Due to my
pastor’s sermon this weekend and how he ended it, I decided to do my own study
on how the Bible tells us to watch. I find it interesting how often we are
admonished to do so. The next three versus all tell us the same thing proving
that this point is important enough it had to go into three of the Gospels
about what Jesus said to them.
Matthew
26:41 NLT
Keep alert
and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is
willing enough, the body is weak!"
Luke 21:36
NLT
Keep a
constant watch. And pray that, if possible, you may escape these horrors and
stand before the Son of Man."
Mark 14:38
NLT
Keep alert
and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is
willing enough, the body is weak."
Keep alert
is translated to watch in many translations. If you are not alert, the enemy
can catch you unaware in a snare. He knows how to badger us to find a weakness
and find where our guard is down. Do not let him do this. Be ever vigilant and
focused on what God tells you. If something does not align with His Word, then
don’t do it. He gave us a spirit of discernment that is helped by the Holy
Spirit. This relationship of studying the Word and letting the Spirit help us
is key to defeating the enemy. It will give us the power to overcome whatever
snares the enemy lays before us.
Revelation
16:15 NLT
"Take
note: I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching
for me, who keep their robes ready so they will not need to walk naked and
ashamed."
Mark 13:33
NLT
And since
you don't know when they will happen, stay alert and keep watch.
Mark 13:37
NLT
What I say
to you I say to everyone: Watch for his return!"
All of us
must be watching and ready. We must be prepared for His return that will come
at a time none of us know or expect. Don’t believe anyone claiming they know
the day. We will all know at the same time when it actually happens. Nothing in
the Bible says anything about anyone knowing the day ahead of time. We are ALL
to watch until it happens.
1 Cor
16:13 NLT
Be on
guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong.
We can do
this! I stated last week that God will empower us to overcome anything that
comes at us in this life that wants to destroy us and keep us from Him. We are
not alone so we can stand firm with courage and strength even when we feel
utterly weak on our own. We have the Holy Spirit and His Word. Stay connected
to Jesus, and keep solidifying that relationship. Never stop meditating on the
Word.
