Topical Encyclopedia Watchfulness, in the biblical context, refers to the spiritual vigilance and alertness that believers are called to maintain in anticipation of the Lord's return and in the face of spiritual dangers. This concept is frequently emphasized in Scripture, highlighting the importance of being spiritually awake and prepared. However, the wicked, characterized by their opposition to God's ways, are often depicted as averse to such watchfulness.Biblical Foundation The call to watchfulness is a recurring theme in the New Testament, particularly in the teachings of Jesus. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus admonishes His disciples to "keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come" (Matthew 24:42, BSB). This exhortation underscores the necessity for constant spiritual vigilance, a state of readiness for the unexpected return of Christ. The Wicked's Aversion The wicked, in contrast, are portrayed as indifferent or hostile to the call for watchfulness. Their aversion is rooted in a lifestyle that is contrary to the principles of God's kingdom. In the parable of the ten virgins, Jesus illustrates the consequences of failing to be watchful. The foolish virgins, who represent those unprepared for the bridegroom's arrival, are shut out from the wedding feast (Matthew 25:1-13, BSB). This parable serves as a warning against spiritual complacency and the neglect of readiness. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme in his epistles. In 1 Thessalonians 5:6-7, Paul contrasts the children of light, who are watchful and sober, with those who are of the night, who are asleep and drunk. He writes, "So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who get drunk, get drunk at night" (BSB). Here, the wicked are depicted as being spiritually asleep, oblivious to the impending day of the Lord. Moral and Spiritual Implications The aversion of the wicked to watchfulness is not merely a passive neglect but often an active resistance to the demands of a righteous life. In Proverbs 6:9-11, the sluggard is admonished for his laziness and lack of foresight, which leads to poverty and want. This metaphor extends to spiritual laziness, where the wicked fail to heed the call to be vigilant, resulting in spiritual destitution. The wicked's aversion to watchfulness is also linked to their love for darkness rather than light. In John 3:19-20, Jesus explains, "And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed" (BSB). This passage highlights the inherent conflict between the wicked and the call to spiritual alertness, as watchfulness requires stepping into the light and away from sinful deeds. Conclusion The biblical narrative consistently presents watchfulness as a virtue essential for the faithful, while the wicked are depicted as averse to such vigilance. This aversion is rooted in a lifestyle that rejects the light of Christ and embraces spiritual complacency. The call to watchfulness serves as both a warning and an invitation to live in readiness for the Lord's return, a call that the wicked, in their aversion, choose to ignore. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Thessalonians 5:7For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, for Growth in Knowledge. Treatise x. On Jealousy and Envy. Index of Subjects. Of the Nature of Regeneration, with Respect to the Change it ... Concerning Worship. Beauty for Ashes Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and ... Christian Behavior A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ... Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ... Resources What is Montanism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to pray without ceasing? | GotQuestions.org Are family devotions important? | GotQuestions.org Watchful: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Watchfulness: Christ an Example of Watchfulness: Danger of Remissness In Watchfulness: Faithful Ministers Approved By Watchfulness: Faithful Ministers Exercise Watchfulness: General Scriptures Concerning Watchfulness: God Especially Requires in Ministers 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: 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 |
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