Introduction

Good morning, dear church family. It's another beautiful day that the Lord has made and we are here to rejoice and be glad in it. We are gathered here today, not by chance, but by divine appointment. Our Heavenly Father, in His infinite wisdom, has orchestrated this moment for us to gather in His name, to hear His word, and to seek His face.

As we turn our hearts and minds to the word of God, I am reminded of a quote from the great preacher Charles Spurgeon who once said, "A Bible that's falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't." This statement, as simple as it seems, is a profound reminder of the power and potency of the word of God in our lives. The more we engage with the scriptures, the more we find our lives held together by the truth it proclaims.

Today, we are going to be looking at the book of 1 Thessalonians, specifically chapter 5, verses 1-11. Let us read: "Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 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. 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. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 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. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Staying Sober in Spirit

In the passage we just read, Paul is urging the Thessalonians to remain awake and sober. This doesn't just refer to physical sobriety, but also to a spiritual sobriety. It's about maintaining a clear, focused mind and a pure heart, not clouded by the distractions and temptations of this world. It's about being vigilant and alert, ready for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. This spiritual sobriety is crucial in our Christian walk. It helps us to stay focused on God, to discern His will, and to live according to His commands.

Now, let's look at the first aspect of this spiritual sobriety. It involves being aware of the spiritual realities around us. We live in a physical world, but there's also a spiritual realm that we can't see. The Bible tells us that we are in a spiritual battle, and we need to be alert and aware of this. We can't afford to be spiritually asleep or intoxicated, oblivious to what's going on around us. We need to be aware of the enemy's schemes, and ready to stand firm in our faith.

The second aspect of spiritual sobriety is discernment. This is the ability to distinguish between truth and error, right and wrong, good and evil. It's a spiritual sensitivity to what is of God and what is not. This discernment comes from knowing God's word and spending time in His presence. The more we know God, the more we will be able to discern His voice and His ways.

The third aspect of spiritual sobriety is self-control. This is about controlling our thoughts, our words, and our actions. It's about not letting our flesh, our emotions, or our circumstances control us. Instead, we are to be led by the Spirit, living in a way that is pleasing to God. This self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, and it's something that God develops in us as we walk with Him.

The fourth aspect of spiritual sobriety is readiness. This is about being ready for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. We don't know when He will return, but we are to live as if it could be any moment. This means living a life of holiness and godliness, eagerly awaiting His return. It means not getting caught up in the things of this world, but setting our hearts and minds on things above.

Recap/Transition. Spiritual sobriety is about being alert and sober-minded in our walk with God. It's about being aware of the spiritual realities around us, discerning what is of God, exercising self-control, and being ready for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the kind of life that God calls us to live, and it's the kind of life that will prepare us for His return.

Second Coming Significance

As we continue to reflect on the words of Apostle Paul in this letter to the Thessalonians, we find ourselves drawn to the significance of the Second Coming ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO