The Model Church: 1 Thes. 5:1-11
Paul reminds the Thessalonian believers, and us as well, that even though we can’t know the chronological or the specific moment (kairos) when everything comes to a head as He returns, we can be ready. Jesus Himself told us to be on guard and keep awake (Mark 13:32-22) since we can’t know the times or dates (Acts 1:7) but we can be prepared. The Day of the Lord will come like a nighttime thief for unbelievers bringing sudden destruction and judgment but not so for believers in Jesus Christ; we’ll be ready, willing, and able. How do we get prepared? Paul teaches that we’re children of the light and the day; that means we walk daily in His presence through our devotional time with Him and in His Word. We listen to His voice and obey Him as we make decisions in life always depending on the indwelling Spirit to guide us.
For unbelievers, they have no true north, so to speak, therefore, Jesus’ return will be unexpected and sudden. They won’t be ready for the ‘break in’ just like the people of Noah’s day (Matt. 24:36-39); their temporary life just goes on without a thought about dying or the afterlife. For Christians we follow Jesus’ advice to accept His assignments in life and stay passionate about Him (Luke 12:35-40) as we patiently and eagerly wait for His return. Our mindset is to grow in faith as we get to know Jesus better every day watching for those opportunities to serve Him by serving others.
Every believer should be confident of the truth that we’re not destined for God’s wrath (vs. 8) since our sins have been forgiven. Jesus paid that price for our rescue or salvation and gave His life as our ransom; that’s our guarantee. Those who refuse to repent and be forgiven have no other choice than to pay for their own sin.
But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But He will pour out His anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. Romans 2:5-8 NLT
Yes, a day of judgment is coming, however, we’re His children in the light of day standing in faith and love confidently expecting Jesus’ return when we meet Him in the air. We’ll be part of that welcoming committee when our ashes are reunited with our spirits in a new body and we live eternally with Him. Paul reaffirms these truths encouraging us to continue building up each other in the faith.
How Long? https://youtu.be/tAVp28bzyXY
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