James 3:1

Committed to teaching -- James 3:1: James begins this chapter by saying, "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." (James 3:1) It was not the wish of James to discourage any who might have been qualified to teach God's word and who had the desire to so do. It was only that he knew that a small number of well-qualified and faithful teachers could do more good, than many could do who are unqualified or unfaithful. He also knew that a much more severe judgment awaited those who would be teachers of Gods' word.

The teaching of James 3:1 is similar to the words of Jesus in Matthew 23:7. He said these Jews loved, "greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi." Many who desire to be teachers lack the true wisdom to be a public teacher of God's word. Multitudes who claim to be teachers of the Law of Liberty are, in fact, the great corrupters of Christianity. Paul described those who, "desired to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm." (1 Timothy 1:7) False teachers do untold damage. It is no wonder that they will receive a more severe judgment.