1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs!
Today’s passage is 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. Let’s go !
1 Thessalonians 5:1-8 (NIV)
1 Now, brothers, 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.
4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.
5 You are all sons of the light and sons 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 alert and self-controlled.
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 self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
On verse 1-8: Jesus is returning one day. The question is not if, but when, He will return. The best way you can prepare for Jesus’ return is not by trying to figure out the exact date and time of His return — something which Jesus Himself says He doesn’t know (Mark 13:32) and something which Paul says he won’t bother writing about (v1). Rather, the best way to prepare for Jesus’ return is by living a life of faith, hope and love in Jesus Christ every day.
Because we are the children of God (also called “children of light” and “children of the day” (v5)), Jesus’ return should not come as a shock or a surprise where we wonder how this could possibly happen. Rather we should expect it. It is those who reject Jesus and who think Jesus’ return is nothing but wishful thinking who will be utterly shocked when Jesus returns.
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 (NIV)
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.
On verses 9-10: God’s desire is not for any of us to suffer His wrath and die, but to receive salvation (v9) and live with Him (v10).
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
On verse 11: Since Jesus is coming again (v1-8), and since God made us to be saved and to live in relationship with Him (v9-10), let’s encourage one another and build each other up (v11), strengthening one another and reminding one another to live for Jesus’ glory. That’s one of the running themes of 1 Thessalonians. Let’s keep doing so more and more until Jesus returns.
Thank You Jesus that You’re coming again one day and that one day You will make all things right and all things new again. Thank You for saving me and making me for a relationship with You. May I excel at encouraging and building up those around me to live for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
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