Introduction

Good morning, beloved family of God. Let's take a moment to quiet our hearts, to set aside the worries and cares of this world, and focus our minds on the Word of God. The Word that is alive, active, sharper than any two-edged sword, and the Word that has the power to transform our lives.

Our Scripture for today is taken from the book of Ezekiel, chapter 3, verses 18-19. Let's read it together:

"When I say to a wicked person, 'You will surely die,' and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person and they do not turn from their wickedness or from their evil ways, they will die for their sin; but you will have saved yourself."

These verses speak to us about the immense responsibility we have as believers. They remind us that we are not just passive observers in this world, but we are called to be active participants, to be watchmen and watchwomen, standing guard and warning others of the dangers of a life lived without Christ.

Duty of the Divine Watchman

In the role of a watchman, there is a certain responsibility that comes with it. This responsibility is not just to ourselves, but to those around us. It's a duty that requires vigilance, courage, and a heart for others. It's about standing on the walls of our communities, our families, our workplaces, and our churches, keeping watch for the spiritual dangers that threaten to pull people away from God.

The watchman's duty is a divine calling. It's not a role that we choose for ourselves, but one that God entrusts to us. He places us in positions where we can see the dangers ahead, and He gives us the responsibility to warn others. It's a role that requires us to be alert, to be discerning, and to be willing to speak out, even when it's difficult.

The first aspect of this duty is the call to vigilance. A watchman cannot afford to be complacent or to let their guard down. They must be constantly alert, watching for any signs of danger. This vigilance is not born out of fear, but out of love. It's a love for God and a love for people that drives us to keep watch, to be on guard against anything that might lead them away from the truth of God's Word.

In the same way, we are called to be vigilant in our spiritual lives. We are to be on guard against the lies of the enemy, the temptations of the world, and the deceitfulness of our own hearts. We are to be watchful, not only for ourselves, but for those around us. We are to warn them of the dangers of sin and the consequences of living a life apart from God.

The second aspect of the watchman's duty is the call to courage. A watchman must be willing to face danger head-on, to stand firm in the face of opposition, and to speak out, even when it's unpopular. This courage is not a natural trait, but a divine gift. It's a courage that comes from knowing that we are not alone, that God is with us, and that He has given us a mission to fulfill.

In the same way, we are called to be courageous in our faith. We are to stand firm in the truth of God's Word, to resist the pressures of the world, and to boldly proclaim the gospel of Christ. We are to be unashamed of our faith, unafraid to speak the truth in love, and unwavering in our commitment to follow Christ, no matter the cost.

The third aspect of the watchman's duty is the call to compassion. A watchman is not just a guard or a sentinel. They are a shepherd, a caregiver, someone who cares deeply for the people they are watching over. This compassion is a divine attribute. It's a compassion that reflects the heart of God, a compassion that leads us to care for others, to warn them of danger, and to guide them towards safety.

In the same way, we are called to be compassionate in our interactions with others. We are to show them the love of Christ, to care for their spiritual well-being, and to guide them towards a relationship with God. We are to be patient, kind, and gentle, reflecting the character of Christ in all that we do.

The fourth aspect of the watchman's duty is the call to faithfulness. A watchman must be reliable, trustworthy, and consistent. They must be faithful in their duty, regardless of the circumstances. This faithfulness is not a human virtue, but a divine command. It's a faithfulness that reflects the steadfastness of God, a faithfulness that leads us to fulfill our duty, even when it's hard, even when it's thankless.

Dangers of Dying without Christ

The dangers of dying without Christ are real and severe ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO