Beyond the Gospels: Thessalonians

Today's passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-17
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Yesterday's passage spoke about the sleep of physical death for Believers.
Today's passage addresses the spiritual death and the sleep of unbelievers.

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day

should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light

and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.

1 Thessalonians 5:4-6

Believers fall asleep with their physical death.

Unbelievers, spiritually dead, sleep-walk through life.

Believers are called to be children of the day, quite a different life than those who walk around in darkness. Children of the day should not be surprised by the day of the Lord. We who are spiritually awake should live our lives constantly aware of the possibility and reality of His coming any moment. 

The day of the Lord will mean destruction for those who refused to believe. They will not escape. They walk around in the dark oblivious to the danger they are in. We Believers have an opportunity to wake up others in our circle of influence, if we will remember to live as light. With faith and love guarding our hearts we reach out to the lost, those stumbling in the dark. And with our mind focused on what He as done for us, we are able to share the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ with compassion.

We have no time to play around in the dark. Believers will not suffer His wrath, but those sleepwalkers will. We need to take the time we have left seriously, not living like those who are spiritually dead and asleep. But living like those who are preparing our hearts and others for His coming.

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle

and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, 

be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back

wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other

and for everyone else.

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

Are you awake? spiritually speaking? Or do you spend your days focused on the same things as unbelievers? pleasing yourself? running after the things of this world? ignoring the signs?

We are to stay awake while we walk this earth, encouraging one another and building each other up. Preparing the church for His coming and reaching out to as many as He puts in our path.

Father God, teach me to live as Your child of light.

Use me to draw others to You, help me to resist the temptations

of darkness. I know You're coming. I know I need to prepare myself,

Your church, and others. Show me how.