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fardell24Based on the 7th study in the series 1 Thessalonians Until He Returns: Dubbo Baptist Church Growth Group Studies Term Two 2016
Study 7 Ready For His Return
1 Thessalonians 5:1 -11
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.
About times and dates we do not need to write to you – The Thessalonian Christians were well taught about Jesus' return and other matters of prophesy. Paul had taught them about the times and dates (or times and seasons) in regards to Jesus' return. They had an idea of the prophetic times they lived in and could discern the seasons of their present culture.
We are impressed that Paul was with the Thessalonians for only a few weeks.(Acts 17:2)[1] It was in that time that he taught them about the times and dates in regard to Jesus' return. Paul would be surprised that some today consider Jesus' return to be an unimportant teaching.
Jesus criticized the religious leaders of His day because they couldn't discern the signs of the times (Matthew 16:1 – 3). We should also study the Scriptures and look to the world around us, so we can be aware of the times and dates.
That the day of the Lord will come – With this phrase, Paul was quoting a familiar Old Testament idea. The Day of the Lord implies that it is God's time. Man has his 'day' and the Lord has His Day. The Day of the Lord is fulfilled when Jesus judges the earth and returns in glory.
It doesn't refer to a single day, but to a season when God rapidly advances His agenda to the end of the age.
For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night – The Thessalonians knew, and had been taught, that they couldn't know the day of Jesus' return. That day would remain unknown, and come as a surprise, like a thief in the night. A thief doesn't announce the exact time he or she would arrive.
Some take the idea that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night to mean that nothing can or should be known about God's prophetic plan for the future. However Paul indicated it was definite that they knew that the time couldn't be definitely known.
Paul didn't set dates regarding prophesy, and Jesus forbade setting dates when He said of that day and hour no one knows.(Matthew 24:36)[3] God wants this day to be unexpected. But He also wants His people to be prepared for it.
While people are saying “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly – The unexpected nature of that day will be a tragedy for the unbeliever. The political and economic conditions will lull them to sleep, but there will be a rude awakening. The frightening verdict will be 'they will not escape'.
This sudden coming, in a time when many say “Peace and safety,” must be distinct from the coming of Jesus described in Matthew 24:15-35. This happens at a time of great global catastrophe, when no one could possibly be saying “peace and safety!”
One aspect is His coming at an unexpected hour, the other is positively predicted.
One coming is to a business as usual world, the other is to a world in catalysm.
One coming is meeting Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17), the other is Him coming with the saints (Zechariah 14:5)
As labor pains on a pregnant woman – This suggest both inevitability and unexpectedness. Jesus used the same idea in Matthew 24:8 when He spoke of calamities preceding the end times as the beginning of sorrows, which is literally the beginning of labor pains. The idea is a new age being given birth and an implication of an increase of intensity and frequency in these calamities.[4]
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates – There are two Greek words for time. Chronos and kairos. Chronos – Chronological time – the time by which we keep daily appointments. Kairos has to do with special moments in time - the forks in the road that make all the difference. Moments that have the potential to alter destinies. When used together, the distinction fades so that "times and seasons” expresses the intent well.
We do not need to write to you – Paul writes to them anyway, as written instruction is less likely to be forgotten or misunderstood than verbal instruction.
for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night – There are a large number of references by the Old Testament Prophets to the Day of the Lord. (Isaiah 13:6, 9, Jeremiah 46:10, Ezekiel 13:5, Joel 1:15, 2:1, 11, 13, 3:14, Amos 5:18, 20, Obadiah 1:15, Zephaniah 1:7, 14, Malachi 4:5). Most emphasise God's wrath, but some also include a note of vindication.
In 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Paul says that God will repay affliction to those who afflicted them and give them relief.
While people are saying “Peace and Safety.” - There is an allusion to Jeremiah 6:14, where God comdemned those who were saying 'Peace, Peace!' when there was no peace.
Those who were saying “Peace and Safety” were expressing their pleasure at living safe and comfortable lives in the Pax Romana (the Roman Peace) which was imposed by the Emperor's iron hand. The comment can remind one of Matthew 24:37 – 39.
Destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman – The analogy isn't perfect, as a pregnant woman usually has a good idea of when her baby is due. Nevertheless labor pains do come unexpectedly. In a developed countries like Australia, modern medicine has taken away much of the anxiety surrounding pregnancy in Paul's day. Then (and in many places even now) women often died in childbirth. The mention of labor pains would have reminded the Thessalonians of anxious, unpredictable times.
