Preached by Pastor Mike Hess Sunday morning 01/31/2010.
The Power of Words – With Teaching
James 3:1-2a
I. The Caution (James 3:1a)
“They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplace and being called rabbi by others.” Matthew 23:5-7
“Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment . What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed and in that I rejoice.”
Philippians 1:15-18
Groups of people who should NOT be teaching:
1. The unsaved
2. The unfaithful
3. The ungodly
4. The untested – “He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.” 1 Timothy 3:6
“He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” Titus 1:9
II. The Responsibility (James 3:1b-2a)
“Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” Luke 12:48
“So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:10
“Who can say, “I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin”?” Proverbs 20:9
So what is your responsibility to those who teach you the Word?
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Hebrews 13:17
Closing Thoughts:
1. What are you doing right now to teach others about Christ? Who are you mentoring? Who are you influencing for the cause of Christ?
2. Be sure to show appreciation to those who teach the Word to you – encourage them, pray for them and be a joy to them.
