The character trait of watchfulness is a significant aspect of the life of a saint, as depicted in the Scriptures. Watchfulness, in a biblical sense, involves a vigilant and attentive spirit, particularly in relation to spiritual matters, moral integrity, and the anticipation of the Lord's return. This quality is emphasized throughout the Bible as essential for maintaining a faithful and obedient walk with God.

Biblical Exhortations to Watchfulness

The call to be watchful is a recurring theme in the New Testament, where believers are urged to remain alert and prepared. Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of watchfulness in the context of His second coming. In Matthew 24:42, He instructs, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come" . This admonition underscores the necessity for constant readiness and spiritual alertness.

Similarly, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus exhorted His disciples to "watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak" (Matthew 26:41). Here, watchfulness is linked with prayer, highlighting the need for spiritual vigilance to withstand temptation and remain faithful.

Watchfulness in the Early Church

The early church also placed a strong emphasis on the virtue of watchfulness. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently encouraged believers to be alert. In 1 Thessalonians 5:6, he writes, "So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober" . Paul contrasts spiritual wakefulness with the metaphorical sleep of complacency, urging Christians to live in a state of readiness and moral clarity.

In Ephesians 6:18, Paul further instructs, "Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints" . This passage connects watchfulness with intercessory prayer, emphasizing the communal aspect of spiritual vigilance.

Watchfulness and Spiritual Warfare

The concept of watchfulness is also closely tied to the theme of spiritual warfare. Believers are called to be on guard against the schemes of the enemy. In 1 Peter 5:8, the Apostle Peter warns, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" . This vivid imagery serves as a stark reminder of the constant spiritual battle and the need for vigilance.

The Role of Watchfulness in Personal Holiness

Watchfulness is integral to the pursuit of personal holiness. It involves a conscious effort to guard one's heart and mind against sin and to cultivate a life that reflects the character of Christ. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life" . This verse highlights the proactive nature of watchfulness in maintaining purity and integrity.

Watchfulness and the Hope of Christ's Return

The anticipation of Christ's return is a powerful motivator for watchfulness. Believers are encouraged to live in expectation of the Lord's coming, which serves as an impetus for holy living. In Revelation 16:15, Jesus declares, "Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed" . This blessing is pronounced upon those who remain spiritually alert and prepared for His return.

In summary, watchfulness is a vital characteristic of the saints, encompassing vigilance in prayer, moral integrity, spiritual warfare, and readiness for the Lord's return. It is a discipline that requires constant attention and is essential for a faithful and victorious Christian life.Luke 12:37
Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he comes shall find watching: truly I say to you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
Nave's Topical Index

The Character of the Persons for whom this Rest is Designed.
... 6. As an essential part of the character of God's ... Is it thy uttermost care and watchful
endeavor that thou ... prevent it, that the rest of the saints belongs not ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iv the character of.htm

Fenelon -- the Saints Converse with God
... THE SAINTS CONVERSE WITH GOD. ... or in our habits, or in the peculiar character of our ...
do not render them more humble, more submissive, more watchful over their ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/fenelon the saints converse.htm

On the Formation of the Character of Believers, and on Giving of ...
... II."On the Formation of the Character of Believers, and on Giving of ... Be watchful
for your life ... And then shall the Lord come, and all His saints with Him, [3475 ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii on the formation of.htm

Andover Orthodox Creed.
... actions are adverse to the character and glory ... that the final perseverance of saints,
though it ... hearts, necessarily implies their own watchful diligence; that ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/andover orthodox creed.htm

Acts XI
... They kept a watchful eye upon the movements of brethren in all ... When they were designated
with special reference to character, they were called saints. ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xi.htm

Stedfastness in the Old Paths.
... one great peculiarity of the Christian character to be ... Christian's excellence to
be diligent and watchful, to work ... trace the footsteps of the saints, to sound ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xviii stedfastness in the.htm

What is the Christian Home?
... when it involves "the communion of saints," it reaches ... be no proper equilibrium of
life and character without the ... oasis; there is a mother's watchful love, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter i what is the.htm

'The Chief Corner-Stone'
... they had become fellow-citizens with the saints. ... as one continuous effort after
developing Christian character. ... in the love of God with watchful oversight and ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the chief corner-stone.htm

The Sixth Season
... leave trifling now; be composed, be watchful, be serious ... feared in the assemblies
of his saints, and to ... fire." Such apprehensions of the character and presence ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/vi the sixth season.htm

Hymns of Hope and Consolation.
... of hope and consolation, whatever the character of the ... Your harps, ye trembling saints
Down from the willows ... shall repair, Nor will thy watchful Monarch cease ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter xiv hymns of hope.htm

What is virtue ethics? | GotQuestions.org

Does God change His mind? | GotQuestions.org

Is God perfect? | GotQuestions.org

Character: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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