They will not escape – Gr. Ekpheugo. A compound of Ek 'Out' and Pheugo 'to flee'. The picture is of people who are suddenly alarmed, looking for a way out, and finding none.[5]
4 But you, brothers, 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.
But you, brothers, are not in darkness – When addressing their behaviour, Paul firstly simply told the Thessalonian Christians that they should be who they are. God has made us children of the light and children of the day. We are no longer belong to the night or to the darkness.
That this day should surprise you like a thief – He means that this should not happen for the believer who lives according to their nature as a child of light and child of the day. They will be ready for Jesus Christ's return.
In some respect, the coming of Jesus will be surprise for everybody, because no one knows the day or the hour (Matthew 24:36). But for Christians who know the times and the seasons, it will not be a complete surprise. No one knows the exact hour a thief will come, but some live in a general preparation against them. Those who aren't in darkness who live as children of the ligtht and children of the day, they are ready for Jesus' return.
But if we are in darkness, maybe caught up in some of the sin Paul was warning about earlier in the epistle, then we are not ready.[6]
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.
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep – Because we are not of the night nor of darkness (verse 5), our spiritual condition should never be marked by sleep. Spiritually speaking, we need to be active and aware, to be awake and sober.
Not sleep – Paul used a different word here than for the sleep of death mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 4:13.
Sleep – the word speaks of so much that belongs to the world (the others), but should not belong to Christians.
It speaks of ignorance.
It speaks of insensibility.
It speaks of no defence
It speaks of inactivity.
Charles Spurgeon, in a sermon titled Awake! Awake!, showed the folly and tragedy of the sleeping Christian with three powerful pictures.
A plague filled city, with an official calling out 'Bring out the dead!' But the doctor with the cure in his pocket sleeps.
A passenger ship in a storm is about to crash on the rocks, bringing death to the passengers. In his cabin, the captain sleeps.
A prisoner in his cell is about ready to be led to execution; his heart is terrified at the thought of hanging from his neck, death, and what awaits him after death. All the while, a man with a letter of pardon for the condemned man sits in another room - and sleeps.
Sober – doesn't mean humorless.It means someone who knows the proper value of things and therefore doesn't get too excited about the things of this world. Someone who lives their life for fun and entertainment isn't sober.
In commanding sobriety, Paul didn't have in mind the sort of pople who stamp down all enthusiasm and excitement for Jesus, who were promoting what they thought was a more balanced way to live. Paul himself was an enthusiastic follower of Jesus and was accused of being fanatical. The Roman official Festus thought Paul was mad (Acts 26:24) and the Corinthians thought he was beside himself (2 Corinthians 5:13).
For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night – The opposite of spiritual watchfulness is spiritual sleep. The opposite of spiritual sobriety is to be spiritually drunk. As Christians we are of the day, and so we must watch and be sober.
Putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet – The images of a soldier's armour were used to illustrate the idea of watchfulness. A soldier is a good example of someone who must watch and be sober, and he is equipped to do that with his armour.
When this description of spiritual armour is compared with the one in Ephesians 6, there isn't an exact correlation. This indicates that Paul saw the idea of spiritual armour as a helpful picture, not something rigid in its particular details.
Faith and love are represented by the breastplate because the breastplate covers the vital organs. Just as a soldier would not go into battle without a breastplate, no Christian is equipped to live the Christian life without faith and love.
The hope of salvation is represented as a helmet because the helmet protects the head, which is just as essential as the breastplate. Hope isn't used in the sense of wishful thinking, but in the sense of a confident expectation of God's hand in the future.[7]
But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. - Light and darkness are used in both the Old and New Testaments as metaphors for good and evil, order and chaos, truth and untruth. (Isaiah 5:20, John 3:19 – 21, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Ephesians 4:17, 18.) Paul's point is that the Thessalonian believers have nothing to fear, they aren't living in darkness. They are committed to loving God and their neighbours, and having their actions be reflective of that commitment.
You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness – Their security is tied to their identity. Who they are in the core of their being, who they are in Christ. We do not belong to the darkness.
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep – We must not let ourselves be lulled into spiritual apathy.
But let us be awake and sober – We must live in a state of spiritual readiness. Ready to meet spiritual challenges, ready to parry the tempter and ready to defend the faith.
And sober – Gr. Nepho – Sober in two senses. First – the avoidance of intoxication. Second – the kind of behaviour that we associate with sobriety. Self-control, sound judgement, discretion and sound decisions. Scriptures that address sobriety – Proverbs 4:17, 20:1, Luke 21:34, Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 5:11, Ephesians 5:18.
Putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet – Breastplates and helmets are protective, designed to help soldiers survive otherwise fatal blows. Paul was adapting the wording of Isaiah 59:17. It's an apt metaphor for believer who would also find themselves in life-threatening situations. (Matthew 7:15, 1 Peter 5:8, Acts 20:29-31)[8]
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.
For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath – Before we had the hope of salvation (verse 8) we had an appointment to suffer wrath.
Wrath. It is important that Paul means the wrath of God. We are saved from the world, the flesh and the devil. But first and foremost, we are rescued from the wrath of God, the wrath that we deserve. The whole context is the believer's rescue from His wrath.
It was because of what Adam did in the garden that we were appointed to wrath (Romans 5:14 – 19). It is also because of our own sin. When Jesus went to the cross, He stood in our place for our appointment to wrath. He then recheduled us for an appointment to salvation.
He died for us – Jesus died in our place, as a substitute for us.
Whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him – Having obtained salvation through our Lord Jesus, we will always live together wth Him. This promise of unity cannot be broken. If we live or die (wake or sleep), we will always be with Him.[9]
He didn't save us to condemn us. Rather He saved us so that we would enjoy His gracious presence for eternity. God wants us in his presence, that is what salvation is about. He is not about to let anything keep us from that presence when our hearts belong to Him.[10]
But to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ – He din't intend that belivers should face wrath. See John 3:17.
He died for us – Also Romans 3:24, 25.[11]
11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Therefore encourage one another – Paul is telling us not to take encouragement, but to give encouragement. If all Christians have a heart to encourage each other, then all would be encouraged.
And build each other up – When we have our first interest in building up other Christians, then God will edify us. The idea is of a church full of active participants, not passive spectators.
Just as in fact you are doing – It wasn't that there was no encouragement among the Thessalonians, or as if no one was built up. But they had to continue to do it, and do it more and more.[12]
Vs 2
The day is not a single day, as we understand it. It is the day of the Lord, which covers many events. A time when the Lord will defeat His enemies.[13] They will be destroyed in His anger.[14] This will bring about trouble on the Earth.[15] It's a way of talking about the time when the Lord will deliver Israel from their enemies.[16] It also speaks about the time when God will set up His Kingdom on Earth. His Judgement is for those who don't believe in Jesus. Christians will not have to suffer God's wrath.
But they should be ready for Him to come at any time.
Vs 3
Like a woman having a baby. Isaiah 13:8 – 9.
Vs 4
Those who don't believe in Jesus will not see when the danger is coming towards them. The Coming of the Lord will be a surprise and a shock.
Vs 6
We should be awake to what the apostles told the various churches in the epistles. We should know the truth the Word tells us and what it says about how we should live. Those who don't know Jesus don't know these things. They are unaware. We know what is right and are responsible for what we do. Those who are drunk loose control of their actions. We mustn't be like that. We need to be in control of ourselves, and be ready for when the Lord comes.
Vs 7
We need to be awake to the things of God.
Vs 8
Faith, hope and love give us strength to overcome our difficulties.[17]
Therefore – Paul is telling the Thessalonians to comfort and edify each other beacause of the truths he had related in the previous verses.
Encourage each other- We are to care for the pain of other Christians. (1 Thessalonians 4:18) God gives us comfort so that we might comfort others. This is a clear responsibility for all of us. (2 Corinthians 1:3 – 4)
As we see the rapture coming (by interpreting the signs and seasons), they are to exhort one another even more. (Hebrews 10:25)
It is a responsibility of every Christian to encourage other Christians.
Many Christians come to church discouraged and defeated, even disenchanted aobut life. Our warm encouragement might be what they need that day. After a service, do we charge for the door, or head to people who need encouragement?[18]
Therefore encourage – Gr. Parakeleo. Comfort or exhort.
and build each other up – Gr. Oikodomeno. Associated with the building trades (construction of a house, tower or barn), the sort of thing that isn't accomplished by a single action, but as a process that requires many actions. As such, believers need to engage in an ongoing process of building each other up, encouraging each other, sharing joys and sorrows, offering blessings of various kinds.[19]
The key themes in this section are:
• Jesus will return unexpectedly
• Christians should not be caught unaware but should be prepared for Jesus' return
One day the sun will not rise like it did yesterday. The purpose of this study is to consider the implications of this realisation.
1. What does it mean not to be ready? What are the consequences? Refer Matthew 25:1-13
Matthew 25:1 – 13
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
At that time the kingdom of heaven – The previous chapter ended with a parable meant to emphasise the idea of readiness for His coming. This chapter begins with another parable based on the same principle.
