Context: 1 Thessalonians 5

Focus: 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-3

” But let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.”
1 Thessalonians 5:6

The Lord will come like a thief in the night without warning like a woman who is about to give birth, having labor pains. Then sudden destruction will come. But those in faith do not need to be warned because they are children of light and are not kept in the dark. But need to be sober, alert and awake. Therefore, put on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of salvation for God has not destined His children for wrath but salvation in Jesus Christ. So whether asleep or awake believers will live with Him. So, Encourage one another with these words and build one another up.

Unbelievers

Think of yourself asleep in bed. Then suddenly you hear a crashing sound, When you go and check it out you find all your valuables missing and chaos all around. Prior to this happening you were warned by a progression of uncertainties going on. You knew to seek God, convicted of sin, but kept putting it off because things suddenly got so much better when a leader arose promising peace and security to everyone. You were just scoffing those doom days sayers called Christians who spoke of Christ’s salvation but warned of God’s wrath. Then suddenly, they were gone, and you were left alone.

In these evil days we need to be in the Word and stand ready to share the hope that is within us. Only the Lord can sustain us, or we will give way to fear.  But the Lord is always beside those who believe, holding us up by His Right Hand.  Even when we give way to doubts and fear, such as the case for Peter, His disciple, in his denials of His Lord, He is faithful to restore us. He cannot deny Himself.  One thing believers need to remember. We are under grace, and His mercy abounds for those who Call on His Name.  When Jesus  was in the garden of Gethsemane battling for God’s will and our salvation, he would stop and go check on His disciples, waking them up to pray.  This is the hour to pray, being diligent to abide in His Word and His love as we move forward in His purpose for our lives, and our calling. Isaiah 41:13

CR- Romans 13:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:10, 1 Peter 1:13, Matthew 24:42,
Matthew 26:38-41

Lord, let us, who are called by your name, be cognizant of the hour, be alert to your voice, be awake and ready for your coming. In Jesus Name.