Key Bible Passage(s):

Hebrews 2:1; 3:12-13; 10:24-25; 13:17

Tier 1:

The warning to ‘watch’ is a common one in the Bible. It speaks of a spiritual vigilance. It reminds us that we are living on enemy territory (II Cor.4:4, I Jn.5:19) so we need to be alert, watchful, and to remember we are in the midst of a spiritual battle. It is an incredibly powerful posture of soul to maintain, and guards against the enemies of our soul as they seek to gain access whilst battling the reality of a fifth column within us that actually wants to grant them access.

Tier 2:

Watchfulness does demand a spiritual self-awareness, but it is not an invitation to introversion.   We are to  keep eyes on Christ.  Watchfulness is not ‘sanctified-navel-gazing’.  A watchful heart is not preoccupied with self, but with Christ. We are avoiding complacency and apathy and lethargy precisely in order to safeguard our pursuit of Christ. To cultivate watchfulness is to preserve freedom from the enslaving power of sin, compromise.

Tier 3:

We are to be watchful over ourselves, but also have a mandate to watch of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Some are called beyond that universal mutual responsibility to the office of ‘watchman’. We call them ministers or pastors, and they entrusted with the guardianship of a congregation. This session will explore how we relate to our '‘shepherds’, and how we can make sure they are as profitable to us as possible.

It is no ordinary nor easy thing to preserve our affections pure, entire, and steady in their vigorous adherence to spiritual things ... watchfulness, prayer, faith, daily examination of ourselves are required hereunto.  For want of a due attendance unto these things ... many even before they are aware die away as to the all power and vigour of spiritual life’

John Owen

Discussion Groups:

What has been your experience of meditating for a whole week on Heb.6:7-8? What has the Spirit shown you? What impact has it had?

Over the last half-term how has you practise of the Spiritual Disciplines changed and developed? What differences have you noticed in yourself as a result?

The Christian life is a journey (pilgrim), a race (athlete) and a battle (soldier). To what extent have these images shaped your understanding of discipleship? What has that meant for you?

and later in the session:

Why do we need to be concerned about the approach of sin and temptation?  If we are saved by grace, and if we can’t lose our salvation, does it ultimately matter? 

If we are careless about sin, what does that reveal about our spiritual health?

What happens is we aren’t ‘watchful’?

James 4:7; I Peter 5:9.  What does it mean to resist the devil?  How do we do that?  What has been your experience of such things?

and if you do Tier 3:

How do you feel about being involved in other Christians’ lives in this way?

Have you ever experienced Church life like this?  Would you welcome this kind of involvement from others? ...including your pastor? 

What would that look like?  How could you instigate this kind of relationship with others at [our Church]?

How would you recognize a Christian who wasn’t ‘watchful’? 

Homework:

Over this half-term we will be working to memorise Matthew 5:38-42. You will have to keep refreshing Matt.5:1-37, Matt.6:5-34 and Matt.7:1-28 whilst you do this.

(we’ll memorise the whole of the Sermon on the Mount over the 3 years of DTP)

Have a listen to Martyn-Lloyd Jones on the Importance of Self-Examination

Over the next week, use John Wesley’s Questions for Self-Examination as a framework to get a sense of what watchfulness might feel like.

What one-degree change can you make to build this into your Rule of Life?