How can we ensure our teachings align with God's truth like Baruch's? The Scene in Jeremiah 36:17 “Then they asked Baruch, ‘Tell us, please, how did you write all these words? Was it at Jeremiah’s dictation?’” Key Traits Behind Baruch’s Accuracy • He wrote only what God had spoken through Jeremiah, nothing more and nothing less • He accepted the task with humility, allowing the prophet’s words—not his own opinions—to fill the scroll • He trusted the divine origin and authority of every syllable Principles for Keeping Our Teaching True • Submission to Scripture – 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is God-breathed … so that the man of God may be complete” – Deuteronomy 4:2: Do not add or subtract • Dependence on the Spirit – John 16:13: the Spirit of truth guides into all truth – 1 Corinthians 2:12-13: words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words • Accuracy before Eloquence – Proverbs 30:5-6: every word of God is flawless; adding to it proves one a liar – James 3:1: teachers face stricter judgment, so precision matters more than polish Practices That Safeguard Faithfulness • Read, reread, and internalize the passage before speaking on it • Trace the flow of thought—context, grammar, and original intent first, application second • Cross-reference parallel passages; allow Scripture to interpret Scripture • Use reliable translations and, when possible, consult the original languages • Test every point against the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) • Welcome honest review from mature believers who love the Word (Proverbs 27:17) • Avoid speculation; if the text is silent, stay silent • Keep Christ at the center—every promise finds its Yes in Him (2 Corinthians 1:20) Living Out the Example • Like Baruch, embrace a servant mindset, content to relay God’s message rather than craft a personal brand • Cultivate daily exposure to the Word so that teaching flows from overflow, not scarcity (Colossians 3:16) • Encourage fellow believers to verify teaching against Scripture, echoing the Bereans of Acts 17:11 • Remember that faithfulness in the quiet disciplines—copying, studying, meditating—prepares hearts for any public assignment The Goal Teaching that mirrors Baruch’s devotion will echo God’s own words, carry His authority, and bear fruit that endures. |
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