Like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom – There were three stages to a Jewish wedding at that time. Engagement – a formal agreement made by the fathers. Betrothal – the ceremony where mutual promises are made. Marriage – approximately a year later, when the bridegroom came at an unexpected time for his bride.
Went out to meet the bridegroom – In this parable, the first two stages have already taken place. Now, the wedding party waits for the coming of the bridegroom for the bride.[20]
2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Five of them were foolish and five were wise – Some were wise and prepared for the coming of the bridegroom. Others were foolish and unprepared.
The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep – All ten slept, because the bridegroom was a long time in coming (delayed). All slept, but the wise ones were prepared to act. The foolish ones were not.
Took their lamps but did not take any oil with them – The five foolish virgins appeared to be prepared for the bridegroom, as they had their lamps in hand. But they really weren't prepared, because they didn't have any oil.
Oil in jars – the wise maidens had an extra supply of oil.
‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ - The foolish virgins were unprepared because they lacked oil for their lamps. In many passages oil is an an emblem of the Holy Spirit. (Such as Zechariah 4:1 – 7). Without oil the wedding party was not ready for the bridegroom. Without the Holy Spirit, no one is ready for the return of Jesus.
Olive oil is a good representation of the Holy Spirit.
Oil lubricates – there is little friction and wear among those who are lubricated by the Spirit of God.
Oil heals. It was used as a medicinal treatment (Luke 10:34). The Spirit brings healing and restoration.
Oil lights when it is burned in a lamp. Where the Spirit of God is there is light.
It also warms when it is burnt – where the Spirit of God is there is warmth and comfort.
Oil invigorates when used to massage – The Holy Spirit invigorates us for His service.
Oil adorns when applied as a perfume. The Holy Spirit adorns us and makes us more pleasant to be around.
Oil polishes when used to shine metal – The Holy Spirit wipes away our grime and smoothes out our rough edges.
No one can be a true Christian without the indwelling Holy Spirit. Romans 8:9. Jesus probably did not intend a separation between 'Spirit-filled' and 'Non-Spirit-Filled' Christian. The distinction is probably between true Christians and false believers.
Nevertheless, a key to Christian readiness is to be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Much of the weakness, defeat and lethargy in our spiritual lives can be explained if we are not constantly being filled with the Holy Spirit.[21]
This parable teaches all followers (and would-be followers) of Jesus the importance of vigilance in an uncertain time and illustrates how one is able to 'endure to the end' (Matthew 24:13).[22]
2. What does it mean to live in the day?
Being in the light. Being ready for His return.
3. Why is self- control so important?
If we loose our temper, the world wouldn't see Christ in us. Proverbs 29:11.
Fools give full vent to their rage,
but the wise bring calm in the end.
4. How can our heart be attacked.
5. How can faith and love protect our heart?
6. How can our mind be attacked?
7. How can the hope of salvation protect our mind?
8. How important is building each other up? How can we do this better?
Additional resources
[1] As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures
[2] The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.
2 He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ 3 and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.[a] [a]
[a] NIV subnote: Some early manuscripts do not have When evening comes … of the times.
[3] “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,[a] [a] but only the Father.
[a] NIV subnote: Some manuscripts do not have nor the Son.
[4] https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/studyguide_1th/1th_5.cfm
[5] http://www.lectionary.org/EXEG_Engl_WEB/NT/13-1Thess-WEB/1Thess.5.01-11.EXEGESIS.htm
[6] https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/studyguide_1th/1th_5.cfm
[7] https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/studyguide_1th/1th_5.cfm
[8] http://www.lectionary.org/EXEG_Engl_WEB/NT/13-1Thess-WEB/1Thess.5.01-11.EXEGESIS.htm
[9] https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/studyguide_1th/1th_5.cfm
[10] http://www.verseoftheday.com/en/05092016/
[11] http://www.lectionary.org/EXEG_Engl_WEB/NT/13-1Thess-WEB/1Thess.5.01-11.EXEGESIS.htm
[12] https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/studyguide_1th/1th_5.cfm
[13] Isaiah 2:12
[14] Isaiah 13:9
[15] Isaiah 13:11, Amos 5:18
[16] Jeremiah 30:7-9
[17] http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/1thess-lbw.htm
[18] http://versebyversecommentary.com/1-thessalonians/1-thessalonians-511/
[19] http://www.lectionary.org/EXEG_Engl_WEB/NT/13-1Thess-WEB/1Thess.5.01-11.EXEGESIS.htm
[20] https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/studyguide_mat/mat_25.cfm
[21] https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/studyguide_mat/mat_25.cfm
[22] https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1017
[23]
Study 7 Ready For His Return
1 Thessalonians 5:1 -11
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.
