Vigilance
Vigilance9
"watch."- Mar 13:37
By G. Campbell Morgan0MAT 24:4MAT 25:31MRK 13:5LUK 21:24G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the command of Jesus to 'watch' in light of His prophecy regarding the end times, urging believers to remain vigilant and faithful amidst turmoil and uncertainty. He explores the significance of Jesus' predictions about wars, false prophets, and the need for spiritual alertness, highlighting that the end of the age will not be marked by peace but by conflict. Morgan stresses the importance of loyalty to Christ, courage in the face of adversity, and the necessity of prayer as integral to the act of watching. He concludes by reminding the congregation that their duty is to work diligently while awaiting the Lord's return, as the signs of the times unfold.
2 Peter 3:17
By John Gill0MAT 24:24GAL 1:6EPH 4:14COL 2:82TI 4:3HEB 2:1JAS 1:61PE 5:82PE 3:171JN 4:1John Gill emphasizes the importance of vigilance among believers in light of the warnings about mockers and false teachers in the last days. He urges the congregation to be aware of the dangers posed by those who distort the Scriptures and lead others away from the simplicity of the Gospel. Gill reassures that while true believers cannot ultimately fall from grace, they can experience a decline in their steadfastness and faith. He encourages the faithful to remain steadfast in their beliefs and to guard against the errors that threaten their spiritual integrity. The sermon serves as a reminder to stay alert and anchored in the truth of Christ's teachings.
The Devil's Jackals!
By C.H. Spurgeon02SA 11:2PSA 121:7PRO 4:23MAT 26:41ROM 13:141CO 10:12GAL 5:17EPH 6:11JAS 4:71PE 5:8C.H. Spurgeon warns that temptation is ever-present, as illustrated by King David's encounter with Bathsheba while he was idle at home instead of engaging in battle. He emphasizes that both idleness and luxury serve as gateways for sin, and that self-confidence can lead to greater exposure to danger. Spurgeon urges vigilance, reminding us that no place is immune to temptation, and that we must remain active and watchful against the allurements of evil. He calls for reliance on God's grace to guard against our own corruptions and the devil's schemes, especially during vulnerable times like the evening.
David Tarried Still at Jerusalem.
By F.B. Meyer02SA 11:1PRO 4:23MAT 26:41ROM 12:111CO 10:12GAL 6:9EPH 6:10HEB 12:1JAS 4:71PE 5:8F.B. Meyer warns against the dangers of complacency and idleness as exemplified by King David, who, instead of leading his men into battle, chose to remain in Jerusalem, leading to his moral downfall. This period of ease allowed temptation to creep in, resulting in grave consequences for David and his kingdom. Meyer emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant and fulfilling our responsibilities, especially during times of rest, as neglecting duty can open the door to sin. He urges believers to be proactive in their spiritual lives, recognizing that even a moment of laziness can lead to significant spiritual defeat. The sermon serves as a reminder to watch and pray, remaining engaged in the fight against temptation.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins Matthew 25:1-13
By R.A. Torrey0MAT 25:1R.A. Torrey expounds on the Parable of the Ten Virgins, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for the coming of the Bridegroom, who represents Christ. The parable illustrates the distinction between the wise and foolish virgins, highlighting that outward appearances can be deceiving and that true readiness requires spiritual preparation symbolized by the oil in their lamps. Torrey warns that procrastination in spiritual matters can lead to dire consequences, as the foolish virgins found themselves shut out of the wedding feast when they were unprepared. The sermon calls believers to remain vigilant and ready for Christ's return, as the timing is uncertain and unexpected. Ultimately, the message is a call to personal responsibility in one's faith and readiness for the coming of the Lord.
True Vigils
By Horatius Bonar0MAT 24:42Horatius Bonar emphasizes the urgency of being vigilant and prepared for the return of the Lord, reminding us that while we know He will come, we do not know the hour of His arrival. He urges believers to remain watchful and ready, likening our state to that of a watchman or a soldier, and warns against the dangers of slothfulness and indifference. Bonar calls for a readiness that encompasses our spiritual state, our hearts, and our actions, encouraging both the undecided and the careless to awaken to the reality of Christ's imminent return. The sermon serves as a clarion call to live in anticipation and holiness, as the time of His coming is unknown but certain.
Blessed Is He That Watcheth
By C.H. Spurgeon0MAT 26:41ROM 8:37EPH 6:10COL 3:22TI 4:7HEB 12:1JAS 4:41PE 5:81JN 2:15REV 3:15C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of vigilance in the Christian life, warning that while modern believers may not face the same physical persecutions as early Christians, they are still at risk from the subtle dangers of worldly influences and complacency. He highlights that the trials of wealth, societal pressures, and the temptation to conform to the world's standards can be more insidious than outright persecution. Spurgeon urges Christians to remain awake and fervent in their faith, as the current age may lead many to become hypocritical in their profession of faith. He calls for a genuine love for Christ and a steadfast confidence in Him, reminding believers that they are more than conquerors through Jesus. The sermon serves as a wake-up call to maintain spiritual integrity in a time of ease and distraction.
Matthew 24:44
By Chuck Smith0MAT 24:6MAT 24:14MAT 24:21MAT 24:30MAT 24:32MAT 24:36MAT 24:44MRK 13:32LUK 21:28Chuck Smith discusses the signs of the end of the world as foretold in Matthew 24:44, emphasizing the importance of being vigilant and prepared for Christ's return. He explains that the disciples' questions about the destruction of the Temple and the end of the age reflect a Jewish context, not the church, and warns against false prophets who distract from the truth of Scripture. Smith highlights the signs of the times, including wars, famines, and natural disasters, urging believers to focus on God's eternal purposes with Israel and to read the Bible for guidance. He concludes with the call to watch and be ready, as the exact time of Christ's return is unknown.
Watch Therefore, for Ye Know Neither the Day nor the Hour
By A.B. Simpson0MAT 24:42MRK 13:33LUK 12:391TH 5:2REV 16:15A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of vigilance in our spiritual lives, using the metaphor of a thief to illustrate the unexpectedness of Jesus' return. He likens life to a house divided into three watches: youth, maturity, and old age, reminding us that we must be prepared to meet God at any stage. Simpson shares a cautionary tale from a camping experience where neglecting to keep watch led to loss, underscoring that we should always be on guard against sin. The sermon calls for a proactive approach to spiritual readiness, as the summons to meet God can come at any moment. Ultimately, it is a reminder that vigilance is essential in our walk with Christ.