A Wise Man with Knowledge James 3:13

As James, the “servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ”, continued to share with the “twelve tribes scattered abroad” concerning the use of their “tongues”, he challenged them to consider whether a “fig tree bears olive berries” or “a vine figs”. In chapter three and verse thirteen of his letter, James asked a question concerning “a wise man and endued with knowledge” where we read:

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

The verse begins, “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? James began with the word, “Who” or “whether and which” “is a wise man” which means “skilled expert, cultivated and learned” ”and endued with knowledge” which means “intelligent, experienced and having the knowledge of an expert” “among you” or “with, in and by” James' readers. James desired to know who among the people were “skilled experts and learned people”.

The verse goes on to say, “let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.” James continued, “let him show out” or “expose, give evidence and proof by” “a good conversation” which means “a beautiful, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing , precious, useful, suitable, commendable and admirable manner of life, conduct, behavior and deportment” “his works” or “business, employment and that which any one is occupied” “with meekness” which means “mildness of disposition and gentleness of spirit” “of wisdom” which refers to “a broad and full intelligence and knowledge in diverse matters”. James directed those who were “wise” and “endued with knowledge” among his readers to demonstrate those qualities in their every day living.

When we meditate upon these words of James, we are challenged to examine our own professions of “wisdom” and “knowledge” concerning spiritual things. In other words, does our “walk” align with our “talk”. As believers in Jesus Christ, our lives should manifest the proclamations we make, and lest people find us incredulous, let us allow the Holy Spirit of God to convict us when our “words” do not match our “actions” and “gentleness of spirit” doesn't align with our demeanor.

Next time James shares about “envying and strife”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Figs, Olives, Vines and Fountains James 3:12

James spent a large section of his letter describing the destructive nature of the “tongue”. Though it is a small member of our bodies, it has great impact upon our surroundings. Not only are others affected by our words, but we are stricken as well. In chapter three and verse twelve of his letter, James used “figs, olives, vines and fountains” to demonstrate how our speech should be. We read:

Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs?

so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

The verse begins, “Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs?” James began with the word, “Can” or “is it able and does it have power whether by virtue of it's own ability and resources or state of mind or favorable circumstances or permission of law or custom and is it capable” “the fig tree” which means “the tree bearing the fig fruit”, “my brethren” which refers to “James' fellow believers who are united to another by the bond of affection in Christ”, “bear” or “make, produce, construct, form or fashion” “olive berries” which means “the fruit of an olive tree”? “Either” or “else, nor or than” “a vine” which refers to “a vine which coils around a support” “figs” or “the ripe fruit of a fig tree”. James asked his readers to consider whether “fig trees” bring forth “olives”.

The verse goes on to say, “so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.” James continued, “so can no” or “in this manner no one or not any” “fountain” which means “a spring or well fed by a spring” “both yield” or “make, cause, make ready, prepare, produce, shoot forth, acquire and provide a thing” “salt water” which refers to “briny rivers, pools, deluges or water in any of the earth's repositories” “and fresh” or “sweet and not bitter” water. James concluded that “fountains” do not bring forth “sweet and bitter” water from the same source.

When we consider these words of James, we are reminded that our mouths are to be like “sweet flowing fountains” and bitterness should never be within them. This charge is difficult. We are prone to complain, argue, speak wickedly and spitefully with others, and thus must our “mouths” come under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Only with His help are we able to overcome “bitter” words which divide, separate and alienate us from others. May we fully understand James' exhortation and submit ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit of God who is able to do what we shall never carry out.

Next time James refers to “a wise man and endued with knowledge”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

A Sweet and Bitter Fountain James 3:11

James continued to share with his readers concerning the power of the “tongue” and the destruction it can bring. Among the examples James' used to describe how small things move great objects were “the horse's bits”, “the ship's rudder”, and a “little fire”. In chapter three and verse eleven of his letter, James asked how a “fountain” could send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter”? We read:

Does a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

The verse begins, “Does a fountain send forth at the same place...” James began with the words, “Does a fountain” or “whether at all and perchance a spring or well fed by a spring” “send forth” which means “abound, gush forth and teem with juices ” “at the same” or “within itself” “place” which refers to “a hole through which one can see, an opening or an aperture ”. James caused his readers to consider the water that comes from an opening in a “fountain” or “spring”.

The verse goes on to say, “...sweet water and bitter?” James added, “sweet water” which means “not sour or without salt” “and bitter” or “harsh and virulent”. James knew his readers would easily know the answer to this question as “fountains” either produce “sweet or bitter” waters but not both at the same time.

When we think through these words of James, we are reminded that our mouths are like a “fountain”, and our words like water flowing. As the “fountain” sends forth either “sweet” or “bitter” water and not the two combined, thus must our “mouths” be. Only by submitting to the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord will our “mouths” be brought under control that we might pour forth “sweet” words rather than “harsh and virulent” ones. May the Holy Spirit convict us in the area of speaking, and may we learn to speak as Jesus desires to everyone we encountered.

Next time James refers to a “fig tree” and a “vine”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Speaking Blessings and Cursing James 3:10

As James, the “servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ”, wrote to the “twelve tribes scattered abroad”, he had much to say about the power within the “tongue”. He likened it to a horse's bridle, a ship's helm and a small flame, and unlike the “tamed” “beasts and sea creatures”, the “tongue could no man tame” because “it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison”. In chapter three and verse ten of his letter, James continued to share how “blessing God” and “cursing men” “proceeds” from the same mouth where we read:

Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing.

My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

The verse begins, “Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing.” James began with the words, “Out of the same” or “from, by and with the person's own” “mouth” which refers to “the opening in the face where the thoughts of a man's soul finds verbal utterance” “proceeds” which means “comes or goes forth and departs” “blessing” or “praise, laudation, panegyric of Christ or God; polished language and fine discourse” “and cursing” or “execration, imprecation and penalty”. James sets forth the idea of “blessing and cursing” coming from the same person's voice.

The verse continues, “My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” James added, “My brethren” which refers to “James' fellow believers who were united to another by the bond of affection and in Christ”, “these things” which refers to “the idea that blessing and cursing come from the same mouth” “ought not” or “does not need or is not necessary” “so to be” which means “to happen, come to pass, become or come into existence”. James makes this point clear – there should not be “blessing and cursing” coming from the same “mouth”.

When we meditate upon these words of James, we understand his exhortation for our mouths not to “bless and curse” at the same time. We must turn our speech over to the Lord Jesus who has promised to “guide us into all truth” according to and through His Holy Spirit. James knew his readers were involved in these wayward practices, and he desired for them to disallow this in their lives. May God Almighty through His Holy Spirit remind us when we attempt to “bless” and “curse” at the same time, and like unto the “fountain” that brings forth “sweet” water, let our words bring life and peace to those with whom we have to do.

Next time James refers to a “fountain” that produces “sweet and bitter” water, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Blessing God and Cursing Men James 3:9

James shared an entire discourse with his readers concerning the “offensive nature” of the “tongue”. He employed examples of horses' “bridles”, ships' “rudders” and a small flame to demonstrate how powerful the “little” tongue can be. Though “wild beasts” and “sea creatures” have been “tamed” by people, “the tongue can no man tame”, and in chapter three and verse nine of his letter, James shared how with the same tongue people “bless God” and “curse men” where we read:

Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men,

which are made after the similitude of God.

The verse begins, “Therewith bless we God, even the Father;” James began with the word, “Therewith” which means “by, with and through the same” “bless” or “praise, celebrate and consecrate with solemn prayers” “we God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”, “even” or “and, indeed and also” “the Father” which refers to “the generator, transmitter and originator of family and society of persons”. James referred to the way he and his readers “praise, celebrate and consecrate with solemn prayers” God Almighty our Heavenly Father.

The verse goes on to say, “...and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.” James continued, “and therewith” or “by, with and through the same” “curse we” which means “doom, execrate and imprecate evil upon” “men” or “human beings whether male or female”, “which are made” which means “become or come into existence, happen, arise and appear in history as though coming upon the stage” “after the similitude” or “down from, through out, according to, toward and along likeness, assimilation and resemblance” “of God” who is “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. James told his readers they used the same “tongue” to “praise, celebrate and consecrate with solemn prayers to” God, but then used it to “doom, execrate and imprecate evil upon” people whom God created after His image.

