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3/18/25 Watchmen On The Wall – Characteristics, Spiritual Life, & Discernment (Supplement)

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Table of Contents


Characteristics of a Watchman


Spiritual Life of a Watchman 


Watchmen vs. Gatekeepers Part 1


Watchmen vs. Gatekeepers Part 2

The Watchman’s Ability to Discern

Introduction #

A watchman is called to spiritual vigilance, standing on the walls of prayer and intercession, discerning the signs of the times, and warning God’s people of impending dangers. Discernment is crucial for a watchman because it enables them to perceive both physical and spiritual threats before they manifest. This teaching will explore the importance of discernment for a watchman, highlighting examples from both the Old and New Testaments.

1. What is Discernment? #

Discernment is the ability to distinguish between truth and deception, right and wrong, and the movement of God’s Spirit versus the influence of the enemy. A spiritually discerning watchman sees beyond what is visible in the natural realm.

  • Hebrews 5:14 (AMP): “But solid food is for the spiritually mature, whose senses are trained by practice to distinguish between what is morally good and what is evil.”
  • 1 Corinthians 2:14 (AMP): “But the natural man does not accept the things [the teachings and revelations] of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness [absurd and illogical] to him; and he is incapable of understanding them, because they are spiritually discerned and appreciated, and he is unqualified to judge spiritual matters.”

2. The Watchman’s Role in Discernment #

A watchman must have keen discernment to:

  • Detect spiritual threats before they manifest.
  • Recognize deception and false teachings.
  • Understand God’s prophetic messages.
  • Lead God’s people to safety.

Ezekiel 33:6 (AMP) – “But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, he is taken away because of his corruption and sin; but I will require his blood from the watchman’s hand.”

3. Biblical Examples of Discernment in Watchmen #

A. Old Testament Example: Daniel’s Discernment (Daniel 9:2-19) #

Daniel was a watchman in Babylon. His discernment allowed him to:

  1. Understand the times through Scripture. (Daniel 9:2)
  2. Recognize the urgency of intercession. (Daniel 9:3)
  3. Discern the need for national repentance. (Daniel 9:4-19)

➡ Lesson: Daniel discerned the prophetic timeline and sought God in prayer, warning and interceding for his people.

What Was Happening During Daniel’s Time? #

Daniel lived during the Babylonian exile (circa 605–539 BC). The Kingdom of Judah had been conquered by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, and many Israelites, including Daniel, were taken into captivity. This period was marked by:

  1. The Fall of Jerusalem (586 BC) – Babylon destroyed the Temple and took Judah into exile (2 Kings 25).
  2. The Rule of Babylon – The Jewish people lived under Babylonian rule, experiencing oppression but also some favor in the court (Daniel 1-6).
  3. The Rise of the Medo-Persian Empire – By Daniel 5, Babylon fell to the Persians under King Cyrus.
  4. Prophetic Fulfillment of Judgment – The exile was God’s judgment due to Israel’s persistent disobedience (Jeremiah 25:11-12, 2 Chronicles 36:15-21).

Which Scriptures Did Daniel Reference to Understand the Times? #

Daniel was discerning the times by studying the writings of the prophet Jeremiah.

  • Daniel 9:2 (AMP): “In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the books the number of years which, according to the word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the desolations [which had been pronounced on] Jerusalem would end; and it was seventy years.”

Daniel specifically referenced:

  1. Jeremiah 25:11-12 (AMP) “This whole land will be a waste and a horror, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years. Then when seventy years are completed, I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, the land of the Chaldeans [Babylonia],” says the Lord, “for their wickedness, and will make the land [of the Chaldeans] a perpetual wasteland.”
  2. Jeremiah 29:10-14 (AMP) “For thus says the Lord, ‘When seventy years [of exile] have been completed for Babylon, I will visit (inspect) you and keep My good word to you, to bring you back to this place [Jerusalem]. For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’”

These scriptures revealed that the exile would last 70 years, after which God would restore His people.

