Being vigilant, as the Bible teaches, is crucial for every believer. It means being watchful, alert, and cautious in all aspects of life—spiritual, personal, relational, and even in day-to-day decision-making. Vigilance helps protect our hearts, faith, and walk with God against the many snares of the enemy and the temptations of the flesh. Here’s a few bible based points on vigilance, and why God calls us as believers to be spiritually alert and sensitive.
1. Be Vigilant Against the Devices of the Enemy
Satan is always on the prowl, seeking opportunities to deceive and destroy believers. Scripture repeatedly warns us to be alert against his schemes and to resist him.
- 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV): “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
This verse reminds believers to stay alert because the devil is constantly looking for ways to bring harm.
Being born-again will not stop the devil from still trying to find ways to bring a believer down and ultimately destroy the testimony and salvation of that believer.
Vigilance helps us recognise and resist his attacks, whether they come through spiritual attacks, temptation, deception, or other subtle forms.
- Ephesians 6:11 (NKJV): “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Here, Paul instructs believers to be prepared for spiritual warfare. Vigilance is part of being fully armed by putting on the whole armour of God. This amour include the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:13-16), so we can stand firm against the enemy’s tactics.
2. Be Vigilant in Prayer
Prayer is not just a routine; it’s a means of staying connected to God and receiving divine strength and guidance. Jesus Himself urged His disciples to be vigilant in prayer, especially in the face of trials.
- Matthew 26:41 (NKJV): “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
In this passage, Jesus warns His disciples to stay spiritually alert in prayer, knowing that temptation is near. Vigilance in prayer keeps our hearts aligned with God’s will and strengthens us to overcome the weaknesses of the flesh.
- Colossians 4:2 (NKJV): “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.”
Paul instructs the church to maintain an attitude of watchfulness in prayer. This implies persistence and attentiveness, staying spiritually awake in the place of prayer and being thankful as we seek God are key elements of being spiritually alert
3. Be Vigilant Against Temptation
Temptation is part of the human experience. Apostle Paul states in 1 Corinthians 10:13a; “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.” You cannot stop temptation from coming your way, but vigilance helps you avoid falling into sin. Being spiritually watchful of our actions, thoughts, and surroundings can prevent us from stumbling into sin.
- 1 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV): “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”
This verse serves as a cautionary reminder that even when we feel spiritually strong, we must remain watchful to avoid overconfidence, which can lead to sin. This was one of the many reasons that led to Samson’s downfall in the Bible. He felt so powerful that he believed no man, general, or warrior could make him fall. In his mind, he could never imagine that a woman, with feeble physical strength compared to a man, would be the unlikely person to bring about his downfall.
- James 1:14-15 (NKJV): “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”
Vigilance is needed to guard against internal desires that can lead to temptation and ultimately sin. What are those internal desires you have that predispose you to falling into sin. These internal desires that are in variance to God’s will are induced by the “flesh” in you. Now there are 17 works of the flesh as stated in Galatians 5:19-21
- Adultery: Adultery refers to engaging in sexual relations with someone who is not your spouse. It violates the sanctity of marriage and is a serious breach of trust and commitment of the marriage covenant instituted by God.
- Fornication: Fornication encompasses all forms of sexual immorality, including premarital sex. It highlights the importance of sexual purity and the boundaries set by the Word of God.
- Uncleanness: Uncleanness refers to moral impurity in thoughts, words, and actions. It includes behaviours that defile a person spiritually and morally.
- Lewdness: refers to behaviour that is sexually unrestrained or indecent. It encompasses actions and attitudes or mindsets that are morally impure and often involves a lack of respect for the sanctity of sexual relations. In the context of the works of the flesh, lewdness is seen as a deviation from the moral and ethical standards set by biblical teachings. It highlights the importance of maintaining purity and self-control in one’s actions and thoughts.
- Idolatry: Idolatry is the worship of idols or anything that takes the place of God in one’s life. It can include material possessions, relationships, career, ministry or even personal ambitions that you have put above God, His Word and His Will
- Sorcery: involves the use of magic, witchcraft, or other dark and wicked supernatural means to influence events or people. It is seen as relying on powers other than God.
- Hatred: is intense dislike or ill will towards others. It fosters division and conflict, contrary to the teachings of love and unity.
- Contentions: refer to quarrels and disputes. It involves a spirit of strife and discord, disrupting peace and harmony.
- Jealousies: are feelings of envy and resentment towards others’ success or possessions. It stems from a lack of contentment and gratitude to God.
- Outbursts of wrath; refers to sudden, intense expressions of anger. It often leads to destructive behaviour and damaged relationships.
- Selfish ambitions: involve pursuing personal gain at the expense of others. It reflects a self-centred attitude that disregards the well-being of others.
- Dissensions: are disagreements that lead to division and conflict within a group. It undermines unity and cooperation
- Heresies: refer to beliefs or opinions that deviate from established scriptural truths that are found in God’s Word. It will lead to confusion and misguidance within the local church and the body of Christ globally.
- Envy: can be described as a feeling of discontent or covetousness towards others’ advantages or possessions. It will lead to bitterness and resentment.
- Murder: Murders involve the unlawful killing of another person. It is the ultimate act of hatred and disregard for human life. Many believers will not physically kill people because they know it is a sin, but another way believers harm others is through their sharp and unkind words. Many destinies, self-esteems, and opportunities to rise in life have been destroyed by words fuelled by hatred and malice—this is a type of non-physical murder.
- Drunkenness: refers to excessive consumption of alcohol leading to impaired judgment and behaviour. It often results in actions that are harmful to oneself and others. The simple remedy for this, as a believer, is to avoid any drink that contains alcohol. If drunkenness is impacting other areas of your life, such as family, job, health, or finances, first seek help from God through consistent Bible study and prayer. Additionally, consult your pastor or a godly mentor who can provide pastoral assistance. There is also a place for seeking medical help, especially if you have become dependent on alcohol or if there are health and mental issues arising from it.
- Revelries: refer to wild, noisy, and often drunken festivities. This term is associated with excessive partying and indulgence in pleasures that lead to moral and spiritual degradation. Revelries are characterised by a lack of restraint and often result in behaviour that is contrary to the values of sobriety and moderation promoted in the New Testament. In the context of the works of the flesh, revelries are seen as a distraction from a righteous and disciplined life in Christ Jesus.
Recognising the works of the flesh in yourself, and dealing with them daily through the help of the Holy Spirit, and God’s Word, will empower you to avoid falling prey to temptation, and the consequences of sin.
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name
Prayer: Holy-Sprit my God, please empower me to discipline my flesh on a daily basis, so that I do not fall into error and sin, in Jesus Name
Feast of Light Word Ministry