When we think through these words of James, we may be convicted in our spirits concerning the use of our words. Do we give praise and glory unto God with one breath and “curse” other people with the next? Do we exalt the Lord Jesus and condemn others with our words? James' exhortation and conclusion is that we do both with our “tongues”, and the implication is that this verbalization should be far from us. Let us humble ourselves before the Lord Jesus as we consider our words, ask Him to convict us before we speak disparagingly of others, and show us how to give “glory” to God while “blessing” those with whom we have to do.

Next time James shares about “blessing and cursing” coming from “the same mouth”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Tongue Can No Man Tame James 3:8

James, the “servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ”, shared with “the twelve tribes scattered abroad” concerning the destructive nature of the “tongue”. He shared how “every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed of mankind”, and in chapter three and verse eight of his letter he declared “the tongue can no man tame” where we read:

But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

The verse begins, “But the tongue can no man tame;” James began with the word, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was previously stated, “the tongue” or “the small member of the body used as an organ of speech” “can no man” which refers to “human beings whether male or female” “tame” which means “curbed, restrained and brought under control”. James, in contrast to all the beasts and creatures that can be brought under control, proclaimed that the “tongue” is beyond the ability to restrain.

The verse goes on to say, “it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” James added, “it is an unruly” or “unrestrained and out of control” “evil” which means “bad, wrong, wickedness, troublesome, injurious, pernicious, destructive and baneful”, “full of deadly” which means “replete with that which brings or bears death, fatal” “poison” or “rust, venom, reviling, calumniating and injuring others”. James' conclusion was the core makeup of the “tongue” was to proclaim “unrestrained wickedness” like a “life threatening venom”.

When we think through these words of James, we should concur with his insightful conclusion concerning the “tongue”. When we are honest with ourselves, all of us have said things we regret. Jesus knows this, and He loves us still. Our “tongues” can do much damage to relationships, and if this is our current situation perhaps daunting memories of “words” either spoken to or heard from others penetrate our minds. If so, we should bring all our utterances, both past and present, before the altar of God, allow Him to cleanse us with His Holy Spirit who is able to “tame” our “tongues” which is far along from our own capabilities.

Next time James shares how we “bless God” and “curse men” with our tongues, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Tamed Beasts James 3:7

As James, the “servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ”, continued to share with his readers about how inflammatory words can be, he referred to “bits in horses' mouths” and the “small helm” of “ships” to describe how little items can turn about large ones. So it is with the tongue, and in chapter three and verse seven of his letter, James begins to show how “beasts” can be “tamed”, but not so the tongue where we read:

For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents,

and of things in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed of mankind:

The verse begins, “For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents,...” James began with the words, “For every kind” which means “because, even and indeed each, any, all, the whole and everyone of the sum of the properties and power by which one differs from others and are distinctive with native peculiarities” “of beasts” or “animals which are dangerous, venomous, savage and wild”, “and of birds” which refers to “flying and winged birds”, “and of serpents” which means “creeping reptiles which is used chiefly of snakes”. James referred to the different creatures for his example of the the unbridled tongue.

The verse goes on to say, “...and of things in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed of mankind:” James continued, “and of things in the sea” which refers to “marine creatures”, “is tamed” or “curbed, restrained and brought under control”, “and has been tamed” or “curbed, restrained and brought under control” “of mankind” which refers to “human beings whether male or female”. James included “sea creatures” in his example of how animals and created beings are “brought under control” by people.

When we think through these words of James, we understand how he is beginning yet another example of the manner in which the “tongue” causes so much damage. Animals and creatures of all kinds have been “tamed” by their trainers, and whether they are fierce lions, killer whales or domestic animals, we marvel at the control they abide by under their master's commands. Jesus Christ desires for us to use our “tongues” beneficially, and we are to “bless” people with them. As we consider the “taming” of animals, sea creatures and wild beasts, let us allow the Lord Jesus to “tame” our tongues to be useful in His kingdom.

