1 Thessalonians 5

1 Thessalonians 5:1
But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

I want you to recall, in 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul explained the Christian loved ones of the Thessalonians will return with Jesus. That was to answer their question concerning the dead, so they “Sorrow not, even as others which have no hope,” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

The Thessalonians next question must have been, “When will Jesus return?”

We know this, as Paul just said, “Ye have no need that I write unto you.” Meaning, Paul had already explained to them the signs that would precede the return of Jesus. No doubt, Paul told them when he was physically in their presence.

Nevertheless, they were confused or wanted clarification. Paul must have learned about their concern from Timothy who had just visited them, (1 Thessalonians 3:6). Therefore, the letters we are reading are Paul’s response to their concern.

All right, now let’s continue as we learn about the return of Jesus Christ.

The Day Of The Lord

1 Thessalonians 5:2
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

“For yourselves know,” Paul is saying, you already know the return of Jesus will be sudden and unexpected. They already knew that, as Paul explained it to them in person.

Now, to be clear, “the day of the Lord” explicitly refers to the return of Jesus Christ. His literal appearance on earth where He will be visible to all. In fact, it will mark the first day of the Millennium.

We’re simply being told, the appearance of Jesus will be sudden and unexpected, just like a thief in the night. How this reminds me of what Jesus told the Disciples concerning His return.

Let’s read it.

Matthew 24:42-43
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

So there we have it.

As we can read, Paul recited the same thing Jesus had said before. The return of Jesus will be sudden, so we are to stay alert, so the day does not take us by surprise.

However, the suddenness of His return will not be a surprise to everyone, only to the world. The return of our Lord will not be a surprise to Christians who love God and stand by His word. In fact, that’s why Jesus provided us with Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.

Jesus provided us with signs so we would understand His return was approaching. Not that we would know the very day, but so that we had a general idea that His return was drawing close.

With that thought, let’s pick back up in Thessalonians.

Sudden Destruction

1 Thessalonians 5:3
For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Who is “they?”

The wicked, and sudden destruction comes upon them.

In the Biblical past, the wicked were destroyed suddenly in Sodom, and during Noah’s Flood. In fact, Jesus provided us with this very example.

Matthew 24:38-39
38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Hey, during the days of Noah, the people were morally perverse, carrying on, partying, and completely disregarding God’s Law. They were extremely wicked. They did not know destruction was coming, until they were swept away to their death by it.

That’s exactly what Paul is describing in 1 Thessalonians 5:3. However, when Jesus returns, people are not literally destroyed, they will be spiritually destroyed. Their “sudden destruction” is found in Revelation 6:16, when they say at the sight of Jesus…

“…mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:”

When the wicked see the return of Jesus Christ, it will be a sudden and ruinous destruction of shame and defeat. It will be so humiliating, they will wish for the mountains to collapse on top of them. It will be the moment when the wicked are thrown down, and the meek are exalted.

Now, what is the “peace and safety” we read about in 1 Thessalonians 5:3?

This no doubt refers to the cries of a unified global government. Specifically, when Satan and his government rule the planet. In those days, the people will say, “Peace and safety.” This most likely occurs once the Deadly Wound is healed, (Revelation 13:3).

Then,

“…they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?”

Revelation 13:4

“They,” the wicked of the earth will worship the Dragon who is Satan, (Revelation 12:9). The “Beast” is the governmental beast of Revelation, and Satan is the king. These sentiments are the joyful words of “peace and safety” that we read about in 1 Thessalonians 5:3.

In this moment, the world will truly believe the Dragon is God, but he’s the Devil himself.

Paul will actually provide us with a further glimpse into this in 2 Thessalonians 2.

We Are Not In Darkness

Now let’s turn back to the Book of Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 5:4
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

This is a critical verse that we cannot overlook.

It clearly tells us, the return of Jesus will not overtake all Christians like a thief in the night. The return of Jesus will not be a surprise to Christians who are aware of the times.

Why?

We are not of this dark world, but the Light of Almighty God.

So then, why will the world be overtaken as a thief upon the return of Jesus, but not Christians?

1 Thessalonians 5:5
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

Christians do not take part in the perversion that occurs in our world today. Just as Noah and his family did not take part in the perversion then.

Instead, we focus on the Light of God as it dwells within us. Therefore, we are aware of “the times and the seasons.” We have been given signs that precede “the day of the Lord.” Christians have advanced knowledge concerning the Last Days, so we know what the state of the world will be like prior to the return of Jesus. Therefore, His return will not be a surprise to us.

In fact, verse 4 ties right back into verse 3, and tells us, “they” whom “sudden destruction cometh upon” are those who dwell in darkness, the wicked. God never destroys His own, God never destroys the righteous of Light, only the unrighteous of darkness.

1 Thessalonians 5:6
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

Once again, Paul is urging the Thessalonians to stay spiritually awake and focused on the return of Jesus. This does not mean we live our lives looking for perceived signs. It means we stay spiritually rooted in Jesus Christ, and patiently observe the signs He laid before us.

“As others do” refers to the world, being non-believers who are the Gentiles of today. They are spiritually asleep, ignorant of God’s existence, and one day, His Son will return to take the Kingdom.

1 Thessalonians 5:7
For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

This statement focuses on spiritual obscurity, being the moral decay of the world. Just as in Noah’s time, they were drunk and following after the ways of the world with no regard, care, or concern for God.

Therefore, we are being instructed to refrain from that behavior, and live according to this Gospel.

1 Thessalonians 5:8
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

Once again, Paul brings the mind of the Thessalonians back to the fact we are to walk in Light. We do not walk in the ways of this dark world, that would leave us utterly confused and ill-prepared for the return of Jesus.

Now, what is this reference to the “breastplate” and “helmet?”

