Read James 3:1-18.

Here we are taught about the testing of our faith in how we use our ability to speak as we live out our faith in obedience to God.

Look at verse 1.

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers,

This is not a warning against becoming a teacher, but a warning that reminds us to be cautious.

What is the principle being taught here in this warning?  Do not be overeager to teach God’s word to others.  This is in keeping with what was taught in chapter 1, verses 19-21: believers are called to be quick to hear and slow to speak.   Being careful of a prideful attitude towards God and others in our response to God’s word.  First learning the word of God and meekly submitting to it is key to the righteousness of God that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is producing in us and in our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. [other scriptures pertaining to this humility we are called to have: Matthew 7:1-5; Galatians 5:22-26; Ephesians 4:1-3; Philippians 2:3; Colossians 3:12]

For more on what would impact teaching, in the context of James, there is 1:26, 27 (a warning to the person who thinks he is religious, but his religion is worthless) and 2:14-26 (the test of whether one has true faith) and 3:13-18 (works done in the wisdom of God).  Also, there is the warning against teaching without understanding in 1 Timothy 1:3-7.

for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

Who are the we who teach?  And how do they come into this role?

Those who have the official role in the church given by Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit:  Ephesians 4:1-16 (note: 7, 11); 2 Timothy 2:1,2, 14-17; 4:1-5; Titus 1:5-9;Titus 2:1-15

Why is that not many should become teachers?  Teachers of God’s word are judged with greater strictness.  Consider:

• They are charged with teaching the right understanding of the Word (2 Timothy 2:15; Titus 2:1) 
• Christ himself says that those who teach will not only be judged as to their own obedience, but also in that they teach others to obey all that God commands. (Matthew 5:19)
• An example of being judged with greater strictness is seen in the woes that Christ pronounces on the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23. 
• Judgement is implied as Paul charges Timothy to be a good servant of Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 4:6-16)
• The judgement on and warnings about false teachers: Jude 3,4, 14-16; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:14-19; Titus 1:10-11

What about those who are not called to the role of teacher in the church?  Are we off the hook?  Of course, we know we are not. 😊  This warning certainly applies to us who all teach in some way as mothers, children’s ministry teachers, sisters in Christ and so forth (Ephesians 4:15,16; Colossians 3:16; Titus 2:3-5). 

However, it can also apply to us as learners of God’s word who sit under the teachers our Lord has provided, as this warning implies that we study the scriptures to see if what they say is true as the Bereans did with Paul (Acts 17:10,11).  And that we pray for them (Ephesians 6:18-20).