notes

Main point summary

The coming of the Lord will be sudden and full of destruction; you are of the light ; so be prepared and aware; in faith and love encourage and correct one another.

Discourse

editing

NT

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

esv

mine

Now concerning w the times and the seasons, brothers, 1

Lets now in on how and when everything will happen, brothers and sisters,

x you have no need to have anything written to you.

even though we do not need to write anything to you.

For you yourselves are fully aware that y the day of the Lord will come

Because you already have accurate knowledge on the day of the Lord which will be unexpected

like a thief in the night.

like a thief in the night.

While people are saying, “There is peace and security,”

In that time people will be saying, "No worries, we are not in danger,"

then z sudden destruction will come upon them

But then utter ruin will unexpectedly fall on them,

a as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman,

as a pregnant woman starts going through labor pains,

and they will not escape.

and they will not be able to flee from the destruction that is coming.

But you b are not in darkness, brothers,

But do not worry brothers, you are not in the dark,

for that day to surprise you like a thief.

for when the day of the Lord comes like a thief it will not catch you off guard.

For you are all c children 1 of light , children of the day .

Because brothers and sisters you belong to the light and day.

We are not of the night or of the darkness .

We do not belong to night and darkness.

So then d let us not sleep, as others do,

So be alert, do not wonder as others do,

but let us e keep awake and f be sober.

but be watchful and have a rational thinking.

For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, g are drunk at night.

During the night, it is a time when people wonder and get drunk.

But since we belong to the day,

Since we belong to the light,

let us be sober, h having put on the breastplate of i faith and love,

then let us have a clear mind, be ready for battle by putting on breastplate of faith and love,

and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

and for a helmet the confidence of our salvation.

For God has not destined us for j wrath,

God did not choose for our destiny to be in his wrath,

but k to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, l who died for us

but rather to have salvation in His Son, who died for us

so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.

so that we can be with him whether we are dead or alive.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Therefore keep doing what you are doing, do not stop counseling one another and building each other up.

Key: Yellow: words that popped out to me as I read the text. Red: Main Idea/Thesis/Argument Green: Supporting details to the argument being made. Commands - sky blue Means - light purple Motivation - purple Anchors - Grey

Believers who are in Christ have a different nature. Distinction. Dark people - Are in the darkness, love wickedness, do not love truth, do not act in truth, ignorant, slave of Satan. Asleep spiritually. Dead sin. Awake to wickness. In a coma spiritually. John 3:19–20 (ESV): And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. Ephesians 4:17–18 (ESV): Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. Ephesians 5:8 (ESV): for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Destiny: Matthew 8:12 (ESV): "while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 2 Peter 2:4 (ESV): For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; 2 Peter 2:17 (ESV): These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. Jude 6 (ESV): And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day

Believers who are in Christ have a different destiny. Destined - inexorable outworking of God's sovereign plan for believers salvation. (Matthew 25:34;Eph. 1:4; 2 Timothy 1:9) Believers are not destined for wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10; Jn. 3:18;36;5:24;Rom. 5:1,9;8:1,33-34) God will judge the wicked. (Matthew 3:12;13:40-42,50;18:8;John 3:36;Acts 24:25;Rom. 2:5,8;9:22;2 Thessalonians 1:9; Heb. 6:2; 10:26-27; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:7; Revelation 14:9-11; 24:8) Final judgment God's wrath will be poured on the wicked. John 3:36 (ESV): Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. Romans 1:18 (ESV): For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. Revelation 14:9–11 (ESV): And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”

Believers who are in Christ act differently according to their nature. (1 Thessalonians 2:12;4:1;Eph. 4:1;17; Phil. 1:27; Col 1:10) Paul didn't exhort them to be day because their nature was permanently fixed by transforming power of God in salvation. But because of new nature is incarcerated in fallen, sinful human flesh it is possible for day people to do deeds of the darkness. (Romans 7:14-25) "keep awake, be sober" Present tense verbs. Paul exhorted them to live consistently with their new nature. Continuously alert, awake, sober.

Times - Greek "chronos" - chronological time Seasons - "kairos" - views time in terms of events, eras, seasons *plural indicates many different time periods and events *congregation wanted to know about the Rapture in chapter 4 and the Day of the Lord in chapter 5.

They know all that God needed them to know. Matthew 24:36 (ESV): But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. (Acts 1:6-7;Matthew 24:44,50;25:13)

There will be signs that Christ's return is imminent. (Matthew 24:4-33)

They were concerned that they missed the Rapture and was in the Day of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2).

These people were duped, deceived, and lied to by false prophets. (Matthew 24:5,11,24) Example: Jeremiah warned his people, Jeremiah 6:1 (ESV): "Flee for safety, O people of Benjamin, from the midst of Jerusalem! Blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and raise a signal on Beth-haccherem, for disaster looms out of the north, and great destruction." In spite of the warning, false prophets were saying, Jeremiah 6:14 (ESV): "They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace."(Jeremiah 8:11) Then Jeremiah complained "Jeremiah 14:13 (ESV): Then I said: “Ah, Lord God, behold, the prophets say to them, ‘You shall not see the sword, nor shall you have famine, but I will give you assured peace in this place.’ ” Then verse 14 God replied, Jeremiah 14:14 (ESV): And the Lord said to me: “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I did not send them, nor did I command them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a lying vision, worthless divination, and the deceit of their own minds." (Ezekiel 13-10-16) False prophets will use signs and wonders (Matthew 24:24) As a result, life will go on just as it did before the flood (Matthew 24:37-39) False prophets is a sign of God's judgment (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12)

The completeness of the Day of the Lord. No hope. No mercy. No escape of the horrors of God's wrath. This should motivate us to evangelize to the lost. Hebrews 2:3 (ESV): how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?

Character of that Day. Separation from Eternal life (2 Thessalonians 1:9) Destruction of well being (1 Timothy 6:9) Destruction of the purpose for existence.

The coming of the Day of the Lord will be unexpected, but the believers have knowledge of the day of the Lord. Paul urges them to anticipate his coming. Not look at the clock and panic. They know all they need to know. Olivet discourse (Matthew 24:43; Revelation 16:15) Signs of the coming: (Malachi 4:5;Revelation 11:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:2-4;Dan. 9:27;11:31;12:11;Matthew 24:15; Joel 3:2-14;Joel 2:30-31;3:15; Isa 13:10;Matt.24:29;Luke21:25;Rev.6:12-13;8:12)

How do people go from darkness to light? God changes you. By the Spirit. (Acts 26:18;Col 1:13;Eph 5:8) 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

John 8:12 (ESV): Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” What makes people of darkness different from people of light? John 3:19–20 (ESV): And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. John 12:35–36 (ESV): So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”

The word "sons" is used in this same spot in NASB. Whether using children or son, it describes dominant influence in a person's life. For example: Sons of Belial- describes worthless men who are by nature children of the devil. (Judges 19:22;1 Sam 2:12; 2 Sam 23:6; 1Kings 21:10; 2 Cor 6:15) Sons of Thunder - Mark 3:17 James and John because of their volatile and aggressive personalities. Son of encouragement (Acts 4:36) gentle nature of Barnabas Since we are children of light or Sons of light.....Light WILL DOMINATE OUR LIVES. Believers will live new life, new creatures, new creations, seated in heavenly places, lives hidden in God. (Rom. 6:4; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15; Eph. 2:6; Col 3:3)

We're once in the darkness (Psalms 107:10-12) believers are transformed (Psalms 107:13-16) Isaiah 9:2 (ESV): The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. The light is the Messiah Isaiah 9:6–7 (ESV): For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

People are asleep/spiritual darkness live as if there will be no judgment (Matt. 24:43). Asleep to spiritual reality, alive to the lust of the flesh. Day people are delivered from darkness of ignorance, sin, rebellion, and unbelief. For believer there is no place for night life(Romans 13:12-14). Believers do not only get justified and continue to live their lives in sin. Rather grow in holiness. Redeeming grace is also sanctifying grace. (Titus 2:11-12) Living consistent as day people provides comfort and assurance (2 Peter 1:5-10) To live in darkness sacrifices assurance of salvation (2 Peter 1:9) It is not possible for day people to be caught in the Day of the Lord but sinning ones can lose assurance and fear they might be. Day people are alert or watchful. Able to rightly assess what is happening in the spiritual dimension. Day people are prepared (1 Peter 1:13) knowing the day is coming (2 Peter 3:10) and are diligent (2 Peter 3:14)

Night people are insensitive to spiritual reality. Day people are sober, have self control, lives serious, calm, steady, and maintains proper priorities. (1 Peter 1:13; 5:8) Those who sleep - Luke 12:45-46 Sleeping - passive indifference Drunk - active sin

Image of Soldier on duty. Armor of light (Rom. 13:12; Isa. 59:17; Eph 6:13-17;6:11-12) Faith Love Hope defense against temptation (1 Cor. 13:13)

Faith - trust in God's promises, power, plan. Trust God's person. He is always consistent with his attributes. (Heb. 13:8) Trust His power. (Gen. 18:14; Jerm. 32:17,27) Trust His promises (Num. 23:19) Trust His sovereign plan (Isa. 43:13) All sin comes from lack of trust in God. Develope a good theology to develop a sound practice in our lives,

Love - delight devotion to God as supreme affection. Without delight in God it is sin. Matthew 22:37 Romans 13:10 Perfect trust and love leads to obedience