This references the Gospel armor of Ephesians 6. There we are told to have a “Breastplate of righteousness” and a “Helmet of salvation.” This proves, Christians are to always stay spiritually alert so the day of Christ does not overtake us as a thief.

How do we accomplish that?

By staying focused on God, which keeps us in His Light, and removes us from the path of the wicked.

1 Thessalonians 5:9
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

Here we have it again.

“God hath not appointed us to wrath.” You may have heard about the “wrath of God” in the Book of Revelation. Though His wrath will come on the entire world, it will not affect Christians as they are not in the world, spiritually speaking.

This is important to remember. I want you to recall the 10 Plagues of Egypt. Though the plagues were unleashed on the entire region, they never affected the Israelites in Goshen.

Why?

“God hath not appointed us to wrath.”

Our Heavenly Father is more than capable of protecting us right in the middle of a storm.

1 Thessalonians 5:10
Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

Who died for us?

Jesus Christ perished on the cross for our sins. That whether we live to see His return, or we pass on, we are to be comforted in knowing we all, together, will live with Him forever.

This single verse ties together the former thoughts from chapter 4. That concerned our lost Christian family members, we know they are with Jesus, and we know they will return with Him.

Fantastic!

1 Thessalonians 5:11
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

This is nearly the same statement Paul used to close the last chapter, (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

Paul wanted the Thessalonians, and us today, to comfort each other with these words, to build each other up in our faith. The Thessalonians were already doing that, evident by the statement, “Even as also ye do.” Even as you are already doing, continue to do it.

The point being, Paul wanted nothing to interfere with the righteous works the Thessalonians were performing for God.

Love Your Pastors

1 Thessalonians 5:12
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

When Paul said, “To know them which labour among you,” he was speaking of the ministers in the church. As Christians, we should know who our ministers are, they put in a lot of hard work so we can understand the Bible. They do it for you, and others, who have not yet heard it.

The duty of our ministers is to “admonish” us.

That simply means, “to put in the mind,” “reprove,” and “warn.” Our ministers place into our minds the truth of the Gospel, and they correct us with its precious words. It’s their job to warn us concerning spiritual danger, and teach us how to avoid it.

All of this helps keep us on course.

1 Thessalonians 5:13
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

Why should we respect and honor our Pastors?

“For their work’s sake.”

For the work they do for us, as it’s not their work, but God’s work they are accomplishing. This should bring each of us peace within ourselves, as we can see God working through those who serve us.

Warn The Unruly, Comfort The Feeble

1 Thessalonians 5:14
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

This verse applies to the entire church.

All Christians are to “warn” those who are “unruly.” This simply means, we are to keep each other on track as we travel the Christian path through life. If we are not careful, we can easily veer off course, and without correction, others are sure to follow.

Therefore, it’s our Christian duty to ensure we all stay on track.

It’s our duty to:

• Comfort the “feebleminded,” which are “faint-hearted” souls.
• Support the “weak,” which are those “without strength.”
• Be patient toward all men.

Remember, the church is the many-membered body of Christ. We all have different gifts and strengths, and we are to utilize them to help each other stay focused on God.

1 Thessalonians 5:15
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Paul’s laying it all out for the Thessalonians, and us today.

Though someone may have wronged us, never return the “favor.” Instead, always do that which is good and righteous in the eyes of the Lord. More importantly, don’t just do that which is good to other Christians, but “To all men.”

Hey, it’s really easy to put on a facade for other Christians, but that’s only walking with a righteous appearance. Just like those in “The synagogues and in the corners of the streets”, (Matthew 6:1-5). If that’s our Christian walk, we’re not really walking with Jesus, but pretending.

Instead, we are to do that which is good to all men, to provide an example of what it means to be a Christian. We are to be that light upon the hilltop shining for all to see. So they will come to the light, as we did before.

Final Instructions and Benediction

1 Thessalonians 5:16
Rejoice evermore.

Rejoice in Christ, rejoice knowing you’re a Christian, and the eternal rewards it brings.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.

We should be consistent in our prayers, never forgetting to stay in communication with our Heavenly Father.

1 Thessalonians 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

No matter if you are rich or poor, you have a reason to be thankful to God. He has provided you with knowledge, perhaps not of this world, but in the world to come which is everlasting. He provided salvation through His only Son, that if we believe in Him, we are saved.

1 Thessalonians 5:19
Quench not the Spirit.

Never allow the Holy Spirit to be extinguished within your heart. Stay rooted in Jesus, so the Holy Spirit continues to dwell within you, so you stay spiritually uplifted in Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:20
Despise not prophesyings.

Paul reminds the Thessalonians to never disregard “prophesying,” which is the preaching of God’s Word, even in the sense of future events. There’s no doubt, there was much concern and desire to obtain some of the spiritual gifts the Disciples possessed.

This is exactly what Paul told the Corinthians.

Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

1 Corinthians 14:1

It was okay to desire spiritual gifts, specifically, those the Disciples had and used. However, our main goal and purpose was to desire the ability to teach and share the Words of our faith.

Why?

“…he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.”

1 Corinthians 14:3

When we share God’s Word with others, it uplifts and comforts them in His Word.

1 Thessalonians 5:21
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

This is such an important verse.

We are to prove everything we are taught, not just listen and absorb. Instead, we are to verify if what we are being taught is in fact Biblically based. So many Christians today fall into this trap, and end up on the wrong path.

Instead, we’re supposed to be like the Bereans,

As “They received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

Acts 17:11

The Bereans didn’t just listen to what Paul said because they respected Him. They opened the pages themselves. They searched from page to page, verse to verse, to ensure Paul’s message was pure.

1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from all appearance of evil.

1 Thessalonians 4:3

These are such fantastic and important reminders.

This verse doesn’t just mean we are to stay