Watchfulness: Faithful Ministers Approved By
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Watchfulness is a critical attribute for faithful ministers, as it embodies the vigilance and readiness required to fulfill their divine calling. The concept of watchfulness is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it is often associated with spiritual alertness, moral integrity, and the anticipation of Christ's return. Faithful ministers are called to be watchful in their personal lives, their teaching, and their oversight of the flock entrusted to them.

Biblical Foundation

The call to watchfulness is prominently featured in the New Testament. Jesus Himself exhorted His disciples to be watchful, particularly in the context of His second coming. In Matthew 24:42 (BSB), Jesus warns, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come." This call to vigilance is not only about anticipating future events but also about maintaining a state of spiritual readiness and moral purity.

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of watchfulness in the life of a minister. In 1 Corinthians 16:13 (BSB), he instructs, "Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong." Here, watchfulness is linked with steadfastness in faith and courage, qualities essential for those who lead and teach within the church.

Watchfulness in Ministry

Faithful ministers are tasked with the responsibility of shepherding the flock, which requires a constant state of spiritual alertness. In Acts 20:28 (BSB), Paul advises the Ephesian elders, "Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers." This dual focus on personal vigilance and the care of others underscores the comprehensive nature of watchfulness in ministry.

Moreover, watchfulness involves guarding against false teachings and spiritual complacency. In 2 Timothy 4:5 (BSB), Paul exhorts Timothy, "But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." Here, sobriety and endurance are aspects of watchfulness, ensuring that the minister remains focused and resilient in the face of challenges.

Spiritual Warfare and Watchfulness

The New Testament frequently associates watchfulness with spiritual warfare. In Ephesians 6:18 (BSB), Paul writes, "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 highlights the necessity of prayerful vigilance, recognizing that the spiritual battle requires constant attention and intercession.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of watchfulness. His earthly ministry was marked by a constant awareness of His mission and the needs of those around Him. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He urged His disciples to watch and pray, demonstrating the importance of spiritual alertness in times of trial (Matthew 26:41, BSB).

Conclusion

Watchfulness is an essential quality for faithful ministers, encompassing spiritual alertness, moral integrity, and readiness for Christ's return. It is a discipline that requires constant attention to one's own spiritual state and the well-being of the church. Through watchfulness, ministers are equipped to lead effectively, guard against falsehood, and remain steadfast in their calling.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Matthew 24:45,46
Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 12:41-44
Then Peter said to him, Lord, speak you this parable to us, or even to all?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians.
... an example to mothers, [317]154; of watchfulness and prayer ... by the various gifts
of the faithful, [383]43 ... Ministers of the Gospel to be obeyed though wicked, [415 ...
/.../homilies on galatians and ephesians.htm

John i. 49, 50
... [1.] Beloved, we need much care, much watchfulness, to be ... on the King's own Son,
the royal ministers ascended and ... her, had she not been very good and faithful. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxi john i 49.htm

The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... Christian fasting consists in temperance, abstinence, watchfulness, self-government ...
We believe that the faithful after death go ... [770] The ministers of Scotland ...
/.../ 55 the second helvetic.htm

The Genuine Acts of Peter.
... whole night as a vigil, without sleep, in prayer and watchfulness. ... [2249] Thus watched
the faithful at Milan ... before this he was one of the ministers, and was ...
/.../peter/the writings of peter of alexandria/the genuine acts of peter.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... Almsgiving, to ministers a gain to the giver, [726]187; the right disposition of ...
338; death of, proves incarnation real, [990]352; is in the faithful, [991]353 ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

A Preservative against Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles ...
... threaten your subversion, I hope your own watchfulness will be ... convert him, and all
those erring ministers, who have ... O how is the faithful city become an harlot ...
/.../a preservative against unsettled notions.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... for a sick child, [739]430; watchfulness over his ... distress to be sought from God's
ministers, [836]445 ... Masters, approved by their scholars, [1533]455; insulted ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ...
... Noble men of approved faithfulness were selected, men of well ... elevated place, in
view of the faithful people, in ... But the person of him who ministers is clearly ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period ii the church from.htm

