How can we "keep watch" over ourselves and our church community today? Scriptural Foundation “Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.” (Acts 20:28) Why Keeping Watch Matters - The church is God’s costly possession—bought with Christ’s blood. - Wolves arise “from among your own number” (Acts 20:29-30). - Faithful oversight wins the “unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:4). Keeping Watch over Ourselves - Examine your walk daily (2 Corinthians 13:5). - Guard doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16). - Live the private disciplines: Word, prayer, fasting (Matthew 26:41). - Invite accountability (Proverbs 27:17). - Flee hidden sin; confess quickly (1 John 1:9). Keeping Watch over the Flock - Feed the sheep: clear, Bible-saturated teaching (John 21:15-17; 2 Timothy 4:2). - Know the sheep personally (John 10:14). - Expose false teaching (Titus 1:9-11). - Equip every saint for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16). - Lead by serving, not dominating (1 Peter 5:2-3). - Practice restorative discipline (Matthew 18:15-17; Galatians 6:1). Habits that Sustain Vigilance - Regular elder prayer meetings focused on shepherding needs. - Immediate follow-up with absent members. - Small groups where people know and watch over one another. - Ongoing reading to stay ahead of cultural challenges. - Periodic congregational fasting for major decisions. Biblical Warnings - Ephesus: passion can cool (Revelation 2:4-5). - Sardis: reputation can mask death (Revelation 3:1). - Diotrephes: pride fractures fellowship (3 John 9). Encouragement to Persevere - Christ is always with us (Matthew 28:20). - His Word shields us (Proverbs 30:5). - The Spirit empowers (Zechariah 4:6). - A “Well done” awaits the vigilant servant (Matthew 25:23). |
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