The Watchful Christian
Memory Verses
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Background Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4-5
Lesson Scripture: I Thessalonians 5:4-24
Introduction
"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed" (Rom. 13:11). The Word of God contains many admonitions to be watchful, and these encouragements are often linked to Christ's return. To be watchful is to be alert, careful, and ready for every good work.
Though there is an apparent interest in the second coming of Christ in nominal Christianity, this interest does not always ring true or bear witness of the Holy Spirit. It leaves a question as to the purity of motive. Someone noted that many say Jesus is coming back soon, but they live like He will never return. In contrast, the watchful Christian lives his faith in his thoughts, words, and actions. He anticipates Christ's return and actively pursues the Lord's interests while awaiting Him. May we all engage in the affairs and mission of the kingdom of heaven.
Key Verse
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come (Matt. 24:42).
Lesson Scripture
1 THESSALONIANS 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of the light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober,
7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
16 Rejoice evermore.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19 Quench not the Spirit.
20 Despise not prophesyings.
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Fai thful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
Studying the Lesson
Our lesson scripture is an exhortation to be ready, anticipating the Lord's imminent return. Paul describes Christ's second coming as "a thief in the night," meaning Christ will come suddenly and unexpectedly. When he writes that this day will not overtake the Christian as a thief, he is not inferring that God will reveal to us beforehand when he will return. Rather, he is saying that the watchful Christian will not suffer loss, as by a thief, when He returns.
The contrast between the Christian and the world is evident. The Christian is awake and walking in the light of day, whereas those of the world are drunken and walking in the darkness of night. The Christian is different from the world because his decisions are made in the fear of God, and his affections and aspirations spring forth from considerations of eternity.
Paul exhorts us to be faithful Christians living within the brotherhood to edify one another. As we see the day of Christ approaching, we are called to be fellow-laborers in the work of God and His church. We do this by supporting the church and her mission, showing care and concern for those who struggle, and by living a life free of offense. The watchful Christian is prayerful, joyful, and thankful.
Practical Truths for Today
The second coming of Christ is one of the prevailing themes of the New Testament, and the encouragement to be faithful is a common thread throughout the letters of the apostle Paul. "Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he finds you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch" (Mark 13:35-37). Those who watch are spiritually awake and sober. They live their life in such a way that they are ready for Christ's return.
Watchfulness is not limited to caring for one's own welfare. "Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works" (Heb. 10:24). The watchful Christian is concerned that his fellowmen are ready for the Lord's return. What can we do for those who are unprepared that they would be willing to set their spiritual house in order? May we live so God can use us as His conscientious followers to cause the sinner to consider his life.
To be watchful is to live a sincere, sanctified life, finding satisfaction and joy in the things of God. The sincere Christian looks forward to spending time alone with God and to reading His Word. He enjoys to sing with the believers and to listen to their inspirations. He is thankful to be a member of God's church and quietly fills his place. He keeps the faith regardless of where he is or who he is with.
To be watchful is to be prepared not only for the Lord's return but to be willing to do the common, everyday tasks He sets before us. To be faithful we must be attentive to the still, small voice—the Holy Spirit. We humbly submit to His promptings and give ourselves freely to the cause of Christ. As we make God and His interests our priority, we will find we have time to involve ourselves in the things of His kingdom that with the carnal mind we may have thought we were too busy to do. Selfishness will keep us from finding fulfillment in everyday Christian life.
At an evening gathering, some youth were asked, "What would you have done differently today if you knew the Lord was returning tomorrow?" This is a question all of us should occasionally ask ourselves. I may have prayed a little more fervently or read my Bible with more interest if I had known I would meet my Maker at the end of the day. "Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not" (Luke 12:40).
Thankfulness is a hallmark of those who live in readiness of the end of the world. Someone asked, "What would you have if you awoke today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?" When we are watching for the Lord's return, we take nothing for granted and thank God for the blessings of the day.
God would not have His children to be fearful of Jesus's return. Should someone have questions about something in his life—is it acceptable or not—he should seek counsel so his fears can be allayed. To have no regrets may not be possible; however, it is something to strive for. We endeavor to live with an eye on eternity, knowing that when we are ready to meet the Lord, we are likewise ready to live for Him.
By faith one can optimistically welcome Christ's return. "Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God. . . we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Pet. 3:12-13), This hope is alive when we are unreservedly surrendered to God's judgment upon our lives and accept His will for our future. Here we find the rest that God has prepared for His people, and we can humbly pray, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22:20).
Questions
- What are ways to maintain a watchful, prepared spirit?
- What are signs that an urge to be watchful is legalistic?
- What is the difference between a faith-based God-consciousness and an intellectual God-consciousness?
- Give some examples of how to be more God-conscious.
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).