1 Thessalonians 5: Preparing for the Day of the Lord

1 Thessalonians 5

1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

16 Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

19 Quench not the Spirit.

20 Despise not prophesyings.

21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

25 Brethren, pray for us.

26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5 provides essential instruction on preparing for the second coming of Christ, emphasizing the necessity of spiritual vigilance, sobriety, and a life of practical godliness. 🌟

The Unexpected Day of the Lord

The day of the Lord will come unexpectedly upon the world, arriving as a thief in the night 1 Thessalonians 5:2BHOTV3 51.1+1. While the wicked are crying "Peace and safety," sudden destruction will fall upon them, much like the sudden ruin that overtook Jericho 1 Thessalonians 5:3BHOTV3 51.1+1. This day is specifically associated with the second advent and the destruction of those who do not know God 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9PSG 11.1+1. However, believers are not in darkness and should not be overtaken by this day as by a thief, because they are children of the light 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5ARSH December 19, 1854, page 141.10+1.

The Call to Vigilance and Sobriety

True preparation requires unceasing watchfulness and spiritual sobrietyARSH December 19, 1854, page 141.10+1. We must not sleep spiritually as others do, but rather keep our moral nature braced against the wiles of the enemy 1 Thessalonians 5:6ARSH November 29, 1864, page 3.20+1.

• Self-Control: We are called to be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the hope of salvation as a helmet 1 Thessalonians 5:8MYP 285.2+1.

• Guarding Appetites: Sobriety includes guarding against gluttony and the "cares of this life," which can overcharge the heart and make one unready for the Lord's appearance Luke 21:34ARSH November 6, 1860, page 195.11+1.

• Eternal Vigilance: This constant watchfulness is the price of our safety and the only way to resist the manifold devices of SatanSpTA09 23.1+2.

Practical Christian Duties

The Apostle outlines specific behaviors that characterize those waiting for the kingdom 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22PSG 11.1.

• Encouragement: Believers are to comfort and edify one another, recognizing that God has not appointed them to wrath but to obtain salvation 1 Thessalonians 5:9, 11PTUK May 5, 1898, page 275.5.

• Joy and Prayer: We are commanded to rejoice evermore and pray without ceasing, as prayer is a source of strength and pleasure to the soul 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17GW92 437.1+2.

• Gratitude: In every circumstance, we should give thanks, for this is God's will in Christ Jesus 1 Thessalonians 5:18PGGC 30.1.

The Role of the Holy Spirit and Prophecy

A vital part of living in the last days is our relationship with the Spirit and divine revelationSGOM 135.1+1.

• Quench Not the Spirit: We must not stifle the influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives 1 Thessalonians 5:19PGGC 30.1+1.

• Despise Not Prophesyings: Prophetic gifts are a manifestation of the "testimony of Jesus" and are intended to prepare a people for Christ's return 1 Thessalonians 5:20SGOM 135.1+1.

• Prove All Things: We are responsible for testing everything by the Word of God, separating the genuine from the counterfeit, and holding fast to that which is good 1 Thessalonians 5:21PSG 13.2+1.

Total Sanctification

The ultimate goal of these instructions is that our whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:2311LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, par. 56+1. This work of sanctification is a daily process that requires us to link our souls to Christ and allow His truth to purify the inmost sanctuary of the heart21MR 453.3+2. Faithful is He who calls us, and He will perform this work in those who remain watchful and prayerful 1 Thessalonians 5:24GW92 437.1+1.