In what ways can we "guard the lives" of fellow believers? Hating Evil, Loving the Saints (Psalm 97:10) “Hate evil, O you who love the LORD! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.” Our starting point is clear: love for the Lord compels us to detest whatever endangers His people and to join Him in preserving their lives. Prayerful Covering • Intercede daily—“Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition” (Ephesians 6:18). • Name specific brothers and sisters, asking the Lord to “deliver them from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13). • Stand in faith when they are weak (James 5:14-16). Speaking Truth That Shields • “Speak truth each to his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25); error unchecked endangers souls. • Offer gentle warnings when someone drifts (Galatians 6:1; Jude 23). • Teach sound doctrine so no one is “tossed by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching” (Ephesians 4:14). Accountability and Mutual Watch-Care • “Iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17); invite honest, loving correction. • Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill Christ’s law (Galatians 6:2). • Meet faithfully—“not neglecting to gather together…but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:25). Encouragement That Fortifies • “Encourage one another daily, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13). • Affirm God’s promises; remind weary saints of their secure standing (John 10:28-29). • Celebrate obedience and growth, pointing all praise to Christ (Philippians 1:3-6). Practical Protection and Provision • Rescue in danger—“Rescue those being led away to death” (Proverbs 24:11). • Meet physical needs—“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need…love of God” (1 John 3:17). • Offer refuge when oppressed or persecuted (Romans 12:13). Serving as Spiritual First Responders • Restore the wanderer—“Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death” (James 5:19-20). • Engage in spiritual warfare, taking up “the shield of faith” for the whole body (Ephesians 6:16). • Fast when battles intensify (Matthew 17:21). Modeling Holiness That Guards the Whole Body • Personal purity prevents corporate infection (1 Corinthians 5:6-7). • Hate evil in every form, starting in our own hearts (Psalm 97:10). • Pursue righteousness that inspires others to do the same (1 Timothy 4:12, 16). Summing Up We guard fellow believers by active hatred of evil and active love for the saints—praying, speaking truth, holding each other accountable, encouraging, providing, rescuing, and modeling holiness. As we do, we cooperate with the One who “preserves the souls of His saints” and delights to keep His people safe until the day of Christ. |
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