Spiritual Vigilance
Spiritual Vigilance88
Little Sins
By C.H. Spurgeon2.4K38:55The Danger of SinSpiritual VigilanceGEN 19:20ISA 5:2DAN 6:10MAT 5:29C.H. Spurgeon, in his sermon 'Little Sins', emphasizes the deceptive nature of seemingly minor sins, arguing that they can lead to greater transgressions and ultimately spiritual ruin. He illustrates how even the most faithful individuals have recognized the danger of small sins, using biblical examples like Daniel and the Three Holy Children to show their commitment to righteousness. Spurgeon warns that little sins can multiply and create a barrier between believers and their relationship with God, urging listeners to take every sin seriously, regardless of its perceived size. He concludes by reminding the congregation that even the smallest sin can incur God's wrath and lead to eternal consequences, encouraging them to seek forgiveness through Christ. This powerful message serves as a call to vigilance against the subtle temptations of sin.
(Revelation) Revelation 2:20-3:22
By Zac Poonen1.6K1:00:23Overcoming SinSpiritual VigilanceREV 2:20Zac Poonen explores the messages to the seven churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3, emphasizing the importance of spiritual vigilance and obedience. He highlights the dangers of spiritual immorality and complacency, particularly in the churches of Thyatira and Sardis, where false teachings and hypocrisy led to spiritual death. Poonen encourages believers to overcome sin and remain faithful, warning that those who do not take their spiritual condition seriously risk being cast out. He contrasts the faithful churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia, which exemplify perseverance and brotherly love, with the lukewarm church of Laodicea, which represents spiritual pride and self-deception. Ultimately, he calls for repentance and a return to true devotion to Christ, reminding the church that overcoming is essential for eternal reward.
Gethsemane's Cup
By Leonard Ravenhill1.1K59:37PrayerSpiritual VigilanceMAT 26:30Leonard Ravenhill reflects on the profound experience of Jesus in Gethsemane, emphasizing that salvation comes not merely from Christ's death but from His resurrection and ongoing life. He highlights the loneliness and sorrow Jesus faced as His disciples fell asleep during His most critical hour, drawing parallels to the modern church's spiritual slumber. Ravenhill urges believers to recognize the weight of the cup Jesus bore, filled with the sins of humanity, and to respond with a deeper commitment to prayer and spiritual vigilance. He challenges the congregation to consider their own faithfulness and the importance of truly knowing the presence of God in their lives.
Destruction of the Midianites
By Chuck Smith92325:04MidianitesPursuing God's PurposeSpiritual VigilanceNUM 31:9Chuck Smith discusses the destruction of the Midianites as recorded in Numbers 31, emphasizing the severe consequences of sin and disobedience among the Israelites. He highlights Moses' anger towards the officers for sparing the Midianite women, who had led Israel into sin through Balaam's counsel. The sermon reflects on the importance of spiritual vigilance and the dangers of complacency in faith, urging believers to pursue a deeper relationship with God rather than settling for mediocrity. Smith also draws parallels between the Israelites' journey and the Christian walk, encouraging listeners to press on towards spiritual growth and fulfillment of God's purpose in their lives.
The Antichrist
By J.B. Buffington87151:20AntichristThe AntichristSpiritual VigilanceJ.B. Buffington discusses the concept of the Antichrist, emphasizing that while the term is often associated with a singular figure, it also represents a pervasive spirit of opposition to Christ that existed in John's time and continues today. He highlights the urgency of recognizing the lateness of the hour and the need for believers to remain vigilant and active in their faith. Buffington warns against the allure of false teachings and the coming deception that will accompany the Antichrist's rise, urging listeners to seek salvation and remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ. He reassures that despite the darkness, believers have hope in the ultimate victory of Jesus over evil.
The Prophet From Judea
By Carter Conlon32457:29FaithfulnessProphetSpiritual Vigilance1KI 13:1Carter Conlon emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and obedience to God's calling, warning against the dangers of compromise and the influence of those who live in a state of spiritual lukewarmness. He recounts the story of the prophet from Judah who, despite his initial zeal and commitment to God's command, was led astray by an older prophet's lies, resulting in tragic consequences. Conlon urges the church to reject the 'halfway altars' of the world and to fully embrace the path of righteousness, encouraging believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ and to be vigilant against distractions that lead them away from their divine purpose.
