Slices
Prepare
Think about how you prepare to go on holiday. Are you ready well in advance, or do you leave everything to the last minute?
Bible passage
The day of the Lord
5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety’, destruction will come on them suddenly, as labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Explore
Paul turns his attention to encouraging those who are still alive to live as if ready for Jesus to return at any moment.
First, Paul encourages them to be ready for the night thief (vs 1–3). Jesus used the same picture in Matthew 24:42–44. Look at verse 2. According to Paul, when will Jesus come again? In verse 3 Paul warns against people who make false promises about peace and security.
Secondly, Paul encourages the Thessalonians to be people of the light and the day (vs 4–7). Looking at these verses, identify the contrasts between people of the light and people of the dark. In what ways do these verses challenge you?
Thirdly, Paul encourages the Thessalonians to be ready for the battle (vs 8–11). The Thessalonians had been quarrelling about when and where Jesus would return. Paul was afraid that they would slip back into former habits of the night and dark. Paul uses the idea of armour here in the sense of soldiers being disciplined and prepared for battle. He refers again to faith, hope and love (remember 1:3). The key to combating their fears lies in the power of these three, not in knowing the date and time of Jesus’ return.
Respond
Confess to God anything in your life that is hidden in the dark. Now ask the Lord to help you to live in readiness for him to come again.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Ezekiel 36,37; Psalms 126–128
Pray for Scripture Union
Thank God that he continues to meet our financial needs. Please pray for increased financial support as we seek to expand our efforts to reach the 95 with the good news of Jesus.