Lord, the knowledge of your truth leads to godliness. As such, our faith rests on the hope of eternal life found only in you.

You do not lie as men lie. Rather you promised from the beginning of time that you would one day bring your light into the world. This light has come. His name is Jesus. He is the light of the world and the light of mankind. 

With regards to this light entrusted to us, you have called some to be leaders. A leader must be blameless, the spouse of one, a person whose children believe in the Lord and whose offspring are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since such individuals are entrusted with your work, each one must be blameless—not overbearing, arrogant, harsh, or puffed up with pride. They must not be quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, violence, or pursuing dishonest gain. 

Rather they must be hospitable, a person who loves what is good—is self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined in the ways of Christ and the Father. 

Each must hold firmly to the trustworthy message that has been taught from the beginning so that they can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

There are and always will be rebellious people, persuasive talkers, who seek to introduce new doctrines and traditions in order to deceive others. Such individuals deny the authority of Jesus’ words, teaching, and purpose for dying on a cross. By teaching things that should not be taught, they cheapen our Lord’s message of grace and mercy and in doing so ruin whole households. 

Lord, right here, right now, in the name of Jesus we cast out all such spirits from among us. If any cling to lying spirits, deny your truth, your words, and seek to call good that which is wicked, we ask that you rebuke such persons and remove them from our assembly. 

Lord, right here, right now, in the name of Jesus open our eyes to those among us who can be entrusted with your truth and help shepherd this flock. 

We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen and amen.