1 Thessalonians 5 | Paul's Final Encouragement: Rejoice, Pray, and Stay Sober

How should Christians live in light of Christ’s return?
What does "the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night" mean?

In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul provides a comforting message about the return of Christ, reminding believers that the "Day of the Lord" will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. He encourages them not to be fearful but to remain vigilant, sober, and hopeful. Paul emphasizes that they are children of light and should live in the awareness of their salvation, not destined for wrath but for eternal life with Christ. His words are filled with encouragement to continue supporting and building one another up, living in faith, love, and hope.

The chapter also includes final instructions, encouraging the Thessalonians to admonish the idle, encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. Paul stresses the importance of maintaining peace, doing good to all, and not retaliating with evil. He instructs them to rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, and to test prophecies while holding on to what is good and abstaining from all evil.

The passage also emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit and urges the church not to quench it. Instead, they are encouraged to discern the truth of prophecies and keep following God's word. Paul reminds them to rely on God's faithfulness, as He is the one who will sanctify them completely, and they should trust in His promises for their future. The final greetings focus on the community aspect, calling them to continue praying for one another and spreading love among the believers.

In summary, 1 Thessalonians 5 offers hope in the face of uncertainty, encouraging believers to live in expectation of Christ’s return with joy and faithfulness. It underscores the importance of community support, proper discernment of spiritual matters, and a continuous focus on God’s goodness in all things.

#Thessalonians #DayOfTheLord #ChristReturn #FaithAndHope #EncouragementInChrist #SpiritualDiscernment #GodsFaithfulness #CommunityInChrist #LivingInLight #PaulineEpistles

Transcript

 1 Thessalonians 5

1 Thessalonians 5

[00:00:00] Hey everyone. Welcome to God's plan. Your part year two, where this year we're reading through and studying the entire new Testament one chapter at a time. Thanks again for joining us in discovering God's plan and your part in it. Today, we are looking at first Thessalonians chapter five, and unfortunately also second Thessalonians chapter one, sorry about that.

Um, so this is one episode with. Uh, first Thessalonians five, then we'll do a second episode, uh, with second Thessalonians chapter one. If you're listening in live time, we apologize for not putting together an episode. Uh, yesterday I actually fell asleep on the couch, which is usually my job. I'm the one that's always falling asleep.

So we obviously do this in our, uh, extra time, which due to our life circumstances is, currently is, uh, less and less and less, which you can pray for us, um, We're, we're dealing with a lot of different things, actually. Um, the baby has not yet come, which is why Jenny resonated with the, uh, part of this book and [00:01:00] chapter about labor pains.

She is genuinely anticipating those, but the baby's not here yet. Um, and I have a lot going on at work. Um, so please pray for me there. Uh, there's just like, I have a lot of added responsibility currently. And honestly, uh, I feel the weight of trying to honor God in my work. I've talked a little bit about it, but, um, Um, please pray for me in that I will, I will take all your prayers and, uh, appreciate whatever you send our way, uh, in that.

Yeah. So here we are. We should have done this episode yesterday, but it's cool. Chapter five. He is finishing out. Paul is finishing out some final instructions and we hear a little bit more of this day of the Lord. Talk. So some of these. 100%. Ending time. conversations that were probably questions in the minds of Thessalonians, but then also some final um Encouragement I would say to them, I guess like pointed things that perhaps they're dealing with Uh [00:02:00] that kind of close out this letter and I did find some things that I really liked about The second half, but I don't want to cut you off from anything.

Maybe perhaps from the beginning, I would say, uh, looking at the beginning of chapter five, one, one thing we've, um, held in context this whole way through first Thessalonians, which hadn't been that many chapters is that this church had dealt with. Most likely some unexpected deaths and they were discouraged.

So the purpose of this letter was to encourage them. And at the same time we talked about in our last episode was chapter four, that they were nervous about the fact that some of those who had died may not be present when Christ returns. So that's the context of what Paul is talking about. It's interesting here because a hundred percent he's talking about the return of Jesus.

If you look at, um, Chapter five, verse two, for you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. Um, that is him talking about the return of Christ, which we can anticipate, even though many, [00:03:00] many, many, many years have passed, it doesn't mean it's not going to happen.

But what's interesting in this context is he's not talking about this in a scary way. In fact, he's trying to encourage these believers, uh, to continue serving and continue serving. honoring Christ and to look forward to the day that he would return. So, yeah, I, I agree with all of those things. I guess I want to kind of like.

Move on from there. Is that okay? Well, where, where are you trying to go? Well, I just wanted to go into some of the final instructions that I think that he's encouraging them with. Yeah, go for it. Um, so from what I understand, some of those initial feelings that they had at the beginning of Paul's letter, there is going to be in the future, which we'll talk about in second Thessalonians.

