Text: Nehemiah 4:7-9
Memory Verse: “Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night“ (Nehemiah 4:9).
Set a watch! Salvation through Jesus is free but it is, however, not cheap. Prudence informs every person, investor and organisation, even multinationals, to ensure every possession of value. The most valuable possession to everyone, salvation, is not different. Having obtained salvation through Jesus, it is imperative to guard and insure it. Demas, in 2 Timothy 4, took a break from the watch: he did not insure his salvation. Hence, he ended right back with the world; the one association that makes those who belong to it enemies of God. God gave up His begotten Son to break man away from this association, but it is up to believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling.
The contribution is daily – of a life of faith and obedience. The premium? A
heart surrendered to God. The work out is daily living involving the following:
1. Guard your eyes: Matthew 6:22&23 plainly teaches that whatever one’s eyes is encouraged to look at directly determines the person’s state and, by implication, his or her salvation.
2. Guard your heart: This, simply, is consistently thinking about things, other people and oneself, just the same way God does, rather than let worldly factors influence one’s opinions.
3. Guard your mouth: The key is listening much more than speaking. This way one avoids sinning and troubles.
4. Guard your feet (Proverbs 1:15&16): Be deliberate about not going to places that are characterised by sin and evil.
It is not enough to be born again. Every believer must endeavour to protect his or her salvation daily, in order to become and end up like Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points:
1. Father in heaven, help me to daily play my role in protecting my salvation.
2. O Lord, help me sustain the passion that will continue to fuel my desire to please You every day.