“Why are you sleeping?” Luke 22:46
These too are drawn from the disciples’ experience in the Garden of Gethsemane.
4. When there’s conflict. “A dispute… arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest” (Luke 22:24). There was real tension between the disciples. People were concerned about their positions. Be very careful about what happens in your soul when there is conflict. Where there is conflict, there is anger. “In your anger do not sin… do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV). Are you experiencing conflict? Watch and pray.
5. When you’re engaged in something significant. Jesus is preparing to lay down his life for the salvation of the world (Luke 22:42). Satan will not waste his energies on ineffective Christians or on ineffective churches. But if you launch out into something significant for Christ, it will not be long before you attract the attention of the enemy. Are you engaged in something significant for the Lord? Watch and pray.
6. When you’re confident. Peter said, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away” (Mat. 26:33, 35). He had big ideas of what he could accomplish. He felt that he had the potential to be a great Christian. You are never more vulnerable to temptation than when you feel confident. “Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Have you grown confident? Watch and pray.
7. When you’re walking closely with Jesus. These disciples had just come from sharing the Last Supper with Jesus. We think walking with Jesus and experiencing temptation are mutually exclusive, but if you’re pursuing a life of holiness, watch and pray!
Which of these are true of you right now? How vulnerable are you?
