Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8400 The tasks of the believer  »  8490 watchfulness  »  8492 watchfulness, of leaders

Leaders must be alert to the needs of those they serve and also to the dangers that surround believers in the world. The OT teaching on watchmen provides an indication of the importance of watchfulness and the responsibility of those called to be watchful.

Leaders are required to be watchful

Ezekiel 3:17 See also Ezekiel 33:7-9; John 21:16

They are accountable to God

Ezekiel 3:18 See also Mark 13:34-35; Hebrews 13:17

They must warn against false teachers

Acts 20:31 Elders are called overseers in Acts 20:28; 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:7; 1Pe 5:2. See also John 10:1-3; Acts 20:29; 2 Timothy 4:2-5; Titus 1:9-11

Examples of leaders' warnings to churches

1 Corinthians 4:14 See also Romans 16:17; Galatians 5:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:1; Titus 3:10; Revelation 22:18

Leaders' watchfulness in prayer

Isaiah 62:6-7 See also 1 Samuel 12:23; Romans 1:9-10; Ephesians 1:16; Philippians 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:11

Leaders need to watch over their own lives

Acts 20:28 See also Mark 14:29-30; 1 Timothy 3:2-7; Timothy 4:15-16; Titus 1:6-8; James 3:1; 3Jn 9-10

Watchmen sometimes fail to be watchful

Isaiah 56:9-12; Ezekiel 34:1-10; Zechariah 10:2-3

See also

5052  responsibility to God
5802  care
5803  carelessness
7734  leaders, spiritual
7789  shepherd, church leader
7939  ministry
8252  faithfulness, relationships
8318  patience
8611  prayer for others
8678  waiting on God
8839  unfaithfulness