Theme: “Watch and Pray”

Tagged: "Christianity and Youth Rationality 

Text: Matthew 26:41ff

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak

Introduction

Jesus, knowing the suffering that lay ahead, took Peter, James and John with him to the Garden of Gethsemane and asked them to keep watch while he prayed.

However, they fell asleep, unable to stay awake and support their master in his hour of need. It is in this context that Jesus speak the words of Matthew 26;41

For the purpose of clarity, I will divide the text into 3 major parts

A. Watch and pray

B. So that you do not enter into temptation

C. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak

A. Watch and pray

I want to speak to you about something very practical, yet deeply spiritual: the call to watch and pray are command and not optional for the Christian, especially for youth, trying to navigate a world of choices, temptations, uncertainties, and opportunities.

We live in a time of distraction, where social pressures, and competing voices make it very easy to derail and drift away from what matters.

Jesus, in his life and teaching, emphasises that watchfulness and prayer are essential. If we understand these and do both consistently, we can avoid falling into temptation, stand firm in faith, and grow in maturity.

Ai. WATCH –(Spiritual Alertness)

It is a biblical concept and a command that encourages believers to;

i. Be spiritually vigilant, alert and prepare, stay awake and aware of potential spiritual challenges and dangers of temptations.

ii. To be self- controlled, be sober, not to be influenced by something else.

iii. Guarding: to protect oneself or others from dangers, to keep one’s eyes open—not just physically, but spiritually and mentally: to be aware of what is happening in one’s heart, in one’s surroundings, in culture, in relationships.

iv. To notice influences: what you are reading, watching, hearing; the friends you keep; the values you internalise. 1Peter 5;8, says, be sober, be vigilant…… It commands us to watch against spiritual complacency and be on guard against the potential pitfalls and snares of enemies ahead of time.

Tzaphah, a Hebrew word means "to watch", "to observe", or "to wait". It can imply a sense of expectation, anticipation, or careful observation

v. Observation: Paying attention to God's actions, promises, or commands.

vi. Discernment. A rational Christian doesn’t just absorb everything; one examines, weighs, tests.

Paul says “test everything; retain what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

Col 4;2 says continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.

SOME OF THE AREAS WHERE THE YOUTH NEED TO BE WATCHFUL

Youths today face a ton of distractions and spiritual attacks that can totally throw them off track.

Let's break down some of the major ones affecting young folks in Nigeria and worldwide and where they really need to be watchful.

1. Social Media Overload: Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat — they're like black holes pulling you in. Comparing lives, chasing likes e.t.c

It's hard to stay authentic amidst all the online highlight reels.

2. Phones and Technology:

Constant notifications, texts, games, streaming — phones are major distractions. They're using tech to escape feelings like boredom, insecurity, etc.

3. Entertainment and Media: Movies, music, TV shows, video games — they can influence thoughts and values. Some online content promotes stuff conflicting with spiritual truths.

4. Peer Pressure and Approval: Wanting to fit in, seeking validation from friends or online influencers. This can lead to compromising values.

5. Materialism and Looks: The world pushes ideals on appearance, possessions, success. This messes with self-worth — but Scripture says we're "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:13-14).

6. Internal Emotional Struggles: Feelings like anxiety, fear, loneliness affect focus. Youths often turn to devices to escape emotional discomfort.

7. Lack of Spiritual Grounding: Without prayer, and Bible connection, youths can drift spiritually. Hebrews 12:1-2 talks about running the spiritual race with focus.

8. Initiations and Witchcraft: In today’s world believers can easily get drawn into occult practices through social media and peer influence which is liable to affecting spiritual lives.

In addition, the devil who is a master thief, has some sneaky ways of attacking Christians (especially the youths) without us even realizing it. We therefore have to be very watchful of the following subtle ways by which the devil attacks us.

1. Through Lies and Deception: Satan spreads lies about God, ourselves, or life — twisting truths. He did this with Eve in Genesis 3, questioning God's goodness ("Did God really say...?"). He makes falsehoods look appealing.

2. Tempting us via our Fleshly Desires: He stirs up our weaknesses — like lust, greed, pride. Uses the world's allurements to pull us away from God. Think of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4).

3. Blinding Minds: Satan keeps unbelievers from seeing gospel truth "the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers" (2 Corinthians 4:4). He hides God's beauty.

4. Using Worldly Influences: Through media, culture, societal norms promoting stuff that are contrary to God's ways affecting our values. Think entertainment, fashion, lifestyles pushing ungodly ideals.

5. Causing Spiritual Distractions: He diverts our focus from prayer, Bible reading and worship to stuffs like social media, busyness that eat up time meant for connecting with God.

6. Playing on Emotions and Fears: Satan amplifies anxieties, fears whispering lies to make us doubt God's care. He wants us to exhibit fear instead of faith.

7. Misusing Scripture: He twists Bible verses like he did tempting Jesus (Matthew 4:6). Misinterpretation leads us astray.

