The Book Of James Pt. 29 Avoiding The Sin Of Pride

 James chapter three has two main sections and both connect to things he taught us in chapter one. For example, the first part of James 3 connects back to being slow to speak (James 1:19). 

The second half of this chapter connects back to asking God for heaven's wisdom to guide and direct our lives (James 1:5).

Do not rush to be a teacher. Wait on the Lord's leading. 

James 3:1  My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 

The main idea is that we are warned not to be in a hurry to be a teacher or rabbi. This directly flows from the previous chapter's instruction about faith without works being dead faith. 

In other words, just because someone makes a profession of faith in Jesus Christ, does not make them fit to be a teacher. In fact, it would be disastrous for a Christian to listen to a teacher whose faith is dead. 

Therefore, new believers are warned about assuming the office of a teacher from their own will, rather than by the leading of God's Spirit. Many wish to be teachers when they actually have much more to learn themselves. 

Those who do so, abuse the office of a teacher and will be judged for misleading other Christians. Be not many masters or teachers, because we may not be qualified and our teaching will lead others astray. 

When we seek to teach not having a full, mature knowledge of the things of God, then we may sin by teaching that which is not true. 

We shall be judged because in many things we all stumble, and it is implied that teachers are in danger of greater condemnation, because it is almost impossible to govern our tongue completely.

A novice is not ready for teaching or leadership. 

1 Timothy 3:6  Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

The Holy Spirit guided Paul to list the qualifications for being an elder, bishop or leader in the church. It is noteworthy that those seeking a leadership role, or to be teachers, must not be novices. 

A novice is a new convert to Christ, a neophyte in the faith. They are not ready to assume responsibility for others because they have so much to learn about themselves and how to walk with God. 

A novice is easily filled with pride and can fall into condemnation. This is exactly the same truth James is teaching us. 

Knowledge can make us self conceited, even arrogant. 

1 Corinthians 8:1-3  Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. 2)  And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 3)  But if any man love God, the same is known of him. 

A new believer should begin to experience spiritual growth, and the Spirit of God illuminates the heart and mind. However, gaining such knowledge from God is often accompanied by pride. 

Paul uses the word "puffeth up" which pictures a blowfish that inflates itself when a predator approaches, making it hard to swallow. Being puffed up with knowledge is like the sin of pride. 

We have no knowledge of Divine truth except that which God shows us, and therefore, we must be humbled not proud. 

Knowledge can puff up our minds with conceit and we can become a spiritual "know it all" who judges other people instead of helping them learn how God wants us to live. 

Paul tells us what is truly important. If a Christian loves God, his life will reflect that love in his thoughts, words and actions to others. 

Remember our failures so that we are less apt to judge others. 

James 3:2  For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 

This verse connects back to a man who professes faith in Christ, but his tongue is ungoverned. His religion is false because it has no fruit (James 1:26).  This man offends in word, just as a novice teacher is going to lead his hearers astray.

The idea that we offend all in many things, means that if we thought more about our own failures and times that we dishonored God, we would be less ready to judge someone else. 

James tells us that if any Christian grows in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, and teaches God's truth rightly, he has matured in his faith. He has learned the doctrines and duties of the scriptures, and he has sought to live by these truths.  

1 Corinthians 14:26  How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

Paul had to deal with many church discipline issues at Corinth. They were puffed up and everyone sought to have a prominent gift, like teaching, prophesying or speaking in tongues. This resulted in chaos in the church body. People became followers of men (Apollos, Cephas or Paul) instead of following hard after Jesus Christ. 

Notice the apostle's description of this church. Everyone had a psalm, a doctrine, a new revelation or interpretation that they claimed was from God. This caused great divisions and jealous strife within the church. 

This is the same truth James wants us to grasp so that our church is known for truth and the love of God rather than schisms. 

Thoughts to Ponder...

The practical application of these truths is self evident.

First, we must be on guard against the sin of pride and the danger of becoming puffed up. 

Second, new believers in Christ must seek to become fully grounded in their faith and doctrine, so that God may use them at some point, to help others grow.

Third, our thoughts and words must be tethered to the scriptures. Our thoughts must be brought under captivity to Jesus Christ, so that we do not offend by judging others, while we ignore our own shortcomings. 

We must ask the Spirit of God to guide us and direct us in these endeavors. We must ask Him to open our eyes to scripture truths, and to give us the heart of Christ for others.

Bob