Be Watchful
In our last lesson, we saw that the Lord gave His disciples three key instructions on how to escape the evil of the last days and be able to stand before Him on Judgment Day (John 5:22):
- Take heed to yourself
- Be watchful
- Pray
Today’s study focuses on the second instruction: Be Watchful.
Key Text: 1 Peter 5:8–9 (ESV)
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”
The Amplified Bible expands this verse:
“Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.”
What Does It Mean to Be Watchful?
- Temperate – living with self-control and balance.
- Sober-minded – being serious, sensible, and composed.
- Vigilant – keeping careful watch for possible dangers or difficulties.
Why Must We Be Watchful?
- Because the devil is on the prowl “The devil goes around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8). Please note the meaning of of “Prowl” – it is a person or animal that move about restlessly and stealthy, especially in search of a prey.
- Because of false ministers and deception in the last days “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.”
(2 Corinthians 11:13–15, NKJV)
“And Jesus answered and said to them: ‘Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, “I am the Christ,” and will deceive many.’” (Matthew 24:4–5, NKJV)
Conclusion
Before we close, let us hear the words of Jesus Himself:
“Be on your guard [constantly alert], and watch and pray; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man [already] going on a journey; when he leaves home, he puts his servants in charge, each with his particular task, and he gives orders to the doorkeeper to be constantly alert and on the watch. Therefore watch (give strict attention, be cautious and alert), for you do not know when the Master of the house is coming—in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrowing, or in the morning— [Watch, I say] lest He come suddenly and unexpectedly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to everybody: Watch (give strict attention, be cautious, active, and alert)!”
(Mark 13:33–37, AMPC)
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