Bible study on be watchful causes us to examine closely what is written in the scriptures on being in Christ Jesus. God expresses a great deal of concern, and we should also show a great deal of concern.
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Bible Study On Be Watchful
The word “watchful” has a lot of different meanings. It can mean paying attention to your surroundings, or it can mean being aware of something in particular. But what does it mean to be watchful as a Christian? The word comes from the Greek word προσευχή (proseucha), which means prayer. So being watchful means keeping your eyes open to see what God is doing, not just in the world around you but also in your own life.
In this study, we will look at how the Bible tells us to be watchful: what we need to look out for, how we should respond when we see it, and how our watchfulness can make us more effective witnesses for Christ.
Be watchful, for you do not know when the Lord is coming.
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
When the Lord called us to be watchful, he meant it. He’s not asking us to be paranoid or worried all the time—he just wants us to be aware and alert to the dangers that could lurk around every corner.
The Bible has a lot of warnings about what happens when you don’t watch out for yourself, your family, and your community. In fact, there are more than two dozen verses in the New Testament alone that talk about how important it is not only as an individual but also in a collective sense.
But how can we best live up to this command from God?
This week’s Bible study focuses on the importance of watching.
We’ve all heard the saying: “If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?” This is not just a good philosophy for your home and family, but for your spiritual life as well.
When you watch out for the things that matter most, you’re better equipped to handle whatever comes your way. You can face trials with strength and discipline, knowing that God has your back. You can also walk in faith, knowing that God will meet all of your needs according to His promises.
It’s important to note that this doesn’t mean you should be paranoid or worry about every little thing! It just means that when you see something happening that God cares about—something He wants us to pay attention to—we need to take heed of it and make sure we’re doing our part to help solve whatever problem lies ahead.
Be Watchful Sermon
Mark 13:37
And what I say to you I say to all: Watch! (Mark 13:37). The Greek word translated as “watch” here, gregoreuo, is in the imperative mood, expressing a command by the order and authority of the one commanding. Therefore, it is an unambiguous command to all of us by the authority of Jesus Christ, and we must pay close attention to it and obey it.
Do we take His warning to keep vigil seriously? How well do we understand Christ’s mandates for us? Many people do not. Knowing this is crucial because it is a clear and unambiguous instruction from our Lord and Savior.
This Greek word for “watch” is used fourteen times by Christ in the Gospels. Each time He tells us to keep an eye out, read the verses that immediately follow (gregoreuo is bold in the following verses) to get a sense of what He means:
So keep vigil, for you know not the day nor the hour in which your Lord will return. But keep in mind that the owner of the house would have been more likely to prevent a break-in if he knew the exact time the thief planned to visit. So you too must be prepared; the return of the Son of Man will come at a time when you least expect it. Referenced in (Matthew) 24:4–44
Keep an eye out, because you don’t know the day or the hour when the Son of Man will return. [Matthew] 25:13
It’s like leaving your home and delegating authority to your servants, assigning each person to a specific task, and telling the doorman to keep watch while you’re away. Therefore, keep vigil, for you know not when the master of the house is coming, whether it be evening, midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or morning. What I tell you, I tell everyone: Keep an eye out! (Mark 13:34-37)
Whoever the master finds waiting for him is blessed. I promise you that he will get dressed, call everyone to the table, and start serving everyone. And blessed are those servants if he should come in the second watch or come in the third watch and find them so. But keep in mind that the owner of the house would have been more likely to prevent a break-in if he knew the exact time the thief planned to visit. So you too must be prepared; the return of the Son of Man will come at a time when you least expect it. (Luke 12:37-40)
Christ’s repeated use of the word “watch” conveys two main ideas. We have no idea of His return date, for starters. Second, we need to keep an eye out so that we are prepared whenever that time comes.
Keeping vigil is a solemn duty that will help us be ready for His soon return. However, He does not elaborate on what it means to “watch” for His return in these verses.
