Young People's Group

Be Watchful in All Things

by Mitchell Tan
February 08, 2018

THE DANGER OF APOSTASY

One of the dangers that we see today is a growing apostasy in the world. More and more, “Christians” are not following through with upholding sound doctrines from the word of God. They deviate towards falsehood. This was something that Paul had repeatedly warned Timothy of in his last pastoral epistle.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears … they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”
2 Timothy 4:3-4

The “time” is a reference to the perilous last days (2 Timothy 3:1). These so-called “believers” would no longer continue in sound doctrine. They would follow after their own desires and would accumulate many teachers for themselves. Paul used the analogy of an itching ear to bring across the idea that their itching ears could only be soothed by what they want to hear … fables! They had turned away from truth to falsehood. Young people, let us be warned of this growing apostasy.

THE COMMAND TO BE CONTINUOUSLY WATCHFUL IN ALL THINGS

“But you be watchful in all things …”
2 Timothy 4:5

The word “watchful” in Greek means to be “sober” and “vigilant”. It is an imperative that is to be constantly adhered to. The challenge is to be on the alert against falsehood that may affect the Church. In everything that we do, it is vital that we continuously be on guard.

1. BEING WATCHFUL AND ENDURING ALL THINGS GO TOGETHER

“… Endure afflictions …”
2 Timothy 4:5

The phrase “endure afflictions” is actually one word. It means to endure hardship patiently. Paul had challenged Timothy earlier in his epistle to share with him in suffering for the gospel (2 Timothy 1:8). Hel himself was an example to Timothy in enduring all things for the sake of the elect (2 Timothy 2:10). The challenge for Timothy was also to endure affliction while being watchful at the same time. We too should not let our guard down at any time as we endure the challenges of life and ministry.

2. BEING WATCHFUL AND REACHING THE LOST GO TOGETHER

“… Do the work of an evangelist …”
2 Timothy 4:5

Paul’s constant concern was winning souls for the Lord. An evangelist is someone who brings the good news of salvation to all. Paul challenged Timothy to be watchful even as he got down to doing this work of preaching the gospel. He must continue to do the work of an evangelist even if it meant suffering for the gospel. Let’s also not be ashamed to share the gospel.

3. BEING WATCHFUL AND FULFILLING OUR MINISTRY GO TOGETHER

“… Fulfil your ministry.”
2 Timothy 4:5

The word “fulfil” in the Greek means to “fully carry out” what we have been given to do. This command was for Timothy to follow through to the end and fulfil the ministry that had been entrusted to him. Again, being on the alert at all times must not be neglected. The servant of God has many areas of ministry to look into. The tendency is to drop our guard when we have many things to do. The challenge is to follow through with the work entrusted to us, be watchful and fulfil it. Let’s seek to apply this principle of fulfilment in our school work and our church work. Let’s be watchful and faithful in all things in life and ministry.

Back to Article Listing