About times and dates we do not need to write to you – The Thessalonian Christians were well taught about Jesus' return and other matters of prophesy. Paul had taught them about the times and dates (or times and seasons) in regards to Jesus' return. They had an idea of the prophetic times they lived in and could discern the seasons of their present culture.
We are impressed that Paul was with the Thessalonians for only a few weeks.(Acts 17:2)[1] It was in that time that he taught them about the times and dates in regard to Jesus' return. Paul would be surprised that some today consider Jesus' return to be an unimportant teaching.
Jesus criticized the religious leaders of His day because they couldn't discern the signs of the times (Matthew 16:1 – 3). We should also study the Scriptures and look to the world around us, so we can be aware of the times and dates.
That the day of the Lord will come – With this phrase, Paul was quoting a familiar Old Testament idea. The Day of the Lord implies that it is God's time. Man has his 'day' and the Lord has His Day. The Day of the Lord is fulfilled when Jesus judges the earth and returns in glory.
It doesn't refer to a single day, but to a season when God rapidly advances His agenda to the end of the age.
For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night – The Thessalonians knew, and had been taught, that they couldn't know the day of Jesus' return. That day would remain unknown, and come as a surprise, like a thief in the night. A thief doesn't announce the exact time he or she would arrive.
Some take the idea that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night to mean that nothing can or should be known about God's prophetic plan for the future. However Paul indicated it was definite that they knew that the time couldn't be definitely known.
Paul didn't set dates regarding prophesy, and Jesus forbade setting dates when He said of that day and hour no one knows.(Matthew 24:36)[3] God wants this day to be unexpected. But He also wants His people to be prepared for it.
While people are saying “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly – The unexpected nature of that day will be a tragedy for the unbeliever. The political and economic conditions will lull them to sleep, but there will be a rude awakening. The frightening verdict will be 'they will not escape'.
This sudden coming, in a time when many say “Peace and safety,” must be distinct from the coming of Jesus described in Matthew 24:15-35. This happens at a time of great global catastrophe, when no one could possibly be saying “peace and safety!”
One aspect is His coming at an unexpected hour, the other is positively predicted.
One coming is to a business as usual world, the other is to a world in catalysm.
One coming is meeting Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17), the other is Him coming with the saints (Zechariah 14:5)
As labor pains on a pregnant woman – This suggest both inevitability and unexpectedness. Jesus used the same idea in Matthew 24:8 when He spoke of calamities preceding the end times as the beginning of sorrows, which is literally the beginning of labor pains. The idea is a new age being given birth and an implication of an increase of intensity and frequency in these calamities.[4]
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates – There are two Greek words for time. Chronos and kairos. Chronos – Chronological time – the time by which we keep daily appointments. Kairos has to do with special moments in time - the forks in the road that make all the difference. Moments that have the potential to alter destinies. When used together, the distinction fades so that "times and seasons” expresses the intent well.
We do not need to write to you – Paul writes to them anyway, as written instruction is less likely to be forgotten or misunderstood than verbal instruction.
for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night – There are a large number of references by the Old Testament Prophets to the Day of the Lord. (Isaiah 13:6, 9, Jeremiah 46:10, Ezekiel 13:5, Joel 1:15, 2:1, 11, 13, 3:14, Amos 5:18, 20, Obadiah 1:15, Zephaniah 1:7, 14, Malachi 4:5). Most emphasise God's wrath, but some also include a note of vindication.
In 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Paul says that God will repay affliction to those who afflicted them and give them relief.
While people are saying “Peace and Safety.” - There is an allusion to Jeremiah 6:14, where God comdemned those who were saying 'Peace, Peace!' when there was no peace.
Those who were saying “Peace and Safety” were expressing their pleasure at living safe and comfortable lives in the Pax Romana (the Roman Peace) which was imposed by the Emperor's iron hand. The comment can remind one of Matthew 24:37 – 39.
Destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman – The analogy isn't perfect, as a pregnant woman usually has a good idea of when her baby is due. Nevertheless labor pains do come unexpectedly. In a developed countries like Australia, modern medicine has taken away much of the anxiety surrounding pregnancy in Paul's day. Then (and in many places even now) women often died in childbirth. The mention of labor pains would have reminded the Thessalonians of anxious, unpredictable times.
