In what ways can we protect our "flock" from spiritual devastation?

Standing Watch: The Call to Protect the Flock

“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)

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Start With Ourselves

• Personal vigilance: “Pay close attention to yourselves” (Acts 20:28).

• Daily self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5).

• Consistent time in the Word (Psalm 119:11).

• Immediate repentance when sin is exposed (1 John 1:9).

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Feed Them Well

• Teach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).

• Guard against diluted or partial truth (Jeremiah 23:16-17).

• Provide regular, systematic Bible exposition (Nehemiah 8:8).

• Model a delight in Scripture that becomes contagious (Psalm 34:8).

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Warn About Wolves

• Name error plainly, just as Paul did (Acts 20:29-30).

• Expose false gospels (Galatians 1:6-9).

• Train discernment—compare every message to Scripture (Acts 17:11).

• Remind that deception often looks “like an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14).

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Equip With Armor

• Encourage daily appropriation of the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).

• Highlight corporate warfare—“all prayer” for one another (v. 18).

• Practice Scripture memory as the sword of the Spirit (v. 17).

• Cultivate faith that extinguishes the flaming arrows (v. 16).

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Foster Genuine Community

• Mutual accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25).

• Quick reconciliation and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32).

• Shared burdens and intercession (Galatians 6:2).

• Celebration of God’s victories together (Psalm 145:4-7).

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Lead Through Servanthood

• Shepherds, not overlords (1 Peter 5:2-3).

• Visible humility reflects the Chief Shepherd (John 13:14-15).

• Sacrificial love safeguards against cynicism (1 John 3:16).

• Consistent presence—in crisis and in routine (2 Timothy 4:2).

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Stand Firm in Hope

• Remind the flock of Christ’s finished work (John 19:30).

• Hold forth the certainty of His return (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).

• Anchor identity in being “purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28).

• Celebrate that nothing can snatch them from His hand (John 10:28-29).

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Bottom Line

Vigilant leaders who stay grounded in Scripture, expose error, equip saints, and shepherd with Christlike love create a refuge where spiritual devastation cannot take root.