Concerning Worship.
... arising by their thoughts and wanderings; [811] and as such a faithful one waits ...
settled custom or form, to be constantly practised by all the ministers of the ...
/.../proposition xi concerning worship.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... fame that he left no written work, and we have only the priceless notes taken down
by a faithful scholar, making ... Be willing at length to be approved by yourself ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about stalking? | GotQuestions.org

Should a Christian ever get involved with hypnosis/hypnotism? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God? | GotQuestions.org

Watchful: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Watchful

Watchfulness: Anna

Watchfulness: Blessedness of

Watchfulness: Christ an Example of

Watchfulness: Commanded

Watchfulness: Danger of Remissness In

Watchfulness: David

Watchfulness: Exhortations To

Watchfulness: Faithful Ministers Approved By

Watchfulness: Faithful Ministers Exercise

Watchfulness: General Scriptures Concerning

Watchfulness: God Especially Requires in Ministers

Watchfulness: Illustrated

Watchfulness: Ministers Exhorted To

Watchfulness: Motives to Expected Direction from God

Watchfulness: Motives to Incessant Assaults of the Devil

Watchfulness: Motives to Liability to Temptation

Watchfulness: Motives to Uncertain Time of the Coming of Christ

Watchfulness: Paul

Watchfulness: Saints Pray to be Kept in a State of

Watchfulness: should be At all Times

Watchfulness: should be in all Things

Watchfulness: should Be with Heedfulness

Watchfulness: should Be with Prayer

Watchfulness: should Be with Sobriety

Watchfulness: should Be with Steadfastness in the Faith

Watchfulness: should Be with Thanksgiving

Watchfulness: The Wicked Averse To

Watchfulness: Unfaithful Ministers Devoid of

Related Terms

Jealous (43 Occurrences)

Alert (19 Occurrences)

Watch (203 Occurrences)

Praying (71 Occurrences)

Vigilant (4 Occurrences)

Oversight (23 Occurrences)

Walks (51 Occurrences)

Watcheth (6 Occurrences)

Wakeful (3 Occurrences)

Roaring (28 Occurrences)

Repeated (16 Occurrences)

Requests (29 Occurrences)

Eran (1 Occurrence)

Escape (142 Occurrences)

Erect (17 Occurrences)

Drawn (131 Occurrences)

Devour (118 Occurrences)

Michael (16 Occurrences)

Meets (17 Occurrences)

Petition (33 Occurrences)

Prowls (2 Occurrences)

Bosom (47 Occurrences)

Careful (130 Occurrences)

Cautious (2 Occurrences)

Care (466 Occurrences)

Counted (122 Occurrences)

Aware (44 Occurrences)

Esau (89 Occurrences)

Sheddeth (4 Occurrences)

Self-controlled (9 Occurrences)

Strengthen (105 Occurrences)

Sinlessness

Sober (18 Occurrences)

Establish (133 Occurrences)

Perseverance (27 Occurrences)

Worthy (92 Occurrences)

Enemy (134 Occurrences)

Parable (52 Occurrences)

Lion (92 Occurrences)

Adversary (100 Occurrences)

Beareth (108 Occurrences)

Watching (111 Occurrences)

Devil (58 Occurrences)

Saints (117 Occurrences)

Stand (542 Occurrences)

Epistle (13 Occurrences)

Dressed (77 Occurrences)

Passing (177 Occurrences)

Someone (153 Occurrences)

Proper (62 Occurrences)

Seeking (182 Occurrences)

Nigh (243 Occurrences)

Colossians (1 Occurrence)

Harlot's (10 Occurrences)

Walk (315 Occurrences)

English

Smiteth (156 Occurrences)

Die (401 Occurrences)

Prayers (99 Occurrences)

Providence (3 Occurrences)

Versions

Discomfiture (6 Occurrences)

Names (133 Occurrences)

Second (2060 Occurrences)

View (86 Occurrences)

Peter (181 Occurrences)

Watchfulness: Exhortations To
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