Watch and Pray (Mark 13:33)

Summary:

Christ calls his people to combine watchfulness with prayer because the times of duty, temptation, trouble, and death are unknown. Watchfulness requires spiritual wakefulness, attention, and discernment; prayer acknowledges that vigilance alone is insufficient without God’s help. Since opportunities may pass, temptations may arrive unexpectedly, trials may fall suddenly, and death is certain though its hour is concealed, believers should live continually prepared and dependent upon God.

Outline:

• Receive Christ’s warning
  • The believer welcomes the Saviour’s commands and admonitions as well as his promises.
• Join watchfulness with prayer
  • Spiritual attention must be accompanied by humble dependence upon God.
• Be ready for opportunities of duty
  • Unexpected occasions to help, comfort, correct, or serve must not be neglected.
• Be prepared for danger and trouble
  • Temptation and affliction may arise suddenly, especially when we feel secure.
• Be ready for death
  • Death is certain, its time is unknown, and it brings every person before God.