Um, this idea that the day of the Lord was actually something that really was scary to them. Um, they actually, uh, I think from what I had read, they may have [00:04:00] actually even thought that perhaps they missed the day of the Lord. Um, so there is tension surrounding that, but I do really like what he says in verses 19 to 22.

I think it's important for us today, but I also think it was important for them. at the time because if they were, if they were concerned that perhaps the day of the Lord had passed them by, there's almost this idea of like, well, like, do we just keep doing this? Like, is God even active? Is the Holy Spirit working among us?

Like throwing your hands up in the air almost. And that can come out in weird ways, which I think we'll see in second Thessalonians two, uh, as well. But verses 19 to 22 says, do not quench the spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything and hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

Um, and I think that is really, I would assume, would have been really encouraging to them if they felt that maybe the spirit wasn't working. I know I've felt that way in my own life. Um, don't, don't try to like [00:05:00] quench what the spirit is up to simply because of how you're feeling or what you're experiencing.

But rather, like, if there are prophecies, which I have been very Hesitant of in my own life, it says, test everything. So like ask God to reveal things to you as well, or to reveal things to you through his word and hold fast to what is good and abstain from every form of evil. So I think, I don't know. I think if there was any doubts going on in their minds, this is really good advice because I think I've been in a place before where I'm doubting God's presence or his, I guess, activity in my own.

Small, teeny, tiny little life. That's a part of this grand scheme. And I really like what it says here. Like, don't doubt what the spirit is up to ask God to confirm things in your own study, in your own walk with the Lord. And to really hold fast to what's good and essentially reject what's evil. It's funny as you're, you're highlighting like the, [00:06:00] the test, the prophecies thing, basically that's first 19.

Don't question spirit, do not despise prophecies, but test everything. Um, It's also worth noting that like a lot of times we can get caught up in in extremes So it's like one extreme is you have to believe all the prophecies So anybody that says anything that's from the Lord must be from the Lord. Well that can't possibly be true Because people lie about the Lord all the time There's whole YouTube channels about it where all they do is dive into false prophecies, and I think it is important to Reveal some of those false prophecies, but at the same time, the opposite end is not true.

Like that doesn't mean there are no prophecies. It doesn't mean that nobody ever gets a word from the Lord. Um, and I think we want to be careful not to fall into either of those camps. And actually I would say that Jenny and I have been involved probably in both of those camps. Like, like now the Lord doesn't speak anymore.

He just speaks through his word. Um, Or no, the Lord speaking all the time. Anytime somebody says it's from the Lord, it's definitely from the Lord. So it's worth noting that our challenge is not to believe all prophecies or [00:07:00] doubt all prophecies, but it is to test all prophecies. Um, and I think. If you are dealing with somebody who says they're giving a prophecy and they are, um, hesitant about allowing you to test it, that might be a good signal that that's, something's not right.

Um, and I, I have seen that in my own life where it's like, Hey, can you tell me more about that? It's like, no, I'm not gonna, it's from the Lord. It's like, um, Okay. That makes me uncomfortable. Um, the, the other thing is that we, we do need to study God's word and be aware of God's word because God's word is how we test a lot of these things.

Like, um, I, I do believe that God is still speaking to people and through people, but I don't believe he's saying anything that hasn't already been revealed in his word. So if somebody tells you something that that's been revealed to them by God and you can't confirm it somehow through God's word, that's a problem, but we're not gonna be able to do that.

If we don't know what God's word says. So, um, I, I agree that this is [00:08:00] incredibly helpful information. I think another really helpful part of these verses is, um, hold fast to what is good and abstain from what is evil. Like, like how could it possibly more simple, be more simple than that? Like, Hey, That's good.

That's honoring to Christ. I want to keep doing that. Uh, that seems evil. I want to stop doing that. So when they're referring to what is good to our Bible, our study Bible mentions that it's most likely the prophecies that pass the test. Yeah, of course. When they are tested, um, our study Bible also says true prophecy agrees with scripture, that's helpful.

And it helps the church. Like it's not just like one person is benefiting from this or like the whole body is being Lifted up together. So I've really liked this. Um, it reminds me of like that refiners idea. Like it passes the test of scripture. It passes the test of edifying the church. Okay. Let's move ahead with this.

Um, so I do really like that. I actually had a professor. I [00:09:00] feel like I've said it before, who was, is extremely wise. And she always told us like, as you are entering into, it was for a graduate program. Uh, she said, as you're entering into this program, Really consider whenever you're researching, whenever you're studying God's word, whatever across the board, always identify what is true and discern what is deception.