They will not escape – Gr. Ekpheugo. A compound of Ek 'Out' and Pheugo 'to flee'. The picture is of people who are suddenly alarmed, looking for a way out, and finding none.[5]
4 But you, brothers, 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.
But you, brothers, are not in darkness – When addressing their behaviour, Paul firstly simply told the Thessalonian Christians that they should be who they are. God has made us children of the light and children of the day. We are no longer belong to the night or to the darkness.
That this day should surprise you like a thief – He means that this should not happen for the believer who lives according to their nature as a child of light and child of the day. They will be ready for Jesus Christ's return.
In some respect, the coming of Jesus will be surprise for everybody, because no one knows the day or the hour (Matthew 24:36). But for Christians who know the times and the seasons, it will not be a complete surprise. No one knows the exact hour a thief will come, but some live in a general preparation against them. Those who aren't in darkness who live as children of the ligtht and children of the day, they are ready for Jesus' return.
But if we are in darkness, maybe caught up in some of the sin Paul was warning about earlier in the epistle, then we are not ready.[6]
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.
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep – Because we are not of the night nor of darkness (verse 5), our spiritual condition should never be marked by sleep. Spiritually speaking, we need to be active and aware, to be awake and sober.
Not sleep – Paul used a different word here than for the sleep of death mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 4:13.
Sleep – the word speaks of so much that belongs to the world (the others), but should not belong to Christians.
It speaks of ignorance.
It speaks of insensibility.
It speaks of no defence
It speaks of inactivity.
Charles Spurgeon, in a sermon titled Awake! Awake!, showed the folly and tragedy of the sleeping Christian with three powerful pictures.
A plague filled city, with an official calling out 'Bring out the dead!' But the doctor with the cure in his pocket sleeps.
A passenger ship in a storm is about to crash on the rocks, bringing death to the passengers. In his cabin, the captain sleeps.
A prisoner in his cell is about ready to be led to execution; his heart is terrified at the thought of hanging from his neck, death, and what awaits him after death. All the while, a man with a letter of pardon for the condemned man sits in another room - and sleeps.
Sober – doesn't mean humorless.It means someone who knows the proper value of things and therefore doesn't get too excited about the things of this world. Someone who lives their life for fun and entertainment isn't sober.
In commanding sobriety, Paul didn't have in mind the sort of pople who stamp down all enthusiasm and excitement for Jesus, who were promoting what they thought was a more balanced way to live. Paul himself was an enthusiastic follower of Jesus and was accused of being fanatical. The Roman official Festus thought Paul was mad (Acts 26:24) and the Corinthians thought he was beside himself (2 Corinthians 5:13).
For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night – The opposite of spiritual watchfulness is spiritual sleep. The opposite of spiritual sobriety is to be spiritually drunk. As Christians we are of the day, and so we must watch and be sober.
Putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet – The images of a soldier's armour were used to illustrate the idea of watchfulness. A soldier is a good example of someone who must watch and be sober, and he is equipped to do that with his armour.
When this description of spiritual armour is compared with the one in Ephesians 6, there isn't an exact correlation. This indicates that Paul saw the idea of spiritual armour as a helpful picture, not something rigid in its particular details.
Faith and love are represented by the breastplate because the breastplate covers the vital organs. Just as a soldier would not go into battle without a breastplate, no Christian is equipped to live the Christian life without faith and love.
The hope of salvation is represented as a helmet because the helmet protects the head, which is just as essential as the breastplate. Hope isn't used in the sense of wishful thinking, but in the sense of a confident expectation of God's hand in the future.[7]
But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. - Light and darkness are used in both the Old and New Testaments as metaphors for good and evil, order and chaos, truth and untruth. (Isaiah 5:20, John 3:19 – 21, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Ephesians 4:17, 18.) Paul's point is that the Thessalonian believers have nothing to fear, they aren't living in darkness. They are committed to loving God and their neighbours, and having their actions be reflective of that commitment.
You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness – Their security is tied to their identity. Who they are in the core of their being, who they are in Christ. We do not belong to the darkness.
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep – We must not let ourselves be lulled into spiritual apathy.
But let us be awake and sober – We must live in a state of spiritual readiness. Ready to meet spiritual challenges, ready to parry the tempter and ready to defend the faith.
And sober – Gr. Nepho – Sober in two senses. First – the avoidance of intoxication. Second – the kind of behaviour that we associate with sobriety. Self-control, sound judgement, discretion and sound decisions. Scriptures that address sobriety – Proverbs 4:17, 20:1, Luke 21:34, Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 5:11, Ephesians 5:18.
Putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet – Breastplates and helmets are protective, designed to help soldiers survive otherwise fatal blows. Paul was adapting the wording of Isaiah 59:17. It's an apt metaphor for believer who would also find themselves in life-threatening situations. (Matthew 7:15, 1 Peter 5:8, Acts 20:29-31)[8]
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.
For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath – Before we had the hope of salvation (verse 8) we had an appointment to suffer wrath.
Wrath. It is important that Paul means the wrath of God. We are saved from the world, the flesh and the devil. But first and foremost, we are rescued from the wrath of God, the wrath that we deserve. The whole context is the believer's rescue from His wrath.
It was because of what Adam did in the garden that we were appointed to wrath (Romans 5:14 – 19). It is also because of our own sin. When Jesus went to the cross, He stood in our place for our appointment to wrath. He then recheduled us for an appointment to salvation.
He died for us – Jesus died in our place, as a substitute for us.
Whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him – Having obtained salvation through our Lord Jesus, we will always live together wth Him. This promise of unity cannot be broken. If we live or die (wake or sleep), we will always be with Him.[9]
He didn't save us to condemn us. Rather He saved us so that we would enjoy His gracious presence for eternity. God wants us in his presence, that is what salvation is about. He is not about to let anything keep us from that presence when our hearts belong to Him.[10]
But to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ – He din't intend that belivers should face wrath. See John 3:17.
He died for us – Also Romans 3:24, 25.[11]
11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Therefore encourage one another – Paul is telling us not to take encouragement, but to give encouragement. If all Christians have a heart to encourage each other, then all would be encouraged.
And build each other up – When we have our first interest in building up other Christians, then God will edify us. The idea is of a church full of active participants, not passive spectators.
Just as in fact you are doing – It wasn't that there was no encouragement among the Thessalonians, or as if no one was built up. But they had to continue to do it, and do it more and more.[12]
Vs 2
The day is not a single day, as we understand it. It is the day of the Lord, which covers many events. A time when the Lord will defeat His enemies.[13] They will be destroyed in His anger.[14] This will bring about trouble on the Earth.[15] It's a way of talking about the time when the Lord will deliver Israel from their enemies.[16] It also speaks about the time when God will set up His Kingdom on Earth. His Judgement is for those who don't believe in Jesus. Christians will not have to suffer God's wrath.
But they should be ready for Him to come at any time.
Vs 3
Like a woman having a baby. Isaiah 13:8 – 9.
Vs 4
Those who don't believe in Jesus will not see when the danger is coming towards them. The Coming of the Lord will be a surprise and a shock.
Vs 6
We should be awake to what the apostles told the various churches in the epistles. We should know the truth the Word tells us and what it says about how we should live. Those who don't know Jesus don't know these things. They are unaware. We know what is right and are responsible for what we do. Those who are drunk loose control of their actions. We mustn't be like that. We need to be in control of ourselves, and be ready for when the Lord comes.
Vs 7
We need to be awake to the things of God.
Vs 8
Faith, hope and love give us strength to overcome our difficulties.[17]
Therefore – Paul is telling the Thessalonians to comfort and edify each other beacause of the truths he had related in the previous verses.
Encourage each other- We are to care for the pain of other Christians. (1 Thessalonians 4:18) God gives us comfort so that we might comfort others. This is a clear responsibility for all of us. (2 Corinthians 1:3 – 4)
As we see the rapture coming (by interpreting the signs and seasons), they are to exhort one another even more. (Hebrews 10:25)
It is a responsibility of every Christian to encourage other Christians.
Many Christians come to church discouraged and defeated, even disenchanted aobut life. Our warm encouragement might be what they need that day. After a service, do we charge for the door, or head to people who need encouragement?[18]
Therefore encourage – Gr. Parakeleo. Comfort or exhort.
and build each other up – Gr. Oikodomeno. Associated with the building trades (construction of a house, tower or barn), the sort of thing that isn't accomplished by a single action, but as a process that requires many actions. As such, believers need to engage in an ongoing process of building each other up, encouraging each other, sharing joys and sorrows, offering blessings of various kinds.[19]
The key themes in this section are:
• Jesus will return unexpectedly
• Christians should not be caught unaware but should be prepared for Jesus' return
One day the sun will not rise like it did yesterday. The purpose of this study is to consider the implications of this realisation.
1. What does it mean not to be ready? What are the consequences? Refer Matthew 25:1-13
Matthew 25:1 – 13
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
At that time the kingdom of heaven – The previous chapter ended with a parable meant to emphasise the idea of readiness for His coming. This chapter begins with another parable based on the same principle.
