“Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.” (2 John 1:8 NIV)
What Does It Mean to Watch Out?
The apostle John wrote this letter to a group of Christians who were facing false teachers and deceivers. He warned them to be careful not to be led astray by those who denied the truth about Jesus Christ. He also encouraged them to remain faithful to the commandment of love and to walk in obedience to God.
It means to guard our hearts and minds from anything that would compromise our faith or our relationship with God.
Why Do We Need to Watch Out?
It is important to watch out because we have a precious treasure that is worth protecting. John said that we have worked for something that we do not want to lose. What is that something? It is the reward of eternal life that God has promised to those who believe in his Son.
If we turn away from the truth, if we follow false teachings, if we stop loving God and one another, we risk losing our reward.
How Do We Watch Out?
You watch out by staying close to God and his word. We need to read, study, and meditate on the Scriptures, which are able to make us wise for salvation and equip us for every good work.
Watch out by staying connected to the community of faith. We need to listen, learn, and submit to the leaders and teachers who faithfully proclaim the truth and guide us in the way of righteousness.
Support, encourage, and care for one another, especially those who are weak, struggling, or suffering. We need to share, witness, and defend the gospel, especially to those who are lost, confused, or deceived.
What Is the Result of Watching Out?
The result of watching out is that we may be rewarded fully. John said that if we watch out, we will not lose what we have worked for, but we will receive the fullness of God’s blessing.
The reward of eternal life is not something that we can take for granted or assume that we already have. It is something that we need to pursue, protect, and prepare for. It is something that we need to watch out for.
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