James (W6D1) We All Stumble
Week 6. Monday: We All Stumble
PRAY: Ask God to speak to you from His Word.
READ: James 3:1-2
1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
UNDERSTAND: get a deeper understanding of the key words
Not many of you should become teachers: Teachers were very important in the early church. The early Christians were devoted to learning God’s word on a daily basis (Acts 2:42). Therefore, teaching God’s word is a high calling with much responsibility. Apparently James knew that there were some people who sought this role to gain status for the wrong reasons. Not everyone should fill this role.
Judged more strictly: Teaching God’s word is a serious task. It comes will a high level of accountability. A teacher can easily lead people astray if they are not carefully studying the word to ensure their teaching is correct. Therefore, teachers are judged more strictly by God and held to a higher standard.
We all stumble in many ways: James is pointing out the fact we are nowhere near perfect people. Since he uses the words “we” and “all” he is also referring himself.
Never at fault in what they say: James is not saying that we will actually be able to be perfect in everything we say. His point is that when we make an intentional effort to watch what we say, we may stumble less in other areas as well.
Able to keep their whole body in check: Words have more power than we realize. Our words reflect our heart (Matthew 12:34; 15:18). James is teaching us that our words have a big effect on all the other areas of our lives.
APPLY: What is this passage calling me to do?
Why do you think people who teach the Bible are judged more strictly?
If we were perfect in controlling our words, how would that impact other areas of our lives? What would be different or better?
PRAY: Ask God to help you use your words wisely.
