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BE NOT MANY MASTERS
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14
James 3:1-2

Romans 2:21-23

 

“Thou therefore
which teachest another,

teachest thou not thyself?…”

 

BE NOT MANY MASTERS
 
“My brethren” (James 3:1) indicates that James is addressing believers of Christ. Specifically, he is speaking to the masters or teachers. James warns them to make sure that their desire to teach is genuinely according to the Lord’s will, not merely their own. Calvin understands “masters” (James 3:1) to refer not only to those who perform public duties in the church, but also those who take upon themselves the right to pass judgment upon others. Such reprovers are masters of morals, and they are to be held accountable for their judgments.
 
The greater the condemnation: James was not discouraging the people from desiring to be teachers. Those who are genuinely called of God must follow God’s vocation for them. James’ purpose is to correct God’s people who do not accurately articulate the truth. He calls them not to desire to become teachers knowing that a greater condemnation is waiting for those who teach wrongly. James’ point here is that no believer should begin any form of teaching or sharing of God’s Word without a deep sense of the seriousness of this responsibility.
 
The more easily we offend: The word “offend” (James 3:2) has a primary meaning of stumbling against something. Figuratively in the New Testament, it means failing to do God’s will, such as to err or sin against God. The word “perfect” (teleios) has two possible meanings: absolute perfection or complete/mature. The latter is evidently what James means here. To “bridle” is to exercise close control over some function (i.e. exercise self-control). So James wants his readers to be careful about their speeches and not impart wrong doctrines to other brethren.
 
Dear reader, although we are all commissioned to teach, let us be careful with what words we teach, share, admonish or reprove others. To sin with the tongue when alone or with one or two other persons is terrible enough, but to sin with the tongue in public is far more terrible.
 
THOUGHT: Do I desire to be a “master”? Why?

PRAYER: Father, may I do only what Thou wantest me to do.

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