Be Alert (1 Thessalonians 5)

A church that is a joy to be around is still far from perfect. We all fail in some things. There is always room to grow in Christ. When it comes to prophecy, should we get caught up in conspiracy theories and setting dates? Should we rather always be alert and awake? Let’s find out in 1 Thessalonians 5.

What is an important thing to remember about prophecies of the Lord’s return? Does a thief come when we expect?

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 ESV)

Will politicians and others occasionally proclaim peace and security? Are the saints naïve about such fake promises?

When they say, “Peace and security,” then sudden destruction comes on them, like labor pains come on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in the dark, for this day to overtake you like a thief. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-4 HCSB)

Should we fall asleep spiritually or stay awake?

For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to darkness. Therefore, let’s not fall asleep like others do, but let’s stay awake and be sober. (1 Thessalonians 5:5-6 ISV)

What is part of being awake, conspiracy theories, prediction addiction or sobriety, faith, hope and love?

For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 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. (1 Thessalonians 5:7-8 KJV)

What is God’s intent for us?

For God has not appointed us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. Therefore, comfort one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 LSB)

Dictators demand mindless obedience and toxic churches make life miserable for their leaders. Is there a middle ground based in love? Can churches live in peace?

But we ask you, brothers and sisters, to recognize those who diligently labor among you and are in leadership over you in the Lord, and give you instruction, and that you regard them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 NASB)

What are some general guidelines for maintaining the joy in any church?

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 NIV)

Are these points still valid today?

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 NKJV)

What were the final greetings?

Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful. Dear brothers and sisters, pray for us. Greet all the brothers and sisters with a sacred kiss. I command you in the name of the Lord to read this letter to all the brothers and sisters. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-28 NLT)

A church that is a joy to be around is still far from perfect. We all fail in some things. There is always room to grow in Christ. When it comes to prophecy, we should not get caught up in the craziness of conspiracy theories and setting dates, but we should always be alert and awake. Are we? You decide!

Conclusion to 1 Thessalonians

What is a conclusion to the first letter to the church of God in Thessaloniki? Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy praised this young loving church, a church with little or no arguments over trivia, and with unity in the essentials. They encouraged the saints to continue to grow in Christ. The letter often refers to the return of Jesus and that Christians must live as if He is coming soon. Are we praying that all our churches become joyful like this one? You decide!