Topical Bible: The Blessed: Who Watch Against Sin

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In the Christian tradition, the concept of being "blessed" is often associated with those who live in accordance with God's will, demonstrating vigilance against sin. The Bible provides numerous references to the blessedness of those who remain watchful and guard their hearts against the temptations and snares of sin.

Biblical Foundation

The call to watchfulness is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, the psalmist declares, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of mockers" (Psalm 1:1). This verse highlights the blessedness of those who consciously avoid sinful influences and choose the path of righteousness.

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself emphasizes the importance of vigilance. In the Gospel of Matthew, He warns, "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, Jesus underscores the necessity of spiritual alertness and prayer as defenses against the weakness of the flesh.

Characteristics of the Watchful

1. Discernment: The blessed who watch against sin possess a keen sense of discernment, enabling them to distinguish between good and evil. Hebrews 5:14 states, "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil" . This maturity in faith allows believers to recognize and resist sin.

2. Prayerfulness: A life of prayer is essential for those who seek to guard against sin. The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), indicating that constant communication with God fortifies the soul against temptation.

3. Scriptural Engagement: Immersion in God's Word equips the faithful to combat sin. Psalm 119:11 declares, "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You" . Scripture serves as both a guide and a weapon in the believer's spiritual arsenal.

4. Community and Accountability: The blessed often find strength in the fellowship of other believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages Christians to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds" and to "not neglect meeting together" . Accountability within the body of Christ helps individuals remain vigilant.

Examples from Scripture

· Joseph: In Genesis 39, Joseph exemplifies watchfulness against sin when he resists the advances of Potiphar's wife, declaring, "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9). His steadfastness in the face of temptation is a model of integrity and faithfulness.

· Daniel: Daniel's refusal to defile himself with the king's food and wine (Daniel 1:8) demonstrates his commitment to holiness. His vigilance in maintaining his spiritual disciplines, even under threat of persecution, highlights the blessedness of those who prioritize obedience to God.

· The Apostle Paul: Paul frequently admonishes believers to remain alert. In 1 Corinthians 16:13, he writes, "Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong" . His life and teachings serve as a testament to the importance of spiritual vigilance.

The Promise of Blessing

The Bible assures that those who watch against sin will be blessed. James 1:12 states, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him" . This promise of eternal reward underscores the value of steadfastness and vigilance in the Christian life.

In summary, the blessedness of those who watch against sin is a profound theme in Scripture, encouraging believers to live lives marked by discernment, prayer, scriptural engagement, and community. Through these practices, they are equipped to resist temptation and walk in the fullness of God's blessing.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 16:15
Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Describes the Hideous Appearance of a Soul in Mortal Sin as ...
... have recourse to His Majesty, taking His Blessed Mother and ... though not in a state
of mortal sin, is so ... but we must be keenly on the watch against the devils's ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter ii describes the hideous.htm

Sin and Grace
... obliged to be always upon our guard against ourselves, and ... a garrison of soldiers
would have to watch the natives ... the heart of a believer; but, blessed be God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 54 1908/sin and grace.htm

Awake! Awake!
... sleep to express the excellence of the state of the blessed, yet sin ... They never watch
against sin; they never watch against the temptations of the enemy; they ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/awake awake.htm

The Doubting Soul More Particularly Assisted in Its Inquiries as ...
... malignity, as committed against the blessed God, considered ... Do you watch against
the circumstances that have ... particularly double your guard against "that sin ...
/.../chapter xiii the doubting soul.htm

Letter vi. Temptation.
... with the inward conflict he is compelled to maintain against the lusts of ... and be
sober." "Watch then in all things." "Watch unto prayer." "Blessed is he ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter vi temptation.htm

Prison Meditations Directed to the Heart of Suffering Saints and ...
... These verses, like those called "A Caution to watch against Sin," were first printed
on a ... 'Christ's presence hath my prison turn'd into A blessed heaven; what ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/prison meditations directed to the.htm

Still Continues the Praise of "Wisdom. ...
... But do not these blessed words give us a hint, at least, of ... It is the spirit of the
times, and against that spirit the saint must ever watch and guard ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter viii still continues the.htm

Saving Faith.
... You are longing for deliverance, are striving against sin. ... He, when he is convinced
of sin, sets a watch over his ... Blessed, Holy Father, I give myself to Thee. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter ii saving faith.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... Luke xii.37: "Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh, shall ... They
are also called upon to watch against sin and apostacy; to fear both, lest ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture l perseverance of saints.htm

The Two Guards, Praying and Watching
... A night-watchman's place is not an easy berth; but I am willing to take that post
for my blessed Master's sake. ... Watch against the beginnings of sin. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/the two guards praying and.htm