Keep Watch
February 14|Influence Series
February 14|Influence Series
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Acts 20:28a
Read: Acts 20:25-38
Listen: Acts 20
There are always forces in life seeking to pull us away from God. If we’re honest with ourselves, we know it’s much easier to stray from God than be committed to closely following him. Paul is keenly aware of this as he gives a departing message to the church leaders at Ephesus. Imagine the urgency Paul feels to warn them about the spiritual battle they face as he knows he will never see them again.
Last week, we looked at Paul’s words compelling them to be a positive influence for the Gospel by reminding them of his own example. We examine this week his warning not to give in to the negative influences that tempt them to drift away from God. Joining the conversation, we learn how Paul is warning church leaders and all Jesus-followers.
God cares about his church and wants its spiritual leaders to keep watch, shepherd their people, be on guard to protect them and commit them to God. Paul challenges leaders to first defend and strengthen their own faith so they are ready to keep watch and help strengthen Jesus-followers in their care.
Ask God, “Please give me your wisdom and insight to see the things trying to pull me away from you. Help me resist negative influences so I can draw closer to you, then encourage and help those around me to draw close to you too.”
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse!
PHILIPPIANS 1:6
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.