1 Thessalonians 5:4-6

The Thessalonians were not ignorant of these events since Jesus and Paul had revealed them (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). In both Semitic and Greek thought, to be described as a "son" of something was to be characterized by that thing. [Note: Morris, The First . . ., p. 156.] In this case what characterized the Thessalonians was the light (in contrast to darkness) and day (in contrast to night). They were not walking in wickedness either. God had removed the Thessalonians from Satan’s kingdom of darkness and placed them into God’s kingdom of light (cf. Colossians 1:13). "Darkness" was a common negative figure in antiquity. In the Old and New Testaments it describes those who are ignorant of or opposed to the Lord (cf. Job 22:9-11; Psalms 82:5; Proverbs 4:19; Isaiah 60:1-3; Romans 13:12; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Colossians 1:13; 1 Peter 2:9). Paul exhorted the Thessalonians therefore to remain alert (watchful) and sober (self-possessed), not asleep (insensible) to things that God has revealed.

If the church must pass through the Tribulation (Daniel’s seventieth week) before the Rapture, it is useless to watch for Christ daily. [Note: See James H. Brookes, "Kept Out of the Hour," Our Hope 6 (November 1899):154; Brindle, pp. 144-46.] Rather believers should be looking for Antichrist.