RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 25 – WATCHFULNESS

MEMORY VERSE: “Take ye heed, watch and pray for ye know not when the time is.” Mark 13:33.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 24:38-44.

INTRODUCTION

Watchfulness is the state of being constantly attentive and responsive to signs of opportunity, activity, or danger. In this context, watchfulness refers to the quality of (spiritual, emotional, and physical) preparation and readiness of a believer to ‘make heaven’ Matthew 25:14. Not all who are expecting the rapture today are well prepared. It is expedient that believers are prepared and take some necessary cautions to avoid disappointment.

OUTLINE

1. BE PREPARED
2. BE CAREFUL

1. BE PREPARED

God gives everybody equal chances to operate during our lifetime Matthew 25:1. Only those that are well prepared will escape being rejected on the last day Matthew 25:1-13. There are certain things we believers must be found doing to qualify us for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Some of these include:
1. Living righteously to maintain purity in thoughts, conversation, and actions. Avoid falling into temptations Psalm 24:3-4; 1 Timothy 6:5- 10; 1 Corinthians 10:12-14.
2. Studying, meditating, and obeying the word of God daily Psalm 119:11;1 John 2:5.
3. Having a consistent prayer life and fasting Luke 21:36; Matthew 9:14-15.
4. Being emotionally stable. Do not be controlled by emotions but allow the Holy Spirit to always guide you Romans 8:14; Philippians 4:6-7.
5.Saturating your mind and spirit with spiritual songs and hymns Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16.
6.Obedience to the command to preach the gospel i.e. evangelise Mark 16:15; Daniel 12:3.
7.Willingness to forgive, love and live peaceably with all men Colossians 3:12-14; Hebrews 12:14.
8. Staying humble no matter the height you attain to in life Matthew 18:4.
9. Investing your time, energy, and resources in Kingdom business 1 Thessalonians 2:8; 2 Corinthians 12:15.
10. Constantly fellowship with the brethren wherever you have the opportunity Hebrews 10:25.

    2. BE CAREFUL

The day of reckoning will come for all men 1 Peter 4:17-18. Punishment awaits anyone left behind because of worldly pleasures 2 Peter 2:4-9; Revelation 13:9- 10. God warned His children to take heed lest they are caught unawares. Here are some cautions for believers 2 Timothy 4:1-5:
1. Watch your words Matthew 12:36; Ephesians 5:3-5; Colossians 4:6
2. Watch your action. Action speaks louder than words. This has to do with your activities, what you do or fail to do 1 Samuel 2:3; Titus 2:7-8.
3. Watch your thoughts Proverbs 23:7; 24:12.
4. Watch your character. This has to do with integrity, reputation, probity, honesty and having strong moral principles 2 Timothy 3:1-6.
5. Watch your habit which is a fixed and regular way of doing things. Prayerfully strive to get rid of any bad habit you have found so difficult to leave 1 Corinthians 10:31.
6. Do not be overconfident in yourself 1 Corinthians 10:12
7. Watch out for deceivers and false prophets Mark 13:5, 22-23.

CONCLUSION

Watch out for all forms of corrupting vices capable of hindering you from making the rapture. Deal with them before it is too late.

FURTHER READINGS:

SUN: Matthew 25:1-4.
MON: Matthew 25:4- 9
TUE: Matthew 25:10-13.
WED: Matthew 25:14-19.
THUR: Matthew 25:20-30
FRI: 2 Timothy 4:1-5.
SAT: Hebrew 10:37-39