And I've always really appreciated that because you're going to get a ton of stuff that comes your way throughout life. Um, prophecies being one of them. And it is really cool that Paul lines up kind of with that, that little tiny saying, identify what is true and discern what is deception. What's trying to, um, I guess like, Throw you off course or whatever so I really resonated there I don't know if you want to add anything else to Final part I would say as we're wrapping up I for extra credit I just want to point out and maybe I can make it a your part, too If you look at verse 14 We urge you brothers admonish the idol encourage the faint hearted help [00:10:00] the weak be patient with them all so remember Uh, this is a fairly new group of believers.

They are a discouraged group of believers. They believe that the return of Christ is either imminent or they have missed it. And what's interesting about these encouragements from Paul is that it's widely believed that a lot of the Thessalonians just stopped working altogether, like it was like, well, the Lord's coming back soon.

So I'm not going to do that. That's like, that's a, I was just going to say that. Today's Well, I should say not today's this book is like the softball letter for Paul and second Thessalonians is gonna be like Okay, I'm serious about what I said. Yes But I think you know This probably maybe it's taking it out of context a little bit But I think it is interesting how he handles this because he like it most likely he's addressing real issues admonish the idol Encourage the faint hearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.

I love how he's [00:11:00] essentially like encouraging them to believe the best and help people to get where they need to be. And like, you know, there, there's this sense of like, allow them to take their time, push them in the right direction. So like, yeah, if you're, if you're not working, like Paul's encouraging the leaders of the church, the people in the church, like, Hey, start working.

That would be wise for you and you should do it. If you're discouraged, if you're faint hearted, like, Hey. Okay, let's let's bring some encouragement your way. We want you to understand that God has called you in this time for this purpose. Um, engage with that, with that purpose that God has called you to.

And even though you're discouraged, like do what you can to work through that and become encouraged in the Lord. Uh, help the weak. Like there are many, many, many, many times where I feel very weak. Uh, and, and I always appreciate the people that are gracious to me and recognize that I feel weak, but also encourage me to, to To growth and strength.

So I think your part here is just that the spirit of Paul's correction here is like, yeah, you, you are in a bad [00:12:00] spot, but I want to help you and encourage you to get to a good spot and I'm willing to be patient through all of it. So, uh, this, this book of first Thessalonians, it's very interesting. I did tell you that it focuses somewhat on the return of Christ.

I think it's a little bit less explicit than what we're going to get into, into second Thessalonians. Um, but I love how. Paul's dealing with this church that is in many ways discouraged and the way that he chooses to Encourage them is remind them that Christ is returning Which the way I grew up or what I've experienced in in church world and stuff is a lot of times that is received as discouraging because it's like man I'm gonna miss out on all that life has to offer and I think a really good insight on that is one God loves us Cares for us, calls us by our names.

Um, we don't have to be afraid of his return. His return is a good thing for the world and for us. And two, we don't have to be scared about missing out on what this life has to offer, uh, because what Christ has to offer is so much more [00:13:00] significant. Uh, than what matters to us today. So, uh, I, I think it's an interesting book.

I think it's an interesting perspective. Uh, certainly as we continue through the new Testament, we will land on the book of revelation, which I'm sure we'll get lots of downloads, uh, because a lot of people are very concerned about the return of Christ, but just remember that it is an encouraging thing, not something to be afraid of.

Do you have anything to add to, uh, first Thessalonians? Get ready for a second. That's all I got to say, which is going to be, uh, gone. Available as soon as this one is. So it's a double feature day. Uh, we are sorry for falling asleep. We'll be, we'll be back again tomorrow slash five minutes from now. Uh, with second Thessalonians chapter one.

We'll see you over there. Thanks for joining us for another episode of God's plan. Your part. We want it to remind you that reading God's word is so important and it will transform your life. If you want a copy of the Bible that we use here on the podcast, Just go ahead and send us an email at [00:14:00] godsplanyourpartatgmail.

com. With that being said, here is the reading for today. First Thessalonians chapter five. 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. While people are saying there is peace in security, then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So, then let us not sleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet of the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, [00:15:00] who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep, we might live with him.

Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up just as you are doing. We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves, and we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the faint hearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.

See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit, do not despise prophecies, but test everything. Hold fast what is good, abstain from every form of evil.

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and [00:16:00] body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, he will surely do it. Brothers, pray for us. Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of God's Plan, Your Part. Don't forget, you can find us on just about every social media platform. And YouTube, let us know what you thought of today's episode. And if you have any questions, go ahead and post them there.

You can also reach out to us directly at God's plan. Your part at gmail. com as always, if you don't have a Bible, or if you'd like to use the one that we use, uh, reach out to us via email, and we'll be happy to send one to you. Thanks again for listening. We'll see you again [00:17:00] tomorrow.