends and spouses may be greatly attributed to what we said. Who will like you? Probably due to what you usually talk about. Another reason to watch out for our tongues.
(3) v.6b It pollutes the entire body and sets fire to the course of human existence—and is set on fire by hell.
(PNTC) The power of Satan himself, the chief denizen of hell, gives to the tongue its great destructive potential
(4) 3:10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. These things should not be so, my brothers and sisters
(PNTC) Christians who have been transformed by the Spirit of God should manifest the wholeness and purity of the heart in consistency and purity of speech.
Audrey
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