1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Those who are still alive (5:1-11)

Paul had already told the Thessalonians that no one knows when Christ will return. He will come as unexpectedly as a thief. His intervention in the affairs of the world will be as sudden as birth pains. His return will smash the non-Christian’s sense of security with a destruction that none will escape (5:1-3). The life of the non-Christian is likened to a dark night of moral laziness and ill-discipline. The life of the Christian is likened to a bright day of watchfulness and self-control. Therefore, Christians of the ‘day’ should not act like non-Christians of the ‘night’, otherwise they will be both surprised and ashamed when Christ returns (4-7).Just as soldiers must always be prepared for any eventuality, so Christians must always be prepared for Christ’s return. They must be self-controlled in their behaviour, strong in faith and love, and confident in their salvation (8). Union with Christ means that they will escape God’s wrath and enjoy salvation in its fulness. This is a further reason why they should live in a way that pleases God and encourages fellow Christians (9-11).