Welcome to this week’s blog. I was compelled this week to take you deeper into scripture, specifically 1 Thessalonians, Chapter 5, Verse 1-28. What is Paul's message to God's children in this passage?
The Day of the Lord (v. 1-11)
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 may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
In this first part of God's message, He's referring to the day of the Lord's return, the second coming. He's reminding us that not one man's efforts can predict the day of Christ's return. We are not to be misled or fooled by priests, ministers, the pope or scholars who try to predict, calculate or preach the day of the Lord; the day He returns to earth to take His children home. In this scripture, He's also reminding us (believers and non-believers) that all of us will be SURPRISED because His return will be sudden, unexpected and unannounced with no forewarning. The author of 1 Thessalonians, Paul, consistently reminds us to be READY!
Are you ready? Are you prepared? What does: Be Ready and Prepared look like for us? First, ask yourself: How you are living? Are you living a sinful life, separated from Christ? Are you consumed by worldly, superficial matters of the flesh? Or do you live each day dedicated to Jesus? Do you turn to Jesus, the Sovereign Lord who holds your life in His hands, for peace and confidence? Would you be ready for Christ's return today? He calls each of us to live everyday prepared to welcome Christ, to fall to our knees in repentance and prayer so that we are ready to return home where He has saved a place for each of us.
The "Day of the Lord" is a future event in our lives that will change everything as we know it, forever. It is a time that is near when God will intervene directly and dramatically in world affairs. This is more deeply referenced in the Old Testament (Isiah 13:6-12, Joel 2:28-32, Zephaniah 1:14-18) where the day of the Lord includes both punishment and blessings. This is the day of judgement where we will stand before Him. He will judge sin and prepare us for His eternal kingdom.
Final Instructions (v. 12-28)
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 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. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt, but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. Brothers and sisters, pray for us. Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Our final instructions from Paul in 1 Thessalonians, Chapter 5:1-28 is clear. There's no room for misunderstanding or misinterpreting beliefs or practices. This scripture is informing us, communicating to us that we need to prepare for the day of the Lord. It's not if it will happen, but when He returns. We will surely be SURPRISED because only the Lord, our God knows the exact day and time. In Paul's letter, he is encouraging us to be READY!
God has given us His final commands in preparation for His return. Be joyful, be prayerful, and thankful in all of your daily circumstances. Put on faith and love as your breastplate, and salvation as your helmet as you face the world, and you will be ready for His return. We are to warn those who are idle and disruptive in sin. We are to encourage the disheartened and the weak. Be patient with everyone. Encourage others to NEVER pay back evil for evil, wrong for wrong. Always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone. Keep your spirit blameless. And last, God charges us to read Paul's letter to all of our brothers and sisters.
Brothers and sisters, do not mock these prophesies or have contempt against God's instruction. Check and test these commands in your own life. Open your bible and read for yourself what God has already breathed into existence.
Blessings until next week,
Debra Pauli Unstoppable Believer
Scripture Quotes: Holy Bible – New International Version (NIV) and New King James (NKJ)
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