Topical Bible: Watchfulness: Danger of Remissness In

Bible > Topical > Watchfulness

◄ Watchfulness: Danger of Remissness In ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Watchfulness is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of spiritual vigilance and readiness. The danger of remissness, or negligence, in this area is highlighted through various scriptures, warning believers of the potential consequences of spiritual laxity.

Biblical Exhortations to Watchfulness

The call to be watchful is a direct command from Jesus Christ, who urged His followers to remain alert and prepared for His return. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus warns, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come" (Matthew 24:42). This admonition underscores the unpredictability of the Second Coming and the necessity for constant readiness.

Similarly, in the parable of the ten virgins, Jesus illustrates the peril of remissness. Five virgins were wise and prepared with oil for their lamps, while the other five were foolish and unprepared. When the bridegroom arrived, the unprepared virgins were left out of the wedding feast (Matthew 25:1-13). This parable serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of failing to remain vigilant.

Apostolic Warnings Against Spiritual Negligence

The apostles also emphasized the importance of watchfulness. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, writes, "So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober" (1 Thessalonians 5:6). Paul contrasts spiritual wakefulness with the metaphorical sleep of complacency, urging believers to maintain a state of spiritual alertness.

Peter, too, cautions against the dangers of remissness, particularly in the face of spiritual adversaries. He writes, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). This vivid imagery highlights the constant threat posed by spiritual forces and the need for vigilance to resist temptation and remain steadfast in faith.

Consequences of Remissness

The Bible provides numerous examples of the consequences of failing to remain watchful. In the Old Testament, the Israelites often suffered due to their lack of vigilance and obedience to God's commands. Their repeated lapses into idolatry and neglect of God's law led to periods of judgment and exile.

In the New Testament, Jesus warns the church in Sardis, "Wake up and strengthen what remains, which was about to die; for I have found your deeds incomplete in the sight of My God" (Revelation 3:2). The church's spiritual lethargy had left it vulnerable, and Jesus calls them to repentance and renewed watchfulness.

Practical Implications for Believers

The call to watchfulness is not merely a passive state but involves active engagement in spiritual disciplines. Prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers are essential practices that help maintain spiritual alertness. Jesus Himself instructed His disciples, "Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak" (Matthew 26:41).

In summary, the Bible consistently warns of the dangers of remissness in watchfulness. Believers are called to remain vigilant, prepared, and engaged in their faith, recognizing the ever-present threats to their spiritual well-being and the ultimate hope of Christ's return.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 24:48-51
But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delays his coming;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 25:5,8,12
While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 3:3
Remember therefore how you have received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore you shall not watch, I will come on you as a thief, and you shall not know what hour I will come on you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Some More Particular Directions for Maintaining Continual ...
... Watchfulness against temptations."17 ... this previous care to guard against the danger
of mistaking ... strictness in trifles, and an indolent remissness, which, if ...
/.../chapter xix some more particular.htm

Matt. xiii. 24-30.
... It is no small danger, which He hereby suspends ... our ruin; so that there is need of
continual watchfulness. ... use those miracles as cloaks for our own remissness? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xlvi matt xiii 24-30.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... sanctified, and meet for the masters use, and prepared for every good work.' p.518
Bunyan earnestly cautions his readers to constant watchfulness, 'for sin is ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm