The Day of the Lord// Zephaniah 1:7–18; Malachi 4:1–6; 2 Peter 3:8–13
1Now about the times and seasons, brothers, we do not need to write to you. 2For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
- 1TH 5:1[PROPHECY]The day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, 'Peace and safety!' then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman → STILL TO COME
- 1TH 5:3[FIELD NOTES]See the Peace and Security Field Notes page.
4But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief. 5For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. 7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.
- 1TH 5:8[ALLUDES TO]Refers to ← IS 59:17
9For God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. 11Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.
Christian Living
12But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
14And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.
15Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.
16Rejoice at all times. 17Pray without ceasing. 18Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
- 1TH 5:16[NOTABLE]People always ask, what is God's will for my life? Here it is in three short lines. Pray without ceasing does not mean nonstop words. It means keep the line open all day. Give thanks IN everything, not FOR everything.
19Do not extinguish the Spirit. 20Do not treat prophecies with contempt, 21but test all things. Hold fast to what is good. 22Abstain from every form of evil.
- 1TH 5:20[NOTE]DO NOT DESPISE PROPHECY. Paul expected real prophecy in the church, and he expected it to be tested, 5:21. See the Ephesians pages on prophets today.
- 1TH 5:21[NOTABLE]God does not want blind faith. Check every teaching, prophecy and preacher against Scripture, keep what is good and throw out the rest. The very next town Paul visited, Berea, did exactly that, Acts 17:11.
Final Blessings and Instructions
23Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.
- 1TH 5:23[NOTE]SPIRIT, SOUL AND BODY. Some read this as three parts of a person: a spirit that knows God, a soul that thinks and feels, and a body. Others say we are two parts, body and soul, and Paul is just saying all of you, the way Jesus said heart, soul, mind and strength, Mark 12:30. Either way, God wants to make all of you holy.
25Brothers, pray for us as well.
26Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
27I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.