Which other Scriptures emphasize the importance of spiritual preparedness and vigilance? Securing the Strong Man’s House “Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.” (Matthew 12:29) Jesus’ picture is clear: real victory demands deliberate readiness. The “strong man” must be restrained before his house can be plundered. Scripture repeatedly calls believers to that same spiritual preparedness and vigilance. Watchful Readiness in Jesus’ Teaching • Luke 12:35-40 — “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning… You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” • Mark 13:33-37 — “Be on your guard and stay alert… What I say to you, I say to everyone: keep watch!” • Matthew 24:42-44 — “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come… For this reason, you also must be ready.” • Matthew 25:1-13 (Parable of the Ten Virgins) — only those who kept extra oil were welcomed into the wedding feast, underscoring constant spiritual readiness. Apostolic Calls to Stay Alert • 1 Thessalonians 5:2-8 — “The Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night… Let us remain awake and sober.” • 1 Peter 5:8-9 — “Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion… Resist him, standing firm in your faith.” • Revelation 3:3 — “If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come upon you.” • Revelation 16:15 — “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains clothed and does not walk about naked, and men see his shame.” Putting on the Armor • Ephesians 6:10-18 — “Put on the full armor of God so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes… Stay alert with all perseverance and petitions for all the saints.” • 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 — “The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” • James 4:7 — “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Guarding the Heart • Proverbs 4:23 — “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” • Jude 20-21 — “Build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Living Prepared Each Day – Stay spiritually awake: daily Scripture intake and prayer keep the lamps trimmed (Luke 12:35). – Suit up with God’s armor: truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, Word, and persevering prayer (Ephesians 6). – Stand firm together: mutual accountability and encouragement sharpen vigilance (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Resist every intrusion: immediate submission to God and resistance of temptation “ties up” the strong man (James 4:7). From Matthew 12:29 outward, the Word consistently calls believers to live ready—alert, armored, and actively guarding the house entrusted to us until the Master’s glorious return. |
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