How can we ensure our teachings align with God's Word, not human interpretation? Setting the Scene: Jeremiah 8:8 “ ‘How can you say, “We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us,” when in fact the lying pen of the scribes has produced a deception?’ ” The Issue Exposed • Judah’s leaders claimed wisdom because they possessed God’s Law, yet their scribes twisted it. • God condemns them for substituting human revisions for divine revelation. Principle One: Submit to the Text, Don’t Edit It Jeremiah’s warning reminds us: possessing Scripture is not enough; fidelity demands we refuse to tinker with it. • Deuteronomy 4:2 — “Do not add to or subtract from…” • Revelation 22:18-19 echoes the same prohibition. • Application: teach verse-by-verse whenever possible, letting the passage shape the message rather than searching for verses to support pre-decided ideas. Principle Two: Let Scripture Interpret Scripture • 2 Peter 1:20-21 — prophecy is not a matter of one’s own interpretation; the Spirit authored it. • Psalm 119:160 — “The entirety of Your word is truth.” Practical steps: 1. Compare parallel passages (e.g., Gospels, Chronicles/Kings). 2. Trace themes across covenants (promise-fulfillment). 3. Keep difficult verses within the flow of the chapter and book. Principle Three: Handle the Word Accurately • 2 Timothy 2:15 — “Be diligent… rightly dividing the word of truth.” Key habits: - Study original context: author, audience, genre. - Note grammar and keywords (even a single verb tense can matter). - Check reputable lexicons; avoid speculative meanings. Principle Four: Test Every Teaching • Acts 17:11 — Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true.” Checklist for discernment: - Does it align with the plain reading of the passage? - Is it confirmed by at least two or three other texts? (2 Corinthians 13:1) - Does it exalt Christ and uphold the gospel? (Galatians 1:8-9) Principle Five: Guard Against Tradition Over Scripture • Matthew 15:6-9 — traditions can “nullify the word of God.” • 1 Corinthians 4:6 — “Do not go beyond what is written.” Action points: - Examine cherished denominational distinctives in light of clear passages. - Be willing to reform practices when Scripture corrects them. Principle Six: Depend on the Holy Spirit • John 16:13 — the Spirit “will guide you into all truth.” • 1 John 2:27 — His anointing teaches you; remain in Him. Cultivate: - Prayerful study, asking the Spirit to illuminate. - Humble submission: if conviction arises, change course immediately. Principle Seven: Live the Word You Teach • James 1:22 — “Be doers of the word, not hearers only.” Authentic living protects against distortion because: - Hypocrisy breeds rationalization; obedience keeps motives pure. - A transformed life validates the message (Titus 2:7-8). Takeaway Jeremiah 8:8 warns that even religious leaders can mislead when human pens override God’s voice. Anchor every teaching in the plain, contextual meaning of Scripture, cross-check with the whole counsel of God, and lean on the Spirit’s guidance. In this way our words remain His words, and His truth shines undimmed. |
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