In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul continues his discussion of the end times. And the warning can be summed up in two simple words: Be prepared! Paul gives an incredible analogy in verse 2 saying, “For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.” In other words, without warning.
Nobody knows. Nobody.
Throughout history, many have tried to predict Christ’s second coming. Even in our lifetimes, we have heard of believers who followed the ill-gotten advice of a trusted teacher. They sold everything they had and parked themselves on a hillside waiting for the return of Christ, only to be disappointed when He did not return according to their schedule.
So as believers, we are to believe Paul (well, Jesus said it first) when he says that nobody knows when. Your pastor does not know. The writer of that popular novel about end times does not know. That flashy TV evangelist who seems to have all the answers? He doesn’t know either. But Paul assures us of one thing we can know: that once the end has begun, it will be as certain as the labor pains of a pregnant woman – there will be no escaping the ultimate result.
Be Prepared
So then, what are we to do? We are told to be prepared. We do not belong to the night, like those who carouse in darkness like drunkards. Instead, we are to be self-controlled, fully dressed in the armor of God, awake and alert, ready to give an account of the faith we have in Christ.
First Thessalonians wraps up with the same warm hug that Paul gave to the Philippians. Honestly, were all the Bibles in the world destroyed accept for this last chapter of 1st Thessalonians, you would have the perfect outline of Godly, Christian behavior. Now, don’t hear me wrong. People would first have to be told the Gospel and believe it. But after that, this chapter would serve you well.
And, oh by the way, did you notice the words, “this last chapter?” If you’re tuning into the podcast, you did it again! You finished another book in the New Testament! Are you telling your friends? Your pastor? Anyone who will slow down long enough to listen? This is a big deal and a huge commitment, and I know God is pleased with you. I just want you to know that I would love hear you brag at Lifting Her Voice, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
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