Next time James shares how no one can “tame the tongue”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Tongue is a Fire James 3:6

When the people from the “twelve tribes scattered abroad” read the exhortations concerning the “tongue” from James, the “servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ”, they knew how the “tongue”, though small, could do a huge amount of damage. James used “bits in horses' mouths, small helms in ships, and a small flame that starts a huge fire” to show the power within the “tongue”, and in chapter three and verse six of his letter, James clearly shared how “the tongue is a fire” where we read:

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

The verse begins, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body,...” James began with the words, “and the tongue” which refers to “the small member of the body used as an organ of speech, language or dialect” “is a fire” or “fiery fire or lightning”, “a world” which means “the adorning and aggregate or general collection of particulars of any sort” “of iniquity” or “injustice, unrighteousness of the heart and life”: “so is the tongue” or “the same is the small member of the body used as an organ of speech, language or dialect” “among our members” which refers to “in, by and with the limbs or parts of the body”, “that it defiles” which means “stains and spots” “the whole body” or “completely and all of the physical members in which people live”.

The verse continues, “...and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” James added, “and sets on fire” which means “ignites and operates destructively with a most pernicious power” “the course” or “circuit of physical effects” “of nature” which refers to “the source, origin, birth and nativity for existence and life”; “and it is set on fire” which means “is ignited and operates destructively with a most pernicious power” “of hell” which refers to “Gehenna which is a fit symbol of the wicked and their future destruction”.

When we meditate upon these words of James, we see how destructive our “tongues” may be. A loose and unbridled “tongue” “spoils” our entire walk with the Lord Jesus Christ, and when we use it unwisely, we upset the natural “course” of the source and origin for which were we destined. Rather than leading people to a relationship with Jesus Christ, we can turn them away from Him and His Salvation. May the Lord Jesus through His Holy Spirit convict us when we begin to use our mouths destructively, and may He rather use our “tongues” to share His glorious gospel with everyone we encounter.

Next time James shares how every “beast” has been “tamed”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Little Tongue Boasting James 3:5

As James, the “servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ”, told the people within the “twelve tribes scattered abroad” they were not to be “many masters” because they would receive “the greater condemnation”, and he used “bits” in “horses mouths” and the “very small helm” of “ships” to describe how small items move great objects. In chapter three and verse five of his letter, James shared how the “tongue” is also “a little member” that “boasts great things” where we read:

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things.

Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles!

The verse begins, “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things.” James began with the words, “Even so” or “also, indeed, likewise, in the same manner and thus” “the tongue” which is “the small member of the body used as an organ of speech” “a little member” which means “a smaller, lesser and tiny part of the body”, “and boasts great things” which refers to “bearing one's self loftily in speech or action”. James concluded that the “tongue”, though it is a very small part within the body, is prone to “brag and speak loftily” about “things” said and done.

The verse goes on to say, “Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles!” James continued, “Behold” or “lo, look and see”, “how great” or “big and large” “a matter” which means “forest, felled wood and fuel” “a little” or “small, few and slight” “fire” which refers to “fiery fire or lightning” “kindles” or “lights up and inflames”. James noted how a “small flame” is able to start a “blazing forest fire”

When we consider these words of James, we notice in the same way “bits” move “horses” and “little helms” turn about great “ships”, so our tongue has great power to “boast” and proclaim lofty things. Our “tongues” are powerful tools, and they must be put under the submission of Jesus Christ when we profess our faith and trust in Him. We only have to look around today to realize how “powerful” words can be, and if we are to be used by Jesus to share His gospel, we must allow Him to control what we say and when we say it lest we cause a “raging fire” that only serves to destroy.

Next time James shares how the “tongue is a fire”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Helm of Ships James 3:4

As the people read the letter from James, they were exhorted to not “be many masters” because they would “receive the greater condemnation”. James used the “bits” in “horses' mouths” to describe how a small “bridle” could move an entire horse, and in chapter three and verse four of his letter, James employed the example of “a very small helm” in a “ship” to demonstrate the power of the tongue where we read:

Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor lists.

The verse begins, “Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds,...” James began with the word, “Behold” or “lo, look and see” “also the ships” which were “sailing vessels”, “which though they be” or “exist and present themselves” “so great” which means “of large size and bulk”, “and are driven” or “carried, propelled and sail” “of fierce winds” which refers to “harsh, rough, stiff, violent, stern and intolerable agitations and streams of air”. James desired for his readers to recall how huge “ships” are “propelled” by strong and agitating “winds”.