Christ, thankfully, demonstrates His own teachings. He demonstrates His intentions through demonstration, and we are to imitate Him (I Peter 2:21). Keep an eye on the remaining fourteen occurrences of the word “watch” in the Gospels (once again, gregoreuo is highlighted in the following verses):
He then told them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.” Stay and take in the show with me. He went on until He was alone, then He bent low and prayed, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Then He went to check on the disciples and found them dozing. Please, just one hour, could you watch with Me? Protect yourself from falling into temptation by keeping a vigil and praying. While the mind is ready, the body is not. Two times He withdrew to pray, each time saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” They had fallen asleep again, and when He arrived, He saw that their eyes were closed. So He withdrew from them a third time and prayed in the same way as before. (Matthew 26:38–44, plus three more occurrences in Mark 14:34–39)
It is clear that Jesus is keeping a close eye on things and has instructed His followers to do the same. In the same way that He tells us to watch so that we’re ready for the biggest event of our lives, He watched so that He’d be ready for the biggest event of His human life.
On the other hand, His followers slept through it all instead of watching. Educate yourself. The audience did not look on. Basically, they were unprepared. Therefore, they were utterly unsuccessful (Matthew 26:56, 69-75; Mark 14:50-52).
In contrast to His disciples, what did Jesus do while watching? When did He start watching, and how did He do it? Thus, we see that the spiritual preparation involved in watching is, in this case, fervent prayer. More generally, He spent His entire life carefully monitoring His human nature to the point where He never fell into sin (Hebrews 4:15). According to Luke 22:41–44, in His final hours, He kept an especially vigilant vigil:
And He withdrew Himself from them about a stone’s throw, and He prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then, an angel appeared to Him in a vision, fortifying Him. And in His distress, His prayers became more fervent. Then, His perspiration resembled glistening drops of blood as they dripped to the ground.
Jesus teaches us by His own example that true watching involves mental and spiritual forethought. Even the last time He uses the word “watch,” gregoreuo, He is emphasizing the same thing: “Behold, I am coming as a thief. God bless the vigilant man who won’t let others see him shame him by walking around in his undies (Revelation 16:15).
The Lord once again reminds us that His return will be like that of a thief, occurring at a time and on a day that we cannot predict. This is where He stresses the importance of keeping an eye on our attire and our character. We’re supposed to smooth out all of their wrinkles and blemishes (Ephesians 5:27; II Peter 3:14). For the day He comes back, we want to be prepared with no defects of character (James 5:2).
In light of His own preparation while watching (Revelation 16:15), we see that spiritual readiness is the key to effective watching. He always connects keeping watch with waiting for His return. Jesus’s use of the word “watch” does not imply anything else (see also Revelation 3:3, where He underscores watching as required spiritual preparation for His sudden return). As a result, we can deduce that when Christ tells us to “watch,” He is instructing us to be emotionally and spiritually ready for His return, whenever it may occur.
What Does It Mean To Be Watchful In The Bible
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
What does it mean to be watchful?
Some other translations have ‘be alert’ instead of watchful. The original meaning is both; it can also mean to stay awake and be vigilant.
What are some practical ways we can be ‘watchful’?
The first thing, that came to my mind, as I pondered on this, was the scenario of a watchman guarding a person, building or some other valuable thing. That person needs to, yes, stay awake and be vigilant, but also, they must be constantly on the lookout, particularly for any dangerous signs or impending adverse events.
In the natural we can be aware of danger; we see potentially dangerous situations. As a delivery driver, I’m always keeping an eye on the road and other drivers, pedestrians, and road conditions (pot holes!). Driving through the Scottish woodland areas, I’m always looking to see in any deer or wild animals, like badgers etc. that might make a sudden dash to cross the road. Pheasants are the worst because you never can tell which direction they might go.
But as Christians, we should be like the men of Issachar, “men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do.” (1 Chronicles 12:32).
