In what ways can we "be on the alert" in our daily lives? Our Key Verse “Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13) Where the Command Comes From • Paul closes his letter with a military-style call: stay awake, brace yourself, be brave, stay strong. • The verb translated “be on the alert” pictures a sentry at night, scanning the horizon for danger. Why Alertness Matters • The enemy is real: “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) • The flesh is weak: “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41) • The days are short: “Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16) Practical Ways to Stay Alert Each Day 1. Guard Your Mind • Start each morning in the Word (Psalm 119:105). • Filter what you watch, read, and listen to—measure all by Philippians 4:8. 2. Guard Your Heart • “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23) • Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9) to keep sensitivity to the Spirit. 3. Guard Your Tongue • “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” (James 1:19) • Speak truth with grace (Ephesians 4:29). 4. Keep Your Armor On • Daily put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). • Especially wield “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” to parry lies and temptations. 5. Pray Without Ceasing • Short, constant prayers keep the line open (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Ask the Spirit to sharpen discernment whenever decisions arise. 6. Stay Connected to the Body • Fellowship helps spot blind spots (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Accountability partners can sound the alarm when you drift. 7. Redeem Every Moment • Look for divine appointments—small acts of kindness, words of hope, shared testimony (Colossians 4:5-6). • Live today as though Christ could return tonight (Luke 12:35-37). 8. Test Every Voice • “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1) • Compare every teaching, podcast, or book with Scripture; hold fast to what is true (Acts 17:11). Keeping Watch Until He Comes Alertness is not paranoia; it is confident readiness. With Scripture open, armor on, prayers rising, and eyes fixed on Jesus, we stay awake to danger, responsive to opportunity, and eager for the moment we see our King face to face. |
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