The Oil of Intimacy: Encountering the Bridegroom God, Part 2
By Mike Bickle5341:02IntimacyIntimacy With GodSpiritual VigilanceMAT 25:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the necessity of cultivating intimacy with God through the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25, highlighting the importance of acquiring the 'oil of intimacy' to sustain our spiritual lives. He warns that many believers, particularly leaders, may become complacent and neglect their relationship with God, leading to a depletion of their spiritual oil. Bickle stresses that the call to 'watch' is a call to develop a life of prayer and intimacy, especially in the context of the end times. He encourages the congregation to actively pursue a deeper relationship with the Bridegroom God, as the delay of His return may lead to spiritual slumber if not approached with vigilance. Ultimately, the sermon serves as a reminder that our spiritual readiness and intimacy with God are crucial for participating in His coming kingdom.
Beware of Leaven
By Phil Beach Jr.311:09:09The Danger of SinFalse TeachingSpiritual VigilanceEZK 9:4MAT 16:6JHN 1:29ROM 12:21CO 5:62CO 7:10TIT 2:12HEB 1:31PE 4:17REV 1:9Phil Beach Jr. warns against the spiritual dangers of leaven, emphasizing the need for vigilance in our hearts and homes. He highlights the importance of recognizing the leaven that corrupts our lives and the church, urging believers to seek a fresh vision of the unleavened Christ. The sermon calls for accountability and transparency in our relationships, especially within families, to combat the subtle infiltration of sin. Beach stresses that true revival comes from a deep encounter with the moral majesty of Jesus, which leads to genuine repentance and transformation. Ultimately, he encourages the congregation to run to Christ for healing and strength in these perilous times.
Pray, That You Fall Not Into Temptation
By Phil Beach Jr.3054:32PrayerSpiritual VigilanceTemptationMAT 26:41LUK 21:34Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of prayer to avoid falling into temptation, highlighting our dependence on God's grace and power to live righteously. He warns against the dangers of spiritual laziness and self-reliance, urging believers to remain vigilant and prepared in their spiritual lives. The sermon draws on Jesus' teachings in Matthew 26, where He instructs His disciples to pray and stay alert, illustrating the importance of being spiritually awake in a world filled with snares. Beach Jr. encourages the congregation to seek God's guidance and discipline to grow in holiness and righteousness, reminding them that true maturity comes from a deep reliance on God rather than self-sufficiency.
Do Nots Against the Holy Spirit
By Phil Beach Jr.2739:39Holy SpiritThe Holy SpiritSpiritual Vigilance2CO 11:1Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of maintaining a pure and devoted relationship with Christ, warning against the dangers of false teachings that can lead believers astray. He draws from Paul's concerns in 2 Corinthians 11, highlighting how the Corinthian church was seduced by a different gospel and spirit, which ultimately jeopardized their devotion to Jesus. Beach Jr. urges Christians to be vigilant in guarding their hearts and minds against these influences, and to cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, who is essential for understanding and living out the truth of the Gospel. He outlines four key actions to avoid in relation to the Holy Spirit: grieving, quenching, resisting, and provoking Him, encouraging believers to foster a cooperative relationship with the Spirit for spiritual growth.
The Leaven of Wanting Your Own Way
By Phil Beach Jr.2644:47Christian LifeThe Dangers of Self-CenterednessSpiritual VigilancePSA 101:3PRO 14:12PRO 23:7MAT 24:122TI 4:3Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the dangers of pursuing our own way instead of God's, warning that this mindset leads to destruction and spiritual coldness. He references Proverbs 14:12 to illustrate that what seems right to us can ultimately lead to ruin. The sermon highlights a 'leaven' that has infiltrated the church, making it easier for believers to adopt a self-centered attitude, which can numb their love for God. Beach urges the congregation to be vigilant about their influences and surroundings, as they can either challenge or weaken their spiritual fervor. He calls for a return to sound doctrine and a commitment to living in a way that reflects true devotion to Christ.
Negative Spiritual Sign Trends in the Church and Society
By Mike Bickle2558:49End TimesSpiritual VigilanceMAT 24:4Mike Bickle addresses the alarming negative spiritual trends in the church and society, emphasizing the simultaneous rise of both positive and negative dynamics as we approach the end times. He highlights the importance of believers being vigilant and discerning, connecting current events to biblical prophecies, particularly focusing on deception, lawlessness, and societal breakdown. Bickle warns that many sincere believers fail to recognize these trends as part of God's narrative, leading to a disconnect from the urgency of the times. He encourages the church to remain steadfast in love and truth amidst increasing hostility and moral decline, reminding them that these challenges are part of the prophetic signs of the last days.
Harlot Babylon: Who Is She?
