In support of Jesus' instructions on spiritual alertness, other New Testament passages explain how Christians can be watchful.

In his last meeting with the elders at Ephesus, Paul said, "For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears" (Acts 20:29-31). Paul's admonition to "watch" meant to be observant of doctrinal matters. In order to faithfully watch, we must study our Bibles so we will be able to discern contradictory messages. Regular Bible reading and study is part of the watching Jesus expects of His followers.

In 1 Corinthians 16:13, Paul linked watching with standing "fast in the faith" and being "brave" and "strong." He was encouraging the brethren to live their lives in accordance with the inspiring hope of their calling. Our lives must reflect our spiritual convictions.

Vigilance

The command to "watch" also entails vigilance. The Greek word gregoreo is also translated as such in several passages. Colossians 4:2 admonishes us, "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving." Earnest prayer while remembering to thank God for His blessings is another way we can stay spiritually alert.

In 1 Peter 5:8 we are told to be sober and vigilant ("watchful," according to some marginal references) "because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." If we are not vigilantly on guard, Satan will deceive us.

Our spiritual vigilance can also be described as sobriety. The apostle Paul links this attribute with being watchful in 1 Thessalonians 5:6-9: "Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Watchfulness clearly entails watching prophesied world events unfold before Christ's return as well as living godly lives. UN