Salvation has three aspects. Justification - which focuses on the past. Saved from punishment of sin. Sanctification - focuses on the present. Being Saved from sins power. Glorification - focuses on the future. Saved completely from sins presence. We have hope. Focusing on eternal glory that awaits us protects believers against temptation (1 John 3:2-3) (2 Timothy 2:10;1 Peter 5:10) Glorification- (Romans 13:11; 8:23)

Salvation Justification (Isaiah 53:11;Romans 3:24,26;1 Cor. 6:11; Gal. 2:16) Sanctification (1 Cor. 1:30;6:11;Hebrews 7:25) Glorification (Philippians 3:21)

Died on our behalf. In our place (2 Corinthians 5:21) (2 Peter 2:24; John. 10:11; Romans 8:3; Gal 1:4; 3:13; Eph. 5:2; 1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 2:2) Delivered us, forgiven us, seated us with his Son (Colossians 1:13-14) We will not face judgment (John 5:24; Romans 8:1) All those dead or alive will live together with him. (John 14:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:17) By the grace of God he gives supernatural faith so people come to light of salvation which is through Jesus. (Acts 13:47; John 8:12; 9:5; 11:9; 12:46) Believers will have an inheritance of the saints in light (Col. 1:12) Believers will live forever in God's glorious presence (Rev. 22:5)

discourse

Notes

Author: Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians (1:1;2:18). Which harmonizes with the Acts accounts of his travels (2:1-2;3:1-2;Acts 16-18). Recipient: Believers in Thessalonica (1:1) Evidence of Paul talking to believers Work of faith, labor of love, Steadfastness of hope 1:3 Paul calls them brothers (1:4;2:1,9;3:7, etc) Loved by God (1:4) Chosen by God (1:4) Gospel came to them in power in the holy spirit full of conviction (1:5) Imitators of Paul and of the Lord (1:6) Received the Word in much affliction (1:6) And in joy of holy spirit (1:6) Example to all believers (1:7) Faith gone forth everywhere (1:8) Turned to God (1:9) Turned away from Idols (1:9) Waiting for the Son (1:9) Jesus delivers US from the wrath to come (1:9) Received the Word and word is at work in you (2:13) We meet with the Lord (4:17) We believe (4:14) Fully aware (5:2) Children of light (5:5) Awake and sober (5:6) God destined US to obtain salvation through Christ (5:9) Calls us (5:24) Paul uses words we and us creates separation from Unbelievers using words they them Relationship: Theme: Paul theme from this passage is on Holy living and the Day of the Lord. Doctrine Sanctification: (3:12,13; 4:3,4,16-18; 5:23) Doctrine Eschatology: (1:10;2:19;3:13;4:16;5:23;4:13-5:11) Doctrine of Church (5:12-22; 1:8-10; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13,14-15) Occasion: In the midst of persecution the believers needed encouragement to stand firm. ( 1:2-10 ; 2:13-16 ) Tone: Concerned (2:17-18) Joyful (1:2;2:13-14;19-20;3:9;4:9-10;5:11) Long for one another (2:11-12;2:8;3:6-10) Purpose: To encourage (4:9-12), correct wrong understanding of end times (4:13-5:11) to instruct congregation in Christian living (5:12-22) Keywords: Sanctification (4:3-4) means set apart. Refers to a process whereby God sets aside that which is holy. Christ’s one and only sacrifice sanctified us and in that sanctification continues to work in us though we remain in fallen world and flesh. Spirit; Soul;Body (4:8;5:19,23) : all three of these make up whole person. The spirit enables a person to contact and be regenerated by the Spirit (John 3:6; Romans 8:16) The soul speaks of persons personality. The body is a physical entity separate from soul or spirit. God works from the inside out. Coming: (2:19; 3:13; 4:15; 5:23) To describe the visit of an important person such as royalty. Used also to attach to the second coming of Christ. General: The Thessalonians we’re curious about the timing of end time events. The coming of the Lord will be unexpected. The day of the Lord represents future judgment on the wicked. Used 19 times in the Old Testament. 4 times in the New Testament. It could also be called Day of Vengeance. (Is. 34:8;61:2;63:4) The day of the Lord is for unbelievers. Paul describes to us the coming of the day, the character of that day, and the completeness of the Day of the Lord. Paul makes a contrast between unbelievers and believers. By talking about their nature, behavior, and destiny. Light/Dark. Alert/Asleep. Sober/Drunk. Eternal life/Eternal death. Note: My goal is to complete all that is offered with the biblearc courses. I plan on taking bracketing or greek next. I want to use these tools in family worship, personal study, and in my church community. I plan on studying 1 John at some point after I complete everything. Sometimes I see people discouraged about not seeing ideas in the bible clearly and that is the reason I want to flourish with these tools. To know God and love him. Also to show people that they can see more than what they think.