Reflections on 1 Thessalonians 5

1 Thessalonians 05 (Contemporary English Version)


1. I don't need to write you about the time or date when all this will happen.
2. You surely know that the Lord's return will be as a thief coming at night.
3. People will think they are safe and secure. But destruction will suddenly strike them like the pains of a woman about to give birth. And they won't escape.
4. My dear friends, you don't live in darkness, and so that day won't surprise you like a thief.
5. You belong to the light and live in the day. We don't live in the night or belong to the dark.
6. Others may sleep, but we should stay awake and be alert.
7. People sleep during the night, and some even get drunk.
8. But we belong to the day. So we must stay sober and let our faith and love be like a suit of armor. Our firm hope that we will be saved is our helmet.
9. God doesn't intend to punish us, but wants us to be saved by our Lord Jesus Christ.
10. Christ died for us, so that we could live with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes.
11. That's why you must encourage and help each other, just as you are already doing.
12. My friends, we ask you to be thoughtful of your leaders who work hard and tell you how to live for the Lord.
13. Show them great respect and love because of their work. Try to get along with each other.
14. My friends, we beg you to warn anyone who isn't living right. Encourage anyone who feels left out, help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone.
15. Don't be hateful to people, just because they are hateful to you. Rather, be good to each other and to everyone else.
16. Always be joyful
17. and never stop praying.
18. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.
19. Don't turn away God's Spirit
20. or ignore prophecies.
21. Put everything to the test. Accept what is good
22. and don't have anything to do with evil.
23. I pray that God, who gives peace, will make you completely holy. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept healthy and faultless until our Lord Jesus Christ returns.
24. The one who chose you can be trusted, and he will do this.
25. Friends, please pray for us.
26. Give the Lord's followers a warm greeting.
27. In the name of the Lord I beg you to read this letter to all his followers.
28. I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you!
    
    

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    In the first section of chapter 5 Paul continues a topic he began in the latter part of the previous chapter. There he spoke of those who were asleep in death, encouraging the Thessalians not to grieve for them in the same manner as those who have no hope. Those who are dead in Christ will eventually be raised with Christ along with those who are still alive who will be caught up with Christ. Together, both groups will forever be with the Lord.
    
    Now Paul speaks of the coming "Day of the Lord" which will follow those events when those who are in Christ will be taken up to be with Him. The Day of the Lord will bring sudden destruction on those who are not in Christ, catching them by surprise as one is surprised by a "thief in the night." Escape from this destruction will not be possible. Those not in Christ who will be caught by this destruction are of the night, living in darkness. They are spiritually asleep. By contrast, those in Christ are "sons of light" and "sons of the day" are not of night or darkness. They are not appointed "to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." (5:9)
    
    Paul then leaves this topic to give some further practical teaching. First, they are to give recognition and high regard to those in the church who are their leaders. Such an attitude will nurture peace among them. Next Paul tells them to minister to one another in four ways: "warn those who are lazy, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone." Then follow seven exhortations:
    
    
    
    • Don't repay evil for evil. Retaliation is not an option for the Christian.
    • Rejoice always. Rejoice despite the circumstances because God works all things for good for those who love God.
    • Pray constantly. At every opportunity be in fellowship with God.
    • Give thanks in everything. This is God's will.
    • Don't stifle the Spirit.
    • Don't despise prophecy.
    • Stay away from every form of evil.