What did he mean by a heavier judgment at james 3:1?

Question

JAMES 3:1 Not many of YOU should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment

Answer 1

“He that teaches, let him be at his teaching,” said Paul, “or he that exhorts, let him be at his exhortation.” Since a teacher stands as an instructor before others, they have a right to expect much of him. If an elder should err seriously in his teaching and this causes problems for fellow believers, he comes in line for judgment by God. Yes, teachers “shall receive heavier judgment.” (James 3:1, 2) So elders need to be serious students of God’s Word and must apply it in life. Then their Scriptural teaching, backed up by personal application, will be greatly appreciated by fellow believers. It will also shield the congregation from unwholesome influences, including apostasy.

Men who unselfishly sought to be overseers, qualified to teach others in the congregation, were “desirous of a fine work.” Obviously, therefore, it was not to discourage such men from becoming qualified to teach that the disciple James wrote: “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment.” Rather, these words emphasized the heavy responsibility that as a result comes upon teachers in the congregation. Evidently some had set themselves up as teachers, although not being appointed or qualifying as such.

The persons whom James had in mind were probably much like those of whom Paul wrote to Timothy: “Certain ones have been turned aside into idle talk, wanting to be teachers of law, but not perceiving either the things they are saying or the things about which they are making strong assertions.” (1Ti 1:6, 7) Evidently such men desired the prominence that came with being a teacher of fellow believers. But James placed matters in the right perspective by showing that more would be required of teachers in the congregation. They would have to render a more serious account than Christians generally.

Answer 2

Just that as teachers we shall be held to a higher standard. And as teachers the eyes of many shall be upon us. So we could be responsible, by our actions, for some believer not wanting to live for God anymore. There will be a penalty for our (as teachers) causing some to stumble. Thus the heavier judgement.

Answer 3

well, as a preacher, let me address that for you....

James Chap 3 is all about the tongue and how we use it. The tongue is a raging fire James says able to curse and bless. It is a tricky thing to tame. We need to watch what we say and be sure we have our right mind before we just go and lash out or run our mouths needlessly.

James uses this whole subject in connection with those who teach and lead others in the Word. We who lead others in the Scriptures need to be setting a good example for those who sit in our pews and listen to our teaching. Especially when it comes to our tongues.

Jesus said in Matthew Chap 10 that we will all give an account of every careless word we have uttered here on earth. So be careful what we do and say.

Paul makes reference in the 1st letter to the Corinthians that we who lead need to be on our toes when following Christ so we who have led many others to Christ will not be discredited on the day of Judgement.

The ones who have been called to lead an teach will be judged harder because we have an example to set for those who follow.

Hope that helps some

Jesus Loves You

Answer 4

James 3

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

This is what the KJV says

I take it to mean ruler or one in command. They have the greater accountability.

Answer 5

It means we will be held to a stricter standard of accountability for what we teach and how we live it.

A store clerk may get by with being a $ off in till.
The company CPA better have a catagory for everything.

Answer 6

He meant...
If you're a teacher people look up to you thinking you know all the answers. So if you mislead someone or lie you're not only responsible for yourself anymore, but for ruining someone else.

Matthew 18:6
Mark 9:42
Luke 17:2

Answer 7

Those who teach are expected to have a fuller understanding, and hence should be able to practice their faith more perfectly.

They will be judged accordingly.