Focal Scripture, James 1-5
Focal Scripture: James 3:1 “Not many should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we will receive a stricter judgment.”
Being called to preach and teach is one of the greatest privileges a person can receive. It is also one of the most daunting and paralyzing privliges because of the expectations that are placed on that position. I can’t speak for other preachers, but I can speak for myself on this topic in very precise language. Whenever I teach or preach I carry a weight that mentally, physically, and spiritually overwhelms me in a good way. It is a weight of the reality that souls hang in the balance of the words that come out of my mouth. A reality that God has chosen me to speak to people in their time of need. Then an overwhelming sense of just how inadequate I am to preach the gospel to other people. Ascending to the sacred desk is a task I never want to get comfortable with in my life.
In today’s reading James the half brother of Jesus walks the people through a masterclass of faith and works working together. He also explains how a persons tongue has both the power of life and death. As he is speaking about the tongue he reminds everyone that not everyone should become teachers. Why? Because teachers and preachers will receive a stricter judgement. This means everything that is said will be examined. Every sentence and illustration. The heart behind the message. The time spent in preparation. The tone behind the words spoken to God’s people. Teachers will give an account.
You might think this sounds negative but it is actually a positive statement. God cares about his word. He also cares about his people. Because of this fact he wants preachers and teachers to know that they will be held accountable. They will have to give an account to God himself for everything that involves the ministry of the word. As a believer that should encourage you and give you peace that bad preachers and teachers will have to answer for what they say.
I know over the last few days we have went over pastoral qualifications and expectations. We have even discussed the message to be preached. Now we are examining the judgement that they will face. Good preachers know their limitations. They also know they must rely on God to have any success in the preaching of the word. If you listen to a preacher who is not overwhelmed with the task of preaching they are in a dangerous place.
I know that is an absolute statement and I intend it to be taken that seriously. Preaching is a battle between heaven and hell. Preaching is a battle for souls. Preaching is discipleship and worship. Preaching is an advancement of the gospel. Yet, God has chosen preaching as his way to evangelize and teach the people.
Have high expectations and pray for the men who deliver Gods message. They must be humble and dependent upon the Lord. The pulpit is no place for arrogant or conceited men. It’s a place for people who want to make Jesus famous. Everything that’s done is to the glory of God and his good.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 1 Peter 1-5