By Mike Bickle241:03:31End Times DeceptionSpiritual VigilanceISA 1:21JER 50:1EZK 16:23DAN 9:202TH 2:31TI 4:1REV 13:4REV 17:1REV 18:1REV 19:11Mike Bickle addresses the emergence of Harlot Babylon, a deceptive force that will lead many believers and unbelievers astray in the end times. He emphasizes the significance of understanding this harlot's influence, which will manifest as a global religious and economic system, seducing leaders and the masses alike. Bickle warns of a great falling away from faith, as foretold in scripture, and the need for believers to remain vigilant and discerning against this impending deception. He encourages the church to engage in prayer and fasting to gain insight and clarity regarding these prophetic revelations. Ultimately, he stresses the importance of being prepared to help others navigate the challenges posed by this harlot.
Living for Eternity
By Phil Beach Jr.2445:15EternitySpiritual Vigilance2PE 3:8Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of living for eternity, urging believers to remain vigilant and spiritually awake in light of the imminent return of Christ. He reflects on what Daniel might say to his loved ones, encouraging them to focus on repentance and holiness rather than the distractions of worldly life. Beach warns against the dangers of covetousness and the fleeting nature of earthly possessions, reminding the congregation that true life is found in being rich toward God. He calls for a life set apart for God's purposes, highlighting the urgency of being prepared for the coming day of the Lord. Ultimately, he challenges listeners to evaluate their lives and priorities in the context of eternity.
Escaping the End-Time Snare
By Mike Bickle2353:15End Times PreparationSpiritual VigilanceMAT 24:14LUK 12:21LUK 21:26ROM 12:2EPH 6:18PHP 4:61TH 5:62TI 4:2HEB 12:1JAS 5:5Mike Bickle emphasizes the urgency of preparing our hearts for the end times, as described in Luke 21, where Jesus warns of increased pressure and fear in the world. He highlights the importance of cultivating a vibrant heart through prayer and connection with God to avoid being weighed down by distractions and sin. Bickle stresses that believers must guard their hearts and prepare themselves spiritually to withstand the challenges ahead, as the time to connect with God is now, before the pressures of the end times intensify. He encourages the church to focus on being rich towards God rather than indulging in worldly pleasures that lead to spiritual lethargy. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to prayer and a lifestyle that prioritizes spiritual vitality over temporary relief from life's pressures.
Being Strengthened to Stand in Victory in the End Times (Lk. 21:36)
By Mike Bickle191:12:21End TimesSpiritual VigilanceLUK 21:25Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of staying spiritually alert and connected to God during the perilous times described in Luke 21:36. He warns that while the world faces unprecedented physical and spiritual dangers, believers must not succumb to fear or distractions but instead watch and pray to be strengthened and stand in victory. Bickle highlights the need for believers to be aware of the signs of the times and to maintain their relationship with Jesus to navigate the challenges ahead. He reassures that even in weakness, God's grace is sufficient for believers to overcome the trials of the end times.
Contending for the Faith Part 1 - Stealth Attack!
By Phil Beach Jr.181:06:46FaithSpiritual VigilanceContending for the Faith2CO 11:3Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the need to contend for the faith as he reflects on the dangers of false teachings that can stealthily infiltrate the church, much like the temptations faced by the Corinthians. He warns against the allure of a different Jesus and gospel that leads believers away from pure devotion to Christ, urging them to recognize and resist the subtle lies that can corrupt their faith. Beach encourages a renewed passion for Jesus as the new year approaches, calling for vigilance against the influences that promote lawlessness and dissatisfaction with God's truth. He draws parallels between historical deceptions and the current state of the church, urging believers to seek genuine devotion and to guard against complacency and discontentment.
The False Prophet
By Mike Bickle1842:38Deception in the End TimesSpiritual VigilanceREV 13:11Mike Bickle discusses the role of the false prophet in the end times, emphasizing his function as the Antichrist's propaganda minister who will lead a global worship movement aimed at deceiving billions. He highlights Satan's two main strategies: to establish a worldwide worship movement and to annihilate the Jewish people to prevent the second coming of Christ. The false prophet will perform great signs and wonders, including creating an image of the Antichrist that speaks and enforces economic sanctions through the mark of the beast. Bickle warns that this will be the most dangerous time in human history, requiring believers to be vigilant and grounded in the Word of God to discern truth from deception. He encourages preparation for the spiritual battle ahead, as the false prophet's influence will be profound and seductive.
Thoughts for Young Men
By J.C. Ryle4Spiritual VigilanceExhortationJOB 13:26JOB 20:11PSA 25:7PRO 27:1ECC 11:9ISA 40:30JER 13:23JHN 14:30TIT 2:6HEB 7:25J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical need for young men to be self-controlled and spiritually vigilant, as highlighted in Paul's letter to Titus. He reflects on the unique challenges and temptations faced by young men, urging them to recognize the importance of their choices and the potential consequences of their actions. Ryle warns of the dangers of neglecting spiritual growth and the reality of death and judgment that awaits everyone, regardless of age. He encourages young men to seek God early in life to avoid the sorrows that come from a life of sin and to be aware of the devil's relentless efforts to lead them astray. Ultimately, Ryle's exhortation aims to guide young men towards a path of righteousness and fulfillment in their lives.
