A MASTERS DEGREE IN TEMPERANCE. (Part 3 of 3) The teacher is expected to consistently use his tongue for the edifying of others. A conflict of values presents itself when the tongue is employed for blessing God and for cursing men. James exhorts the brethren against such sharply contrasting usages of the tongue. The teacher in the assembly is expected to be a man of good doctrine and good conduct. His knowledge of the Word must be undergirded by sound deportment in word and deed. Such a person is fit for the didactic ministry. James warns against an attitude of envy and strife. A master should not entertain envy! Such an attitude contradicts the doctrine which he should be teaching and taints his impact on the assembly. Two forms of wisdom (ways of life) are contrasted in the text. The way of strife and envy is qualified as earthly, sensual and devilish. (vv 15) If persons seek the office of the teacher merely out of envy and a desire to be seen, their motives are not pure. James lists qualities characteristic of the heavenly way of life; i.e., the deportment of an individual who is led of the Spirit. Such are the qualities to strive for in one’s walk with the Lord. Thus, we can conclude that persons who are called to teach the flock of God must strive for mastery in their lives. This will require submission to the work of the Holy Spirit and as such necessitates prayer and diligent attention to the Word of truth. Whereas the power of sin still desires to exert mastery over the believer, the believer must understand and accept that victory over the flesh can only be sustained by walking in the Spirit. [Galatians 5:16] To walk in the Spirit means to walk as energized by the Holy Spirit and to walk as directed by the Holy Spirit. A great portion of the direction of the Holy Spirit is to be found in the written word of God. The Apostle Paul taught his young protégé Timothy that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” [2nd Timothy 3:16-17] The blessings of the Lord be with us as we strive for temperance. Shalom! Author: Bro. Fabian Banton E-mail: aim4clarity@gmail Authors Blog: aim4clarity.blogspot/ ***Weekend Retreat: Nov 22-24***
Posted on: Tue, 29 Oct 2013 15:02:53 +0000
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