Paul previously commended the Thessalonians for their brotherly love however, they were to continue striving for closer relationships within the church and do so in a Christ like manner.
The apostle now warns believers of the second coming of Christ when many will be caught sleeping, resulting in their being cast out to hell.
“1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2)
The times involve multiple events each taking place on its own schedule, which include every person’s physical death, the destruction of Jerusalem, the second coming of the Lord and the end of the world. The seasons are periods of time during which these things come to pass, with the end of the world taking over 1,000 years after the rapture.
“3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.” (1 Thessalonians 5:3)
Paul describes the pain and suffering for those who do not believe in Christ as comparable to child birth. The apostle also warns them there will be no escaping this pain which is the lead in to hell where suffering will continue for all eternity, the culminate of each person’s own choosing in this life.
“4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.” (1 Thessalonians 5:4-5)
Because we accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, believers are in God’s favor and under His omnipresent light. Safe from the evil darkness chosen by those who live in denial of the deity of Christ and God almighty, this darkness will spread over all nations like hot oil, burning everything in its path through unending pain and suffering.
“6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8)
Paul calls on believers to be aware and awake as we await the return of our Lord, which will come without notice yet follows a clear, concise warning.
Those in Christ’s light already know of His return and continue to ready ourselves by enriching our minds through His word found in the bible.
“9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11)
Paul reminds believers that salvation stems from faith in Jesus Christ and not of works or deeds, by which rewards are assigned to those who believe.
In this section of his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul calls on Christians to comfort each other upon the day of judgment. We are also to build each other up as each individual servant continues to work out his or her salvation along the path that leads to eternal life, to heaven. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
