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James 3:1
James gives instruction as he begins the third chapter of his letter to be cautious about becoming a teacher. During the beginnings of the Church there were many issues with false teachings from those who were eager for fame, fortune, and diluting the gospel with their own version. James goes on to give a warning that those who teach will be held accountable for those who follow their teaching. The Apostle Paul gives sound advice for being confident in the gospel in 2 Timothy 1:13-14 (NKJV) stating, “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.”
This is a warning for all who would desire to be teachers.
This is a promise that teachers will be held accountable for their teachings.
A passage of Scripture that God put in my heart several years ago is a backbone of the gift God has given me in teaching His word. The Apostle Paul states in Colossians 1:27-29, “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.” This passage of Scripture, along with passages such as todays passage in James 3:1, are the constant reminders to me that this is God’s work given and trusted to me, to share His word with others for the purpose that we may all grow to a better understanding of our relationship with God through salvation in Christ Jesus, and to lead people who do not know this to Christ so that He may also work through their lives. My hope and prayer is that this ministry will help you gain a better understanding of God’s word and draw closer to Him in your relationship with Him through salvation in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Dear LORD,
This Bible lesson today is for me, but it is also for every teacher of Your word to be sincere to You in the calling that You have given us. I pray for each pastor, priest, and Bible teacher to be sincerely open to Your guidance as You are the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through You (John 14:6). I pray that You will work through this ministry, and all ministries through Your Holy Spirit to bring people to a better understanding of our relationship with You that we would all grow in our relationships with You – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.