192. MAR 13:37. CHRISTIAN WATCHFULNESS

Mar_13:37. Christian Watchfulness

"What I say unto you, I say unto all ‘Watch.’"’97Mar_13:37.

Let us consider,

I. What is the Nature of this Duty?

1. It is directly opposed to sleep.

It includes the active state of the faculties of the mind. A state of wakeful consciousness.

2. It is opposed to carelessness.

The vigilant application of the faculties to the arrangements of prudence and knowledge. A spirit of holy caution, and active circumspection.

II. What must we watch over?

1. Over our understandings and judgments, that they are enlightened and influenced only by the truth.

In danger of being borne on the stream of popular opinion. Liable to be deceived, or to remain in a state of inglorious ignorance. We must, therefore, know the truth as it is prescribed to us in the divine word. Abide in the truth. Be the children of the ruth, &c. We must watch.

2. Over the passions of our hearts.

That our love, fear, hatred, anger desires, &c., be exercised upon proper objects. Guard, lest they be perverted’97lest we hate what we should love, &c. We must watch,

3. Over the thoughts of our minds.

Thoughts are actions in embryo’97plants in the seed. We should especially guard against vain, foolish, and impure thoughts. We must watch.

4. Over the words of our lips Mouth the fountain of life or death, it influences the whole man. Without the subjection of the tongue, our assumption of the Christian name is in vain. We must watch,

5. Over the actions of our lives.

That we act from right motives’97with a right object in view’97and according to the right rule, the word of God.

III. What must we watch for?

1. For seasons of receiving good.

We need increasing light, and holiness, and joy, and strength. We must, therefore, be found waiting and attending where these are communicated. We must watch,

2. For opportunities of doing good.

To the bodies and souls of men’97to our families’97to the church’97and to the world We must watch,

3. For the solemnities of death Keep ourselves awake to the fact. A tend to the duties and preparations connected therewith. Consider our latter end &c. Prepare, so as to be ready for the coming of the Son of man.

Let us consider,

IV. When we should watch.

It can never be an unseasonable exercise. But there are some seasons peculiarly appropriate.

1. In times of adversity and affliction.

To ascertain the mind of the Lord. Watch against fretfulness, impatience, and ungodly shifts, to extricate ourselves.

2. In times of prosperity.

That we are not the victims of pride. That we do not forget God; nor set our hearts upon riches.

3. When engaged in the world.

That its cares don’t oppress us’97its favors allure us’97its frowns alarm us’97and its smiles deceive us.

4. When engaged in religious exercises Whether public, social, or secret. The our hearts are sincere, and our spirits under the influence of the true spirit of devotion.

V. On whom does this Duty devolve?

It is addressed to all. All are exposed to danger. All are frail and fallible. All stand, therefore, in need of watchfulness.; What I say unto you, I say unto all: Watch." Let the injunction of the Saviour’97the examples presented by the backslidings of eminent professors’97and a true regard to our own well-being, induce us all, and at all times, to watch.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS