How can we guard against false teachings as warned in Jeremiah 23:36?

The Warning in Jeremiah 23:36

“​But you must no longer refer to the burden of the LORD, because the burden is each man’s own word, and so you pervert the words of the living God, the LORD of Hosts, our God.” ( Jeremiah 23:36 )

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Why False Teaching Is So Dangerous

• It replaces God’s word with human opinion, turning “each man’s own word” into supposed revelation.

• It distorts the character of “the living God,” making Him say what He has not said (cf. Deuteronomy 4:2).

• It misleads hearts, drawing people away from the true gospel (Galatians 1:6–9).

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Practical Ways to Guard Our Hearts

• Stay saturated in Scripture

 • Read it daily (Psalm 1:2).

 • Memorize key passages that defend core doctrines (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

• Test every message

 • Compare teaching with the whole counsel of God (Acts 17:11).

 • Ask, “Does this exalt Christ and agree with Scripture?” (1 John 4:1–3).

• Watch the fruit of teachers

 • Sound doctrine produces godly living (Matthew 7:15–20).

 • Look for humility, integrity, and obedience to Christ.

• Guard your speech

 • Refuse to pass along speculative ideas (“no longer refer to the burden of the LORD”).

 • Speak only what the Bible clearly affirms (1 Peter 4:11).

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Cultivating Discernment Through the Word

1. Read context, not snippets—false teachers isolate verses.

2. Trace themes through both Testaments—truth is consistent.

3. Use trusted study helps that honor biblical authority.

4. Pray for the Spirit’s illumination (John 16:13).

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Staying Accountable in Community

• Gather regularly with a Bible-preaching church (Hebrews 10:24–25).

• Invite mature believers to challenge your understanding (Proverbs 27:17).

• Participate in small-group study where Scriptures are opened and applied together.

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Holding Fast to the Gospel of Christ

• Keep the cross and resurrection central (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

• Measure every teaching by how it treats grace versus works (Ephesians 2:8–9).

• Remember that Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).

By anchoring ourselves in God’s unchanging Word, testing every message, and walking closely with gospel-centered believers, we guard against the subtle perversions Jeremiah exposed and remain faithful to the living God.