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.