A good knowledge of biblical prophecy and an understanding of how things will play out at the end times is extremely helpful to know at what stage we are living in and then to know what relevant action needs to be taken.
However, as my thoughts continued, I realized how absolutely I should really rely on wisdom and instruction from the Holy Spirit. It is only God, who knows the future; He knows what we must face tomorrow and even throughout this very day.
So, in prayer, to be watchful we should always ask the Holy Spirit what things in our future or even in our nation’s future should we be aware so that we can act accordingly. (John 16:13).
This also where the gifts of the Holy Spirit would be vital to be able to watch and see correctly. This is also why it would be good to be part of a church fellowship where all the gifts are in operation because were not meant to work these things out on our own; we should be part of a fully functioning body.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
Being watchful involves being aware of the devil’s schemes and potential traps (2 Corinthians 2:11).
Being watchful means staying alert and constantly vigilant. There is no time to take off as holidays from this Christian life, particularly in the days we live in.
Do you remember when Jesus was going through absolute agony, to the point of sweating blood, in the garden of Gethsemane? He asked the disciples on numerous occasions for them to stay and watch with Him. What did they do, they did the opposite and fell asleep. No, Jesus was wanting them to be awake and alert and to pray with Him. He is still wanting his disciples today to stay awake and pray; to be watchmen and women to the generation that we have been called to intercede for.
To be watchful also means to be in a state of readiness. Jesus said, “keep watch because you do not know the day or the hour” (when the Lord will return). (Matthew 25:13). The foolish virgins were not prepared and their oil ran out.
We need to ensure, watch and be careful, that if the Lord were to return this very hour that we are ready and will not be ashamed or embarrassed to meet Him on that day.
I can remember, as kids, my brother and I would have the whole house to ourselves whilst they were out, we could do what we liked but we were always aware that they could come back at any time really. So, we had to be careful. If I had the stereo on full blast, I would keep one eye looking out of the window just in case. Are we living like this, not in a sense of fear as such, but always with one eye looking for the Lord’s return?
Watch that we are not deceived – Matthew 24:4
Watch out for and don’t get involved with ‘religion’ – Mark 8:15
Watch out for false teachers – Mark 12:38
Watch out for false prophets – Matthew 7:15
Watch out for and avoid all types of greed – Luke 12:15
Watch out for false messiahs – Luke 21:8
Watch the flock carefully (if you have been called to be an overseer – Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:2
Watch out for those that cause division and adhere to false teaching; avoid them – Romans 16:17
Watch out that you don’t destroy yourself through in-fighting – Galatians 5:15
Watch your life and teaching closely – 1 Timothy 4:16
Watch out that you don’t lose your reward in heaven – 2 John 1:8.
Benefits Of Being Watchful
To be watchful is to be alert, attentive and being on the lookout. On the other hand readiness implies a state of preparedness, eagerness and willingness. The following are illustrations that Jesus used to teach on how important it was to be ready and watchful.
1) Watchful servants.
Jesus gave an example of the watchful servants who stayed ready waiting for the master’s return from a wedding feast by being properly dressed and with their lamps lit. In the same way, the disciples of Jesus were to be watchful and ready for Jesus’ return. When the master finds them ready, he will wait upon them. We should always be ready because the “Son of man will come at an hour when you are not expecting.” Luke 12:36-40
2) The Faithful and Unfaithful Servants.
In this parable, Jesus explains that the faithful and wise servant is the one that the master will find acting responsibly. The master has put him in charge of other servants and to return the household. When the master returns unexpectedly and finds him doing what is right, he will be happy and promote him to be in charge of his property. If the servant behaves irresponsibly and mistreats the other servants, then the master will punish him severely. The disciples should always be prepared so that when Jesus comes back, He will find them ready and doing what is right. Luke 12:41-48
3) Jesus that Cause of Divisions.
