In 1 Peter 5:8, we are instructed to be watchful because our adversary, the Devil, roars around seeking whom he may swallow up. Vigilant (γρηγορέω) means to watch; be on alert for danger.
On his way to Jerusalem, Paul takes the opportunity to stop in Ephesus to encourage the Pastors to shepherd the flock of God while taking heed for themselves, Acts 20:28. When he is gone, he is aware that savage wolves will come in among them, Acts 20:39. Even some of their own will draw away disciples after themselves, rejecting the truth and seeking the glory of men, Acts 20:30. Therefore, they are to be on alert, for Paul has warned them of the dangers for the past three years, Acts 20:31. This assembly listened to Paul’s instruction. They tested those who claimed to be apostles and were not, finding them liars. They kept watch in their work, hard labor, and patience, not bearing things that were wrong. However, in doing so, they lost their love for the brethren, Revelation 2:4. We are to remain on guard for false teachers while being cautious not to fall into the same trap as the saints in Ephesus and lose our love for fellow saints.
After rebuking and exhorting the saints of Corinth, Paul encourages them to be vigilant and stand firm in the faith. Rather than being carnal, they are to do all things out from love, 1 Corinthians 16:13. They are to welcome those who are doing the work of the Lord and pay attention to the dangers of false apostles, who had infiltrated their assemblies and caused a lot of spiritual damage. Still today, their impact is felt among many assemblies that are focused on emotional content, which leads to divisions, envy, and strife. They do not grow Spiritually because they are not watching out for the dangers of this world and are tossed around by every wind of teaching by the trickery of men to deceive them. In the same way, those of the reformed or covenant assemblies today are warned to be watchful, for many claim to follow Jesus. Yet they reject the truth of the gospel and are, therefore, dead. Strengthen the things that remain and do not defile yourselves with the false doctrine from these types of assemblies, Revelation 3:1.
We are sons of the light; therefore, let us not sleep. Instead, we are to be watchful with a clear mind, having on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of salvation for God has not appointed us unto any quality of wrath, but to possess salvation, 1 Thessalonians 5:6-9. As we are being watchful for danger from those who bring false doctrine and seek to gain disciples unto themselves, let us lay hold of eternal life, casting off the things of darkness while putting on the new man, and walk as those who are of the day.
