Stay alert, test what you hear, and step back from what distorts truth

Keep listening without testing it, assuming small distortions do no harm

Let respected labels settle the matter without checking the message

React only when the problem becomes obvious and ignore early signs

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned and followed influences that pull me away from you. I turn from my sin and ask you to forgive me and make me new. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I confess you as Lord, and I ask you to guard my heart and lead my life. Amen.

Receive the Lord Who Guards Me

Lord, awaken your Church to watchfulness. Where we have grown careless, make us alert again. Give us humility to test every teaching, courage to reject what distorts your truth, and love that keeps us close to Jesus. Revive our discernment and make us faithful, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Wake Your Church to Discernment

Father, keep me alert to subtle influences that slowly pull my thoughts away from your truth. Help me notice what is harmful early, and give me strength to turn from it before it takes root, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Guard My Mind from Subtle Error

Name one voice, habit, or message that shapes you. Ask God to show whether it lines up with Jesus, to expose what is harmful, and to give you one wise next step.

Pray Before You Absorb a Message

Bring these to God: gratitude that Jesus warns his followers rather than leaving them unprotected; thanks for his care in naming subtle danger; praise for his desire to keep you close to the truth.

Grateful for a Warning That Protects

Pray for the people whose words shape you — pastors, teachers, family, and friends. Ask God to keep them humble, clear, and faithful, and ask him to make you teachable and discerning.

For the People Who Shape Me

ὁ{HO###HOH###(the)} δὲ{DE###DEH###but} Ἰησοῦς{ee-ee-SOOS###ee-ee-SOOS###Jesus} εἶπεν{EE-pen###EE-pehn###(He) said} αὐτοῖς·{af-TEES###ahf-TEES###to them} Ὁρᾶτε{ho-RA-te###hoh-RAH-teh###Watch} καὶ{KE###KEH###and} προσέχετε{pro-SE-khe-te###proh-SEH-kheh-teh###beware} ἀπὸ{a-PO###ah-POH###from} τῆς{TEES###TEES###the} ζύμης{ZEE-mees###ZEE-mees###leaven} τῶν{TON###TOHN###of the} Φαρισαίων{fa-ri-SE-on###fah-ri-SEH-ohn###Pharisees} καὶ{KE###KEH###and} Σαδδουκαίων.{sad-doo-KE-on###sahd-doo-KEH-ohn###Sadducees}

Matthew 16:6 — FormalTAB

More on this verse