Jesus coming to the world was two fold. It brought unity and division. It distinguished faith from doubt. It may even have caused divisions among members of the same family. These divisions came as a result of people rejecting Jesus yet His ultimate goal was to establish a kingdom of peace. The disciples were cautioned to eat h out for the divisions that would arise as a result of their loyalty to Jesus. Luke 12:51_53.
4) Understanding the Signs.
A watchful person identifies the signs of weather . For example, when there are clouds, we know that it is likely to rain. When the south winds blow, we know that it is going to be hot. Just as people can predict the weather, they should also be watchful for the signs of the Kingdom of God, present in the person of Jesus, and make a positive response towards Him. Luke 12:54-56
Be Watchful And Prayerful Verse
1 Peter 5:8 ESV / 117 helpful votes
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
1 Peter 4:7 ESV / 58 helpful votes
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV / 56 helpful votes
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
Matthew 24:42 ESV / 40 helpful votes
Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.
Colossians 4:2 ESV / 38 helpful votes
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Revelation 3:2 ESV / 37 helpful votes
Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.
Mark 13:33 ESV / 36 helpful votes
Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.
Colossians 4:2-6 ESV / 32 helpful votes
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Luke 21:36 ESV / 29 helpful votes
But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Matthew 24:44 ESV / 29 helpful votes
Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Revelation 16:15 ESV / 27 helpful votes
(“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”)
Revelation 3:3 ESV / 26 helpful votes
Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.
Luke 12:40 ESV / 25 helpful votes
You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
1 Thessalonians 5:6 ESV / 24 helpful votes
So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.
Hebrews 2:14 ESV / 21 helpful votes
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,
Ephesians 6:18 ESV / 20 helpful votes
Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Matthew 26:41 ESV / 20 helpful votes
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
2 Peter 3:10 ESV / 19 helpful votes
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
Luke 21:1-38 ESV / 19 helpful votes
Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, …
Mark 13:37 ESV / 18 helpful votes
And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
Matthew 24:37-39 ESV / 18 helpful votes
For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
1 Peter 5:7 ESV / 17 helpful votes
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 1:13 ESV / 17 helpful votes
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 25:1-13 ESV / 16 helpful votes
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. …
2 Timothy 4:5 ESV / 15 helpful votes
As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Ephesians 6:12 ESV / 14 helpful votes
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
John 3:16 ESV / 14 helpful votes
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Luke 18:8 ESV / 14 helpful votes
I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
James 4:7 ESV / 13 helpful votes
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Hebrews 4:12 ESV / 13 helpful votes
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
John 8:44 ESV / 13 helpful votes
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Luke 21:34 ESV / 13 helpful votes
“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.
Matthew 25:13 ESV / 13 helpful votes
Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Matthew 24:1-51 ESV / 13 helpful votes
Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. …
1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV / 12 helpful votes
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Peter 5:8-9 ESV / 11 helpful votes
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.
Ephesians 6:10-20 ESV / 11 helpful votes
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, …
Romans 13:11 ESV / 11 helpful votes
Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.
Luke 12:37-40 ESV / 11 helpful votes
Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Matthew 24:36 ESV / 11 helpful votes
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.
Matthew 24:31 ESV / 11 helpful votes
And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Matthew 24:4 ESV / 11 helpful votes
And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray.
Hosea 4:6 ESV / 11 helpful votes
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
Song of Solomon 2:15 ESV / 11 helpful votes
Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom.”
Revelation 3:20 ESV / 10 helpful votes
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
Hebrews 9:28 ESV / 10 helpful votes
So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
2 Timothy 3:1-3 ESV / 10 helpful votes
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,
Philippians 4:6 ESV / 10 helpful votes
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV / 10 helpful votes
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
Romans 12:21 ESV / 10 helpful votes
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 8:28 ESV / 10 helpful votes
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 3:23 ESV / 10 helpful votes
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
John 3:16-17 ESV / 10 helpful votes
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Mark 7:13 ESV / 10 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful
Thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”