The Power of Persuasion

“This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.” — Galatians 5:8-9 (NASB 1995)

Sermon Reflection
 
Persuasion, by itself, isn’t evil; it’s neutral. The danger lies in who is persuading and where they’re leading you. Paul warns the Galatians that not every influence dressed in spiritual language comes from God. Some voices build your faith, while others blind it.
A faithful persuasion will draw you closer to obedience, humility, and truth. A false persuasion will nudge you softly, subtly away from grace and back into bondage.
Paul’s imagery of leaven reminds us that corruption rarely shouts; it spreads quietly. A little falsehood, a little pride, a little compromise can soon contaminate the entire body. The church must therefore discern: is this voice leading us to Christ or just to comfort?
Faithful teachers are stewards, not performers. They preach the Word, not themselves. They build faith on the Cross, not charisma. And we, as believers, must guard both our hearts and our church from the subtle contamination of worldly persuasion.

How I Should Respond
 
Ask yourself today: Who’s holding the steering wheel of my heart?
Persuasion begins with trust, so where am I placing mine? Am I being led by the Spirit through the Word, or by opinions, personalities, and trends that sound right but drift from Scripture?
When I listen, do I measure what I hear against the Word of God or just how it makes me feel?
Faithfulness isn’t flashy; it’s consistent obedience. Let my life reflect that kind of persuasion, the kind that convinces others to love Jesus more deeply, not to look at me more highly.

Weekly Prayer
 
Father, thank You for calling me into truth and for guarding my heart through Your Spirit. Help me discern voices that don’t come from You. When the world tries to persuade me away from grace, remind me of Your Word and keep me anchored in the Gospel.
Make me faithful, not arrogant; devoted, not distracted.
May my words and influence draw others toward You, not away from You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Application for the Week
 
“Guard the Lump” — Five-Day Focus
 
Day 1 – Discern the Source
Read Galatians 5:8.
Ask: What influences shape my thinking most: Scripture, culture, or people? Write them down honestly.
Day 2 – Inspect the Motive
Read 2 Timothy 4:1-2.
Reflect on whether your words and actions persuade others toward Christ or toward yourself.
Day 3 – Clean the Leaven
Read 1 Corinthians 5:6-8.
Pray for purity in your heart and in your church community. Confess any “small compromises” you’ve been excusing.
Day 4 – Guard the Gate
Read Matthew 7:15-20.
Evaluate the voices you follow: preachers, friends, media. Do their fruit reflect Christ? If not, make a change.
Day 5 – Be a Faithful Steward
Read 1 Corinthians 4:1-2.
Commit to faithfulness over performance. Ask the Spirit to help you live with integrity even when no one is watching.

Final Thought
 
A little persuasion can either plant truth or poison it. One voice can shift your whole direction. So guard your heart, guard your ears, and keep your eyes fixed on the One who calls you. Because the same God who began the work in you will keep you if you let His truth be the loudest persuasion in your life.