8. Accusing us Before God: Satan's called "the accuser" (Revelation 12:10) highlighting our sins to undermine assurance of God's forgiveness. Therefore, don’t condemn yourself. When you fall into any sin, believe that you have been forgiven when you genuinely confess and repent. 1John 2:1-2; 1 John1:9.

9. Through Illness or Suffering: Sometimes Satan's behind physical afflictions like Job's trials or the woman bent over for 18 years (Luke 13:16). But Jesus healed her.

10. Influencing Church Traditions: Mixing truth with error in churches promoting false teachings or watering down gospel.

Aii. PRAY.

The Hebrew word for prayer is tefillah meaning to account, contemplate, or judge oneself.

It encompasses: Supplication, self-reflection, seeking guidance, and a form of worship.

Jesus taught his disciples the Lord's Prayer, which includes themes of:

Submission: Seeking God's will and provision

Dependence: Recognizing the need for God's guidance and protection, means by which believers draws strength, wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Means by which we align our will with God’s will and find grace to overcome temptation.

Jesus said,’ Oh my father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as my will but my father’s will. Matthew 26;39

His prayer is submission to his father’s will, even in face of immense suffering.

A weapon against temptation and means of cultivating a deeper relationship with God.

i. Prayer is more than ritual or formula:

It is speaking to and listening to God by asking for help, strength, wisdom, forgiveness.

ii. It is persistent. It is not a one-off; keep watching, keep praying. The disciples in Gethsemane fell asleep; Jesus repeatedly came back to urge them to watch and pray.

iii. It grounds us by aligning our reasoning with God’s will. We bring our doubts, fears, hopes before Him. We receive from God the resilience, peace, clarity that the world may not provide.

2.That ye enter not into temptation.

Temptation is an inevitable part of Christian life, but Jesus teaches that vigilance and prayer can help us avoid falling into it.

The Greek word for temptation is peirasmos which means trials and temptations.

In this context, it refers to the moral and spiritual tests that challenge our faith and obedience to God.

James 1;13-14 clarifies that God does not tempt any one, but each person is tempted when they are drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Therefore, the call to watch and pray is a proactive measure to guard against the internal and external forces that lead us away from God.

3.The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

This means there is inner conflict: tension between our spiritual desires (willing to do good), and our flesh (can be tempted or tired)

Jesus Himself models this in the Garden of Gethsemane, as He prays fervently, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matthew 26:39, KJV).

His prayer is a submission to the Father's will, even in the face of immense suffering.

For believers, prayer is both a weapon against temptation and a means of cultivating a deeper relationship with God

It acknowledges the tension Jesus speaks of: the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

We want to do good; our desires often align with God. But our lower impulses, our fears, our weaknesses, our environment can pull us down.

We have to depend on God by recognizing our limitations and relying on his power, strength, wisdom, grace and guidance in time of our weakness and need.

The way out/Solutions

1. Daily self‐examination: 2 Corinthians 13:5. Examine yourself……At the end of each day, reflect:

What influenced me today?

Where did I feel tempted?

Where did I feel God’s presence?

What choices did I make well / poorly?

2. Setting boundaries: Be intentional about what you allow into your mind—social media, entertainment, conversations.

If something repeatedly tempts you, limit exposure. Watching includes knowing your weak spots.

Gen 39;9, Joseph said, how can I do this wickedness and sin against my God.

3. Regular prayer rhythm: 1 Thessalonians 5:17- Pray without season.

Use Morning and Evening Prayers, perhaps midday recall, or other times when you pause. Include in prayer both petition (asking for what you need) and thanksgiving.

4. Accountability & community: Share with trusted friends, mentors, or in youth group:

“I’m living trying to watch and pray; here’s what I find hard.”

Encourage one another.

5. Scripture engagement: The Word helps sharpen discernment. Reading, meditating, memorising scripture that speaks to temptation, identity, God’s promises. For example: Matthew 26:41; Luke 21:36; also 1 Peter 5:8 (“be sober‐minded and watchful”) etc.

Conclusion

Youthful period is a formative time: in values, in identity, in relationships.

Your watchfulness and prayerfulness will not only deliver you from satanic/demonic bondage but will grant you the grace to reign with Jesus Christ.

“Watch and Pray” is a command, but also a gift: watchfulness gives you clarity; prayer gives you strength.

Let us live alert lives: aware of the spiritual dimensions of daily life; aware of what we think, what we consume, what we allow into our hearts.

And let us also commit to being people of prayer: not just when things are bad; but praying for good things, for strength, for wisdom, for God’s will in our lives.

Call to Action / Prayer

1. Personal Reflection: What is one area in your life where you are not watching enough?

What is one area where you could pray more intentionally?

2. Commitment: Consider writing down one concrete step this week: (for example) “I will begin Morning Prayer each day” or “I will limit watching certain shows that stir up envy or fear”, or “I will share with a friend about what I struggle with and pray together.”

3. Prayer

Bible Exposition Delivered by,

LADY EVANG. LOLA-FRED OLOGUNTOYE.