Like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom – There were three stages to a Jewish wedding at that time. Engagement – a formal agreement made by the fathers. Betrothal – the ceremony where mutual promises are made. Marriage – approximately a year later, when the bridegroom came at an unexpected time for his bride.
Went out to meet the bridegroom – In this parable, the first two stages have already taken place. Now, the wedding party waits for the coming of the bridegroom for the bride.[20]
2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Five of them were foolish and five were wise – Some were wise and prepared for the coming of the bridegroom. Others were foolish and unprepared.
The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep – All ten slept, because the bridegroom was a long time in coming (delayed). All slept, but the wise ones were prepared to act. The foolish ones were not.
Took their lamps but did not take any oil with them – The five foolish virgins appeared to be prepared for the bridegroom, as they had their lamps in hand. But they really weren't prepared, because they didn't have any oil.
Oil in jars – the wise maidens had an extra supply of oil.
‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ - The foolish virgins were unprepared because they lacked oil for their lamps. In many passages oil is an an emblem of the Holy Spirit. (Such as Zechariah 4:1 – 7). Without oil the wedding party was not ready for the bridegroom. Without the Holy Spirit, no one is ready for the return of Jesus.
Olive oil is a good representation of the Holy Spirit.
Oil lubricates – there is little friction and wear among those who are lubricated by the Spirit of God.
Oil heals. It was used as a medicinal treatment (Luke 10:34). The Spirit brings healing and restoration.
Oil lights when it is burned in a lamp. Where the Spirit of God is there is light.
It also warms when it is burnt – where the Spirit of God is there is warmth and comfort.
Oil invigorates when used to massage – The Holy Spirit invigorates us for His service.
Oil adorns when applied as a perfume. The Holy Spirit adorns us and makes us more pleasant to be around.
Oil polishes when used to shine metal – The Holy Spirit wipes away our grime and smoothes out our rough edges.
No one can be a true Christian without the indwelling Holy Spirit. Romans 8:9. Jesus probably did not intend a separation between 'Spirit-filled' and 'Non-Spirit-Filled' Christian. The distinction is probably between true Christians and false believers.
Nevertheless, a key to Christian readiness is to be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Much of the weakness, defeat and lethargy in our spiritual lives can be explained if we are not constantly being filled with the Holy Spirit.[21]
This parable teaches all followers (and would-be followers) of Jesus the importance of vigilance in an uncertain time and illustrates how one is able to 'endure to the end' (Matthew 24:13).[22]
2. What does it mean to live in the day?
Being in the light. Being ready for His return.
3. Why is self- control so important?
If we loose our temper, the world wouldn't see Christ in us. Proverbs 29:11.
Fools give full vent to their rage,
but the wise bring calm in the end.
4. How can our heart be attacked.
5. How can faith and love protect our heart?
6. How can our mind be attacked?
7. How can the hope of salvation protect our mind?
8. How important is building each other up? How can we do this better?
Additional resources
[1] As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures
[2] The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.
2 He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ 3 and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.[a] [a]
[a] NIV subnote: Some early manuscripts do not have When evening comes … of the times.
[3] “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,[a] [a] but only the Father.
[a] NIV subnote: Some manuscripts do not have nor the Son.
[4] https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/studyguide_1th/1th_5.cfm
[5] http://www.lectionary.org/EXEG_Engl_WEB/NT/13-1Thess-WEB/1Thess.5.01-11.EXEGESIS.htm
[6] https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/studyguide_1th/1th_5.cfm
[7] https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/studyguide_1th/1th_5.cfm
[8] http://www.lectionary.org/EXEG_Engl_WEB/NT/13-1Thess-WEB/1Thess.5.01-11.EXEGESIS.htm
[9] https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/studyguide_1th/1th_5.cfm
[10] http://www.verseoftheday.com/en/05092016/
[11] http://www.lectionary.org/EXEG_Engl_WEB/NT/13-1Thess-WEB/1Thess.5.01-11.EXEGESIS.htm
[12] https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/studyguide_1th/1th_5.cfm
[13] Isaiah 2:12
[14] Isaiah 13:9
[15] Isaiah 13:11, Amos 5:18
[16] Jeremiah 30:7-9
[17] http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/1thess-lbw.htm
[18] http://versebyversecommentary.com/1-thessalonians/1-thessalonians-511/
[19] http://www.lectionary.org/EXEG_Engl_WEB/NT/13-1Thess-WEB/1Thess.5.01-11.EXEGESIS.htm
[20] https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/studyguide_mat/mat_25.cfm
[21] https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/studyguide_mat/mat_25.cfm
[22] https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1017
[23]
