Based on the message by Chad Everett
OVERVIEW
In this message, Chad Everett teaches from Mark 13 and confronts one of the biggest challenges facing believers today: distraction, deception, and losing focus on what matters most.
The disciples asked Jesus about timelines and signs, but Jesus redirected them to something more important—how they should live. Instead of giving them dates, He gave them direction:
Take heed. Watch. Stay on mission.
We are living in a time where voices, opinions, media, and cultural narratives are constantly shaping how people think. But Jesus warns that deception does not always come through something obviously wrong—it often comes through distraction, drifting, and being led by the wrong voices.
Students are not exempt from this. What you follow will shape how you think, what you believe, and ultimately how you live.
Jesus makes it clear:
- Stay alert
- Stay grounded in truth
- Stay focused on the mission
The mission has not changed. The gospel must be preached.
This is not just for pastors or leaders. This is for every believer—including you.
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
Read → Respond → Reflect
- Start with the focus
● Open your Bible and read the Scripture
● Let God’s Word answer the questions
● Then allow it to shape how you live
This is not about information. This is about transformation.
SECTION 1 — TAKE HEED: DON’T BE DECEIVED
Focus
“Take heed that no one deceives you.”
READ
Mark 13:5, Colossians 2:8, 2 Timothy 3:16–17
RESPOND
- According to Mark 13:5, what is the first warning Jesus gives?
- In Colossians 2:8, what are believers warned not to be taken captive by?
- According to 2 Timothy 3:16–17, what role does Scripture play in your life?
- What does it look like in real life to be “led away” from truth?
- Where are students most likely to be influenced by voices that are not rooted in God’s Word?
REFLECT
- What is shaping my thinking the most right now?
● Do I know Scripture well enough to recognize deception?
● Where am I more influenced by culture than by God’s Word?
SECTION 2 — DISTRACTION LEADS TO DRIFTING
Focus
If you don’t pay attention to truth, you will drift from it.
READ
Hebrews 2:1, Psalm 1:1–2
RESPOND
- According to Hebrews 2:1, what happens if we don’t pay attention?
- In Psalm 1:1–2, what does a person rooted in God’s Word prioritize?
- What are common distractions in student life that pull you away from truth?
- Why are distractions dangerous even when they are not sinful?
- How does constant content (social media, podcasts, trends) shape beliefs?
REFLECT
- Where is my attention going every day?
● What do I give the most time to—God’s Word or content?
● What is one distraction I need to limit this week?
SECTION 3 — WATCH: STAY SPIRITUALLY ALERT
Focus
Be alert. Be aware. Be ready.
READ
Mark 13:9, Mark 13:33, 1 Peter 5:8
RESPOND
- According to Mark 13:33, what does Jesus tell us to do?
- In 1 Peter 5:8, how are we instructed to live?
- What does it look like to be spiritually alert in everyday life?
- Why is it dangerous to be passive or unaware spiritually?
- What are signs that someone is spiritually “asleep” or disengaged?
REFLECT
- Am I spiritually alert or just going through the motions?
● Do I take responsibility for my own walk with God?
● What needs to change for me to become more aware of God?
SECTION 4 — WHAT SHAPES YOUR VIEW?
Focus
Your perspective must be shaped by Scripture, not culture.
READ
Romans 12:2, Isaiah 55:8–9, Psalm 119:105
RESPOND
- According to Romans 12:2, how is your thinking transformed?
- What do Isaiah 55:8–9 reveal about God’s perspective compared to ours?
- In Psalm 119:105, how does God’s Word guide your life?
- What are the main voices shaping student culture right now?
- Why is it dangerous to build your beliefs on opinions instead of Scripture?
REFLECT
- What is shaping my opinions and worldview?
● Do I filter what I hear through Scripture?
● Where do I need to renew my thinking?
SECTION 5 — STAY ON MISSION
Focus
“The gospel must first be preached to all nations.”
READ
Mark 13:10, Matthew 28:19–20, Romans 10:14–15
RESPOND
- According to Mark 13:10, what must happen before the end?
- In Matthew 28:19–20, who is called to make disciples?
- According to Romans 10:14–15, why is sharing the gospel necessary?
- What are some real ways students can share Jesus in their everyday lives?
- What keeps students from stepping into this mission?
REFLECT
- Do I see myself as someone sent by Jesus?
● Who in my life needs to hear the gospel?
● What is one step I can take this week to share Jesus?
UNIFIED PRACTICE FOR THE WEEK
A Mission Mindset: Take Heed, Watch, and Stay on Mission
This week is not about just learning more.
It is about living on mission.
STEP 1 — CHECK YOUR SOURCE
READ
Mark 13:5
ASK
● What is shaping my thinking right now?
● Am I going to God’s Word first?
DO THIS
Spend intentional time in Scripture every day this week.
STEP 2 — CUT DISTRACTION
READ
Hebrews 2:1
ASK
● What is distracting me from God?
● What do I need to step back from?
DO THIS
Limit one distraction and replace it with time in the Word.
STEP 3 — STAY ALERT
READ
Mark 13:33
ASK
● Am I aware of what God is doing?
● Am I spiritually engaged or passive?
DO THIS
Pause during your day and invite God into your thoughts.
STEP 4 — LIVE ON MISSION
READ
Matthew 28:19–20
ASK
● Who can I share Jesus with this week?
● Where has God already placed me on mission?
DO THIS
Have one intentional conversation about Jesus.
STEP 5 — REFLECT WITH GOD
ASK
● Where did I grow this week?
● Where did I stay focused—or get distracted?
● Did I step into the mission?
Take time to thank God for what He is doing in you.
FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT
This is not a passive faith.
You are called to:
- Take heed so you are not deceived
● Stay alert so you are not distracted
● Stay on mission so others can know Jesus
The question is not:
“What is happening in the world?”
The question is:
“Am I living on mission for Jesus?”