The verse goes on to say, “...yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor lists.” James added, “yet are they turned about”which means “the ships are transferred, lead over and directed by” a very small helm” which refers to “a least in size rudder and blade of an oar”, “whithersoever” which means “wherever and whither” “the governor” or “the steersman and helmsman” “lists” which is an old English word meaning “purposes, desires and wills deliberately”. Though “ships” are often large in size, they can be easily “directed” by a small “rudder or oar”.

When we consider these words of James, we see another example of the way such a small devise has a huge impact upon a larger body. Horses are turned about with bits, ships are directed by their rudders, and tongues affect the entire body of a person and the way they are perceived. Jesus Christ desires that we have a relationship with Him, and when we do, He affects change in everything in our lives including our tongues. As we reflect upon this idea, may God Almighty and His Son Jesus help us to know the importance of taming our little tongue.

Next time James shares how the “tongue is a little member, and boast great things”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Horses Turns by Bits James 3:3

The people within the “twelve tribes scattered abroad” were instructed by James not to “be many masters” because they would be held to a greater “condemnation”. He declared how “in many things we offend all” and that “if any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man” who is able to “bridle the whole body”. In chapter three and verse three of his letter, James used “bits” in “horses' mouths” as an example of the offensive tongue where we read:

Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths,

that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

The verse begins, “Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths,...” James began with the word, “Behold” or “lo, look and see”, “we put bits” or “bridles” “in the horses' mouths” which refers to “the mouths of horses”. James desires for his readers to think about putting “bridles” in “horses' mouths” which are small devises that help to guide the horse.

The verse goes on to say, “...that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.” James added, “that they may obey us” which means “so the horses are able to be persuaded, induced and complied with”; “and we turn about” or “transfer, lead and direct” “their whole body” which means “completely and all of the body of the horse”. “Horses” are “turned about and directed” by the small “bridles” which are placed in their mouths.

When we think through these words of James, we can visualize the effect that a “small bridle” has upon a large horse. With the rider's slight pull on the reigns a horse will turn to the left or the right and can be made to gallop or halt. In like kind, the “tongue”, though it is small, is able to “build up” or “tear down” others, and as servants of Jesus Christ, we should realize the power that is within it. More people have been caused to “abhor” Christianity and the church because of an “offensive tongue”, and if we understand the importance of James' illustration, we will be reminded just how powerful unbridled tongues are.

Next time James uses the example of “ships” and “rudders”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Be Not Many Masters James 3:1

As we concluded the second chapter of James' letter to the people within the “twelve tribes scattered abroad”, he repeated the idea “faith without works is dead”. In chapter three and verse one of his letter, James turned his attention toward those who would be “masters” where we read:

My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

The verse begins, “My brethren, be not many masters,...” James began with the words, “My brethren” or “James' fellow believers who were united to each other by the bond of affection in Christ”, “be not many” which means “do not be plenteous, abundant and mostly” “masters” which refers to “teachers or those who in the religious assemblies of the Christians undertaking the work of teaching”. James exhorted his readers not to be “teachers” in abundant numbers.

The verse goes on to say, “...knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.” James continued with the word, “knowing” or “perceiving, noticing, discerning and discovering” “that we shall receive” which means “take, lay hold of, claim and procure” “the greater” or “more, larger and stronger” “condemnation” which refers to “decree, judgment and the penal punishment with which one is sentenced”. James' reason for exhorting them not to be numerous “teachers” was because “teachers” or “masters” were to “encounter” a greater “judgment” than their students.

When we meditate upon these words of James, we may hesitate to be instructors in the church. “Masters” or “teachers” are held to a higher standard than their students. Students may not know the material presented to them, but by the very fact they are “teaching”, “teachers” indite themselves that they do. Jesus Christ calls people to be “teachers”, and He is able to equip them with the knowledge and wisdom necessary to “instruct” others. If we aspire to be a “master” or “teacher” of God's word, let us survey the gravity of that desire and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance knowing our pending judgment lies ahead.

Next time James shares concerning “offending all”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.