Pt#3 The Call to Watch and Intercede

 Pt#3  The Call to Watch and Intercede

 Introduction

- Introduce the significance of the roles of watchers and intercessors in the church.

- Emphasize the necessity of divine guidance in effective prayer and intercession.

 I. The Importance of Divine Oversight

 A. The Role of God as the Ultimate Watcher

- Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

- Psalm 127:1 (NKJV): "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain."

- Highlight that without God’s oversight and guidance, human efforts are futile.

 B. The Danger of Vain Watchfulness

- Discuss the phenomenon of prayer gatherings that lack substance and power.

- Warning against the form of godliness without the true power of God.

 II. The Call to Be a Watchman

 A. God’s Calling of Watchmen

- Emphasize that true watchmen are called by God.

- Ezekiel 3:17-19 (NKJV): "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me."

- Watchmen must hear God’s word and communicate it faithfully.

 B. The Role of the Intercessor

- Clarify the distinction between intercessors and mere praying warriors; intercessors require a deeper relationship with God and others.

- The pride often found among those who proclaim to be intercessors.

 III. The Nature of Warning

 A. The Duty to Warn the Wicked

- The responsibility of watchmen to warn others about sin and its consequences.

- Ezekiel 3:18 (NKJV): "When I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' and you give him no warning..."

- The importance of being a light in darkness rather than merely confronting sin.

 B. The Light of the Watchman

- Every watchman is a light bearer, called to illuminate dark places.

- Matthew 5:14 (NKJV): "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden."

- Encourage the audience to show their light through righteous living.

 IV. The Burden of Intercession

 A. The Reality of Suffering

- Address the misconception that Christianity is free from suffering.

- True intercession often involves identifying with the struggles and pain of others.

- Philippians 1:29 (NKJV): "For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake."

- Challenge the belief that faith is always about comfort and prosperity.

 B. The Call to Persevere

- The importance of enduring hardship for the sake of the Gospel.

- Romans 8:17 (NKJV): "And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together."

- Encourage a commitment to true discipleship, which includes suffering.

 V. The Responsibility of the Watchman

 A. The Burden of Truth

- The call to preach the whole counsel of God, including hard truths.

- Warning against the sensational gospel that neglects the need for repentance and truth.

- 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NKJV): "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth."  

 B. The Call to Return

- The necessity for the church to return to its first love and focus on the kingdom of God.

- Encourage a movement toward genuine repentance and relationship with God.

 Conclusion

- Recap the vital roles of watchers and intercessors in the church.

- Challenge the congregation to embrace their responsibilities as watchmen, to seek God's guidance, and to be faithful in warning and interceding for their communities.

- Encourage commitment to a faith that is rooted in truth, humility, and genuine relationship with God.