The Way - Day 058 (1 Thessalonians 5)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Paul continues his theme of the end times (4:13-18) but switches his focus to begin talking about the judgment of unbelievers. He writes "for you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night." So, what is the "day of the Lord?" Paul is specifically pointing to the end of the 7 year tribulation period where God pours out His wrath upon those who have rejected Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:11-21). This time will conclude with the Battle of Armageddon where God will slaughter those who have rebelled against Him once and for all. Isaiah, Joel, Ezekiel, Jesus, and Paul prophesied about this future event. This day is said to come as a "thief in the night" meaning God will act without warning and "sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape." Paul did not want the church at Thessalonica to fear this judgment on unbelievers so he reminded them "that this Day should [not] overtake you as a thief." Since the church will be raptured before the 7 year tribulation period, they will not experience God's wrath (5:4-5). So why does Paul mention the day of the Lord when writing to the Thessalonians? He wants to remind them that they are not supposed to live in darkness as those who rebel against God, but "watch and be sober...putting on the breastplate of faith and love, as a helmet the hope of salvation." (5:6-8)Speaking in military terms, Paul wants them to prepare for spiritual battle. A soldier needs to be "sober" meaning that he should be alert to what is happening around him. The Christian soldier should be alert to the temptations which come from the world, the flesh, and the devil. Having faith and love for God will protect the Christian from giving up and provide strength to withstand the battle between good and evil. Paul gently reminds them that "God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake [are alive] or sleep [are dead], we should live together with Him." Although times seemed tough for the Thessalonians, Paul wanted them to keep in mind the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ and "comfort each other and edify one another" with these words. Christians need not fear the wrath of God during His judgment on those who have rejected Him, but should live with vigilance and seek to please Him in all our ways.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
In his final words to the church at Thessalonica, Paul writes some of the best advice in Scripture pertaining to the operational system of the church. He begins by instructing the people on how they should treat their spiritual leaders. Paul writes "recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake." In a subtle way, Paul teaches about the responsibilities of the pastor to the church - laboring (working hard), overseeing (guiding in righteousness), and admonishing (teaching God's word). As the pastor is fulfilling his responsibilities to the church, the people are to respond to him with respect and love which ultimately leads to peace within the church (5:13). Turning his attention to the conduct within the church, Paul reminds them to "warn those who are unruly" (those who cause division), "comfort the faint- hearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all." When these characteristics are practiced, the church functions as a unit and can properly carry out the will of God. Next, Paul makes "bullet" statements to challenge believers to have the right type of character:
Rejoice always (5:16)
Pray without ceasing (5:17) - remain in an attitude of prayer
In everything give thanks (5:18) - through good times and bad times
Do not quench the Spirit (5:19) - be controlled by the Holy Spirit
Do not despise prophecies (5:20) - value and obey God's word
Test all things; hold fast what is good (5:21) - carefully examine things labeled as truth
Abstain from every form of evil (5:22) - stay away from sin

The end goal for every believer is that our "whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (5:23) Having already addressed the rapture of the church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), Paul wanted Christians to be found spiritually mature when Christ returns to take those who are His to heaven. God has asked all of us to follow His commands and be effective in ministry for Him. Trials, difficulties, and temptations will come, but a follower of Christ must be faithful to Him.

Dear God, thank you for Paul's letter to the Thessalonians. Help me to listen to and heed its' words. May You be reflected in my life as I am filled with the Holy Spirit.