1 Thessalonians 5 - If You Are Sober, You Don't Have to Worry About Being Pulled Over!

Click Here To Read or Listen 1 Thessalonians 5

The Day of the Lord

5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

Because of the persecution they were experiencing, the Thessalonians had questions about when Jesus was going to return. This is not unlike today when many speculate when Jesus will return. Paul refuses to try and give a specific time and date, but uses the metaphor that Jesus will come "like a thief in the night" Meaning we don't know when it is going to happen. It could happen anytime. 

But when he does come, it will happen suddenly. When some are saying that everything is fine it might be the time for the Lord's return. 

4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Though we don't know when Jesus will return, we shouldn't be surprised when he does. We have been forewarned. As Christians we should eagerly await Jesus' return, as his sons and daughters. Though we can't predict when Jesus will return, we need to be ready. Paul says we need to be sober and alert. If you are sober you don't to be worried about being pulled over for drunk driving. If you are living your life for Christ, you don't need to be worried about Jesus' return. 

Paul, like he does in Ephesians 6, talks about putting the armor of God. The breastplate protects the heart. The breastplate of a Christian is faith and love. As I said yesterday, faith and love are the twin engines of the Christian life. When we trust in faith and act in love, our hearts will be protected from the evil one. 

The other important organ we have is our brain. Paul tells us to put on the helmet of salvation. Our brains are where our thoughts come from. Sometimes they are worrisome and anxious. Sometimes they are angry. Sometimes they are filled with happy and joyful thoughts. But the hope and and assurance of salvation can calm any of our anxious throughs and fears. 

We are not destined for wrath but salvation, which gives us confidence no matter when Jesus returns. Because of what Jesus did on the cross, we never have to be afraid of God's wrath or Jesus' return. For this reason, as believers we can encourage each other to remain faithful and hopeful no matter what is going on in the world around us. 

Final Instructions

12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Paul gives some practical instructions as well. He wants them to be fair and affirm those who are hard working. On the flipside, the leaders should hold accountable those who don't work hard or cause division. They build up in love those who are disheartened or discouraged. When things go sideways, believers should see the other person as better than themselves and seek their good. 

This mimics the Great Commandment, 

"Love the Lord with all of Your heart, soul, strength, and mind. And, love your neighbors as myself." 

Also, it mimics the Golden Rule, "Treat others the way you would like to be treated!"

This verse is a great verse to memorize. 

"16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

This is a great prescription for a Christian and how to live the Christian life. Notice how they are all continuous. Rejoice ALWAYS. Pray CONTINUALLY. Give thanks in ALL circumstances. 

Though there are certainly plenty of trials, tribulations, and disappointments in our Christian journey, by focusing on these three things, we will keep us focused on Jesus and running the Christian race until we die, or Jesus takes us home! 

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil. 23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Paul affirms that prophecy is still a gift given to us by the Holy Spirit. He gives parameters around how they should be used in the church. Most of all they should be tested. They are to be tested by the scriptures. Anything that truly comes from the Holy Spirit will always be in alignment with the bible. 

Paul ends with a promise that God will be faithful to keep them blameless on the day of Christ Jesus. Paul clearly spells out the role that the Thessalonian believers need to play, especially focusing on hope, faith and love, but in the end God who calls us is faithful. 

Do you have the hope and assurance of salvation? As you continue to live out your faith through love, you can live worry free about when Jesus will return. You can focus more on what God wants to do through you and our Church!