“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.”
1 Corinthians 10:12
(We are so prone to doing our own thing that we need to take heed!)

Scripture tells us many things concerning this very thing as a warning and an encouragement.  Our message today will bring forth some Scripture concerning SELF confidence, watchfulness, taking heed (conduct) and exhortations to keeping onesself. I will include only a few verses in each area, but I encourage you to read the verses in context for a fuller understanding.  

As for self confidence we see in Proverbs 28:26,
“Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,
 But he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.”

Hosea speaking in 10:13 about Israel’s turning to their own way,
“You have plowed iniquity;
 You have reaped injustice;
 You have eaten the fruit of lies.
 Because you have trusted in your own way…”

Jesus tells of Peter’s denial of Him on the night of His was arrest.  
Matthew 26:33-35 gives us this exchange,
“Peter answered and said to Him, ‘Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.’
Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows you will deny Me three times.’
Peter said to Him, ‘Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!’  And so said all the disciples.”
Read Vs. 69-75 to see Jesus’ words fulfilled.  
(In fact all 4 Gospels record Peter’s denial.  Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:55-62, John 18:25-27)

Let us, now move on to what Scripture tells us of watchfulness.
The Psalmist, David, tells us,
“I said, ‘I will guard my ways,
 Lest I sin with my tongue;
 I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle,
 While the wicked are before me.’”  Psalm 39:1

In the Apostle Paul’s closing of his first letter to the Corinthians, he encourages them to,
“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
 Let all that you do be done with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

To the Colossians Paul writes,
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.”
Colossians 4:2

The Apostle Peter admonishes Believers in 1 Peter 5:6-9,
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
 casting all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.
 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

This is the Peter from Matthew 26:33-35.  
BUT GOD! By God the Father, who is love, by Jesus Christ, the Son, who died, and by the power of the Holy Spirit; by God Omnipotent’s mighty working in Peter’s life, he is this apostle, a mighty man of God.  

I will close with Psalm 128:1
“Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,
 Who walks in His ways.”
And,
“Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
 Who seek Him with their whole heart.”  Psalm 119:2

Thank you Lord for your word that warns and encourages your children.  We love and adore you most holy God!  And we give you all the glory!  Amen

(We will pick up our opening verse again next time.)