James 3:2

"For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is. perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well."For" -The second reason for viewing the teachers role most seriously, is that no teacher is faultless. Even inspired teachers could set the wrong example or fail to live up to what they were teaching (Galatians 2:11). And non-inspired teachers are clearly not infallible."we all stumble in many ways" -"We" includes all teachers, but also probably meant to include all Christians. "Stumble"-to err, go astray, sin (2 Peter 1:10). "In many ways"-"in. number of things" (Bas). There are many areas in which teachers can sin. We can set the wrong example, our motivation can we selfish (1 Corinthians 13:1), we can exaggerate, needlessly offend, gossip and so on. Note that James includes himself as one who could stumble. It is clear that Christians, even Christian teachers are not sinless (1 John 1:8). In addition, since all Christians sin, those who become teachers (a task which has its own pitfalls and temptations), must be individuals who take upon themselves that task from the noblest of motives. Woods makes. good point when he says: "The fact that James includes himself among those who trip in this manner is no reflection on the inspiration which guarded his writings from all error. We must ever remember to distinguish between what the inspired penmen wrote under the direction of the Holy Spirit and their own personal and individual activity as. Christian. They had no more protection against the possibility of sinning---as Christians-than do we" (p. 159). Draper notes, "If we err once. day, that amounts to 20,000 times in fifty years" (p. 97)."If anyone does not stumble in what he says" -Note, James isn't saying, "If anyone does not stumble", rather, he is talking about. specific area, i.e., "in what he says". "If any one sins not in word" (ABUV). "he is. perfect man" -Not sinlessly perfect. The word perfect means, in. ethical and moral sense, mature, full grown,. well-rounded person (Matthew 5:48; James 1:4). Kent notes, "Anyone who can master the use of his tongue, so as not to fall into sin through angry words, misrepresentation, or falsehood, shows himself to be. mature man….In the spiritual life there is always room for further growth, and no one in this life reaches. state of sinlessness. Nevertheless, Scripture does speak of. level of maturity that is attainable and is expected of each believer (1 Peter 3:15; Hebrews 5:12; 2 Peter 1:5)" (p. 116). Carefully note that God's measuring stick for spiritual maturity INCLUDES the use of our tongues. People can memorize. good amount of Scripture and have. good grasp of many Biblical truths, and yet have an unbridled tongue (James 1:26).

Points To Note:

What James says here couldn't be more relevant for the church on the verge of the 21 st Century. The effectiveness of. local congregation can be brought to. stand still by the misuse of the tongue. We can needlessly turn people off from the truth by an arrogant presentation. We can be careless in our examination of certain subjects and create more confusion than understanding. And we can all be involved in fighting rumors and chasing gossip instead of converting the lost. We desperately need Christians who are dedicated to. wise and controlled use of the tongue."able to bridle the whole body as well" -"bridle"-"hold in check, restrain" (Thayer p. 664). "Thus the person who knows how to keep his speech under control reveals that he has sufficient maturity to control his other activities also" (Kent p. 116).

Points To Note:

1. We often tend to downplay the seriousness of evil speech. But controlling the tongue is just as important as controlling any other aspect of our lives. God has come down hard on verbal sins, just as any other sin (Proverbs 6:16; Revelation 21:8). 2. Barclay notes, "James is not for. moment saying that silence is better than speech. He is not pleading for. Trappist life, where speech is forbidden. What he is pleading for is the control of the tongue….Abstention from anything is never. complete substitute for control in the use of it. And James is not pleading for. cowardly silence, but for. wise use of speech" (p. 99). Before we move on, let's remember the advantages of being. teacher: Great personal growth, the teacher always learns more than the student. The great task of saving others (1 Timothy 4:16) of continuing the work of spreading the gospel (2 Timothy 2:2). Guiding others to God (Acts 8:31). Fulfilling. great responsibility (Hebrews 5:12); using your talents (Matthew 25:1), following in the footsteps of Jesus (Luke 19:10; 1 Corinthians 11:1).