Watchfulness, of believers

Alertness to dangers and blessings in the Christian life, and also to opportunities to do good.

Watchfulness for dangers

1 Peter 5:8 See also Proverbs 4:23

Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

The danger of false teaching

Matthew 7:15 See also Psalm 94:8; Proverbs 8:33–34; Matthew 24:4–5; Mark 8:15; Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 16:13

Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

The danger of temptation

Matthew 26:41 parallel Mark 14:38 See also Deuteronomy 4:15; 1 Kings 2:4; Luke 12:15, Luke 17:1–3; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Galatians 6:1; 2 John 1:8

“Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

The danger of neglecting the word of God

Deuteronomy 4:9 See also Joshua 22:5; 1 Kings 2:3; Hebrews 2:1, Hebrews 12:25; 2 Peter 1:19

Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren.

The danger of damage to the Lord's work

Nehemiah 4:9, Nehemiah 7:3

The danger of speaking sinfully

Psalm 39:1, Psalm 141:3; Proverbs 13:3, Proverbs 21:23; James 1:26, James 3:5–8; 1 Peter 3:10

Watchfulness for blessings

Psalm 25:15, Psalm 59:9, Psalm 123:1–2, Psalm 130:5–6; Isaiah 40:9; Micah 7:7; Luke 2:25, Luke 2:36–38

Watchfulness and prayer

Colossians 4:2–3 See also Matthew 26:41 parallel Mark 14:38; Mark 13:33; Luke 21:36; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Peter 4:7

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

Watchfulness for the return of Jesus Christ

Matthew 24:42–44 See also Matthew 25:1–13; Mark 13:32–37; Luke 12:35–40, Luke 21:32–36; 1 Thessalonians 5:4–8; Revelation 16:15

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.

Watchfulness for opportunities to serve the Lord

1 Peter 3:15 See also Ephesians 5:15–16; Colossians 4:5–6

But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

Meeting the needs of others

Ephesians 6:18 See also Matthew 26:36–40; Galatians 6:10; Titus 3:1

Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.

Contrast with the watchfulness of unbelievers with evil intent

Psalm 37:32 See also 1 Samuel 18:9, 1 Samuel 19:11; Psalm 10:8; Jeremiah 20:10; Matthew 26:16; Mark 3:2; Acts 9:24

Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, and seek to slay them,

Warning against neglect of watchfulness

Revelation 3:2–3