(Knowing God's Way) 7. Every Church Must Have a Doorkeeper
By Zac Poonen3Church LeadershipSpiritual VigilanceZac Poonen emphasizes the critical role of doorkeepers in the church, highlighting their responsibility to protect the congregation from false teachings and spiritual corruption. He explains that doorkeepers, often elders, must remain vigilant and prioritize God's glory over personal reputation, as neglecting this duty can lead to the church being overrun by 'savage wolves.' Poonen warns against the dangers of complacency and the need for leaders to be discerning, drawing parallels to biblical figures like Eli and Paul. He calls for a return to the seriousness of this role, urging elders to confront sin and maintain the purity of the church. Ultimately, he prays for the rise of faithful doorkeepers who will uphold the integrity of God's house.
Detachment
By Watchman Nee3DetachmentSpiritual VigilanceLUK 21:34Watchman Nee emphasizes the Church's role as a thorn in Satan's side, highlighting the increasing spiritual challenges faced by believers in a world that is becoming more subtly evil. He warns that the Church must be vigilant against the distractions of worldly concerns, such as food, marriage, and commerce, which can lead to spiritual entanglement and confusion. Nee points out that while these aspects of life are not inherently sinful, they can be manipulated by demonic forces to draw Christians away from their true purpose. He calls for a detachment from worldly desires, urging believers to hold their material possessions lightly and to seek God's kingdom above all else. Ultimately, he encourages the Church to remain alert and spiritually detached to fulfill its divine calling.
The Growth of the Kingdom Mark 4:26-29; Matthew 13:31-33
By R.A. Torrey1Growth of the KingdomSpiritual VigilanceMRK 4:26R.A. Torrey explores the growth of the Kingdom of Heaven through the parables of the seed and the mustard seed, emphasizing the natural and divine processes involved in spiritual growth. He highlights that the seed represents the Word of God, which grows independently and powerfully, while the mustard seed illustrates the Kingdom's humble beginnings and expansive growth. Torrey also discusses the leaven as a symbol of the Gospel's pervasive influence, warning against the corrupting effects of false doctrine within the church. The sermon encourages believers to recognize the significance of their faith and the importance of safeguarding the truth against insidious errors. Ultimately, Torrey reassures that the growth of the Kingdom is both a divine promise and a call to vigilance.
He Did Evil, Because He Prepared Not His Heart
By F.B. Meyer1Heart PreparationSpiritual Vigilance2CH 12:14PSA 51:10PSA 57:7JAS 1:14F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of preparing one's heart to seek the Lord, as illustrated in 2 Chronicles 12:14. He warns that without a fixed determination to follow God's will, individuals are vulnerable to temptation and sin. Meyer highlights the importance of a whole-hearted commitment to God, urging believers to be vigilant and to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance for steadfastness. He draws parallels to David's prayer for a renewed spirit, underscoring that true preparation comes from divine assistance. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a resolute heart that is unwavering in its pursuit of righteousness.
Dangers of Young Men
By J.C. Ryle1PrideHumilitySpiritual VigilanceJOB 31:1PRO 29:25ISA 51:12MAT 10:28ROM 12:31CO 6:18COL 3:52TI 3:41PE 2:111PE 5:5J.C. Ryle warns young men about the dangers of pride, love of pleasure, thoughtlessness, contempt of Christianity, and the fear of man's opinion. He emphasizes that pride can lead to a lack of humility and receptiveness to wisdom, while the pursuit of pleasure can distract from spiritual growth and lead to destructive behaviors. Ryle urges young men to think critically about their choices and to respect the teachings of Christianity, warning against the consequences of dismissing faith. He highlights the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs despite societal pressures and encourages young men to seek God's approval over man's. Ultimately, Ryle's message is a call to vigilance and self-awareness in the face of these common pitfalls.
Guarding Against Drifting From Christ
By David Wilkerson1Spiritual VigilanceCommunion with ChristHEB 2:1David Wilkerson emphasizes the danger of spiritual neglect among Christians, warning that even devoted believers can drift away from Christ through prayerlessness and neglecting God's Word. He cites biblical examples of churches that lost their fervor, such as the Ephesians, Laodiceans, and Sardis, highlighting the importance of vigilance in faith. Wilkerson urges believers to meditate on Scripture and examine their spiritual walk, reminding them to heed the warnings in Hebrews about the consequences of neglecting salvation. He encourages a deep, reflective engagement with the Word to maintain a strong communion with Christ.