Daniel’s Response to Understanding the Times #

Upon realizing that the 70 years were nearing completion, Daniel:

  1. Humbled himself with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes (Daniel 9:3).
  2. Confessed Israel’s sins (Daniel 9:4-10).
  3. Acknowledged God’s righteousness and justice (Daniel 9:11-14).
  4. Pleaded for God’s mercy and restoration (Daniel 9:15-19).

Why Is This Important for Us Today? #

Just as Daniel discerned the times through scripture and prayer, watchmen today must:

  • Study prophecy to understand God’s plans.
  • Intercede for nations in times of crisis.
  • Recognize when judgment or restoration is at hand.

➡️ Key Takeaway: Daniel knew what was coming because he studied prophecy. If we want to be effective watchmen, we must also understand God’s Word and pray for divine insight.

Comparing Daniel’s Time to Current Times #

The story of Daniel provides a prophetic parallel to what we are witnessing in today’s world. Just as Daniel discerned the times through scripture and prayer, we, as watchmen, must do the same today. Let’s examine the similarities.

1. Spiritual Decline and National Judgment #

Then: Israel’s Disobedience Led to Exile #

  • Israel had turned away from God, embracing idolatry, corruption, and injustice (Jeremiah 25:4-7).
  • Despite warnings from prophets like Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Ezekiel, Israel refused to repent.
  • As a result, God allowed Babylon to conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and take the people into exile (2 Kings 25).

Now: Moral and Spiritual Decay in Nations #

  • Rejection of God’s Word: Many nations, including historically Christian ones, have moved toward secularism, moral relativism, and outright rejection of biblical principles.
  • Corruption and Lawlessness: Increasing crime, injustice, and leadership that promotes self-interest over righteousness.
  • Rise of Idolatry: Modern idolatry takes the form of materialism, power, celebrity culture, and false spiritual movements.
  • Warnings Ignored: Just as Israel ignored the prophets, today’s world dismisses biblical warnings about sin, judgment, and the need for repentance.

📖 Jeremiah 22:21 (AMP): “I spoke to you in your [times of] prosperity, But you said, ‘I will not listen!’ This has been your attitude and practice from your youth; You have not obeyed My voice.”

2. The Role of Empires and Global Control #

Then: Babylon and Medo-Persia as World Powers #

  • Babylon dominated the world, establishing control over nations.
  • After Babylon’s fall, Persia (Cyrus the Great) took over, shifting global power.

Now: Modern Global Powers #

  • Today, global superpowers such as the U.S., China, and international organizations (United Nations, World Economic Forum) shape the world order.
  • Technological and economic control (centralized banking, AI surveillance, digital IDs) could lead to authoritarian governance similar to Babylon’s system.

📖 Revelation 18:3 (AMP) – “For all the nations have drunk from the wine of the passion of her [Babylon’s] immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed [immoral] acts with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich by the wealth and economic power of her sensuous luxury.”

3. Prophetic Timelines and the Watchmen’s Role #

Then: Daniel Studied Prophecy to Understand the Times #

  • Daniel read Jeremiah’s prophecy about the 70 years of exile (Daniel 9:2).
  • This knowledge led him to fast, pray, and intercede for his people.

Now: We Must Study Scripture to Understand God’s Timeline #

  • Biblical prophecy gives insight into current events and future fulfillment.
  • Many believe we are approaching the end times prophesied in Daniel, Matthew 24, and Revelation.
  • As watchmen, we must:
    • Discern global events (wars, moral decay, economic instability).
    • Warn and prepare others for spiritual warfare and revival.
    • Intercede for nations and leaders as Daniel did.

📖 Matthew 24:6-8 (AMP): “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars… For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains [of the intolerable anguish and the time of unprecedented trouble].”

4. The Persecution of God’s People #

Then: Persecution in Babylon #

  • Daniel and his friends faced pressure to conform (Daniel 1).
  • The decree to worship false gods or face death (Daniel 3, Daniel 6).
  • Despite threats, Daniel remained faithful in prayer and obedience.

Now: Growing Hostility Toward Christians #

  • Christian persecution is rising globally (China, Middle East, and even Western nations).
  • Laws and policies restrict biblical truth (gender ideology, hate speech laws).
  • Pressure to conform in workplaces, schools, and government.
  • Social ostracization for standing on God’s Word.

📖 2 Timothy 3:12 (AMP): “Indeed, all who delight in pursuing righteousness and are determined to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be hunted and persecuted [because of their faith].”

5. The Coming Restoration and Hope #

Then: Cyrus and the Return to Jerusalem #

  • After 70 years of exile, King Cyrus of Persia issued a decree allowing Jews to return to their land and rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:1-4).
  • This was a fulfillment of prophecy and a sign of God’s mercy and faithfulness.

Now: The Final Restoration – Jesus’ Return #

  • Just as Israel was restored, Jesus will return to establish His kingdom.
  • We are in a time where we must prepare the Church for revival and endurance.
  • God is still in control despite political, moral, and economic turmoil.

📖 Luke 21:28 (AMP): “Now when these things begin to occur, stand tall and lift up your heads [in joy], because [suffering ends as] your redemption is drawing near.”

Final Reflection: What Should Watchmen Do Today? #

  1. Understand the Times Like Daniel – Study prophecy and be aware of global shifts.
  2. Intercede for the Nations – Stand in the gap like Daniel did.
  3. Prepare for Persecution – Strengthen your faith and disciple others.
  4. Remain Faithful to God’s Word – Do not compromise, even under pressure.
  5. Declare the Coming of the Lord – Proclaim the Gospel with urgency.

📖 Ezekiel 33:6 (AMP): “But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet and the people are not warned… I will require his blood from the watchman’s hand.”

➡ Daniel’s time mirrors our own. Just as Daniel discerned the end of exile, today’s watchmen must discern the signs of the times and prepare for God’s next move. Will you be found faithful?

B. New Testament Example: Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees for Lack of Discernment #

Jesus warned the religious leaders because they could not discern the spiritual reality of His coming.

  • Matthew 16:2-3 (AMP): “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and has a threatening look.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but cannot interpret the signs of the times?”

➡ Lesson: Jesus expected spiritual leaders to have discernment regarding the times they lived in.

4. The Watchman’s Discernment in Today’s World #

Watchmen today must discern:

  • Cultural and moral shifts that indicate spiritual decline.
  • False doctrines that infiltrate the Church.
  • Political and social movements that contradict God’s kingdom.
  • Spiritual warfare strategies to protect God’s people.

Practical Steps to Grow in Discernment #

  1. Know the Word of God (Psalm 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
  2. Cultivate a strong prayer life (Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:17)
  3. Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance (John 16:13, 1 John 2:27)
  4. Test the spirits (1 John 4:1-3)
  5. Stay accountable to mature believers (Proverbs 27:17, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

5. Final Warning and Encouragement #

A watchman’s lack of discernment can lead to destruction. However, those who remain vigilant will receive wisdom and direction from God.

  • Isaiah 62:6 (AMP): “On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have appointed and stationed watchmen; all day and all night they will never keep silent. You who profess the Lord, take no rest for yourselves.”
  • Ephesians 6:10-11 (AMP): “Be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him] and in the power of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.”

Conclusion #

The ability of a watchman to discern is critical in both biblical times and today. As believers, we must develop spiritual discernment, recognize the signs of the times, and remain steadfast in intercession and obedience. Those who do so will be effective in warning, protecting, and guiding God’s people.

💡 Call to Action: Will you stand as a watchman and cultivate the discernment needed for this hour?

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3/18/25, Watchmen on the Wall
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