“Why the stricter judgment?”

Sunday, January 22, 2017

The first verse of James 3 contains an interesting statement. “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.”  Why will teachers receive a stricter judgment? Here is a list of Biblical reasons why teachers of the gospel will be held to a higher standard.

1. Every word that is taught must have Biblical authority for it (I Pet. 4:11).

2. The gospel must be taught even when it is unpopular (II Tim. 4:2).

3. None of the teachings are to be mixed with man-made doctrines (Gal. 1:6-9).

4. Teaching must not be done for anterior (selfish) reasons (Phil. 1:15).

5. There is a risk of confusing the power of the gospel for the effectiveness of the speaker delivering the message (I Cor. 2:1-4).

6. Traditions of men are not to be confused with the gospel of Christ (Matt. 15:7-9).

7. Public teachers have wide influence and need to be careful about what they teach (Acts 18:24-26).

8. Being in such a position can go to a person’s head (Rom. 12:3).

9. One must guard against creating followers of men (I Cor. 1:12-17).

10. Teachers must choose their subjects wisely to avoid wasting time on foolish questions (II Tim. 2:23).

                                                                                               Chuck

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