Springs Article 2021-10 (4)
Matthew 24:45-47
Matthew 24:48-51
Matthew 26:39-41
What does it mean to watch?
- It means to give (pay) attention!
- You can be looking and not watching
- Watching requires mental and spiritual engagement
- Proverbs 4:20-23
What is the opposite of watching?
- Sleeping, dozing, snoozing, being distracted
- It is difficult to watch effectively when you have a divided focus
- Matthew 6:22-23
What activities are involved in your ‘watching’ as a true believer?
- Bible study
- Prayer
- Fellowship with true believers (Church engagement)
- Faithfulness in quality service to the Lord
- Self-Control (Spiritual discipline)
- Abstinence from worldliness (idolatry and immorality)
- The watchful believer is a soldier on duty for the Lord
- 1 John 2:15-17, 2 Timothy 2:4
What are the evidences of not watching?
- Laziness and procrastination in spiritual things
- Lack of fellowship with true believers
- Poor quality service to the Lord in time, skills, money and energy
- Worldliness and materialism
- Alcoholism and immodest dressing
- Unforgiveness and selfish ambition
- Prayerlessness
- Romans 12:1-2, Hebrews 12:1-5
What are the consequences of not watching according to Matthew 24:45-51 and 26:41?
- Becoming an unprofitable servant (fruitlessness)
- Being cut off from spiritual blessing
- Falling into unnecessary temptation
- Oppression of the enemy (Satan is the adversary)
- Regret
- Great tribulation
- Eternal damnation
- Revelation 3:1-6
2021: A Year of Sanctification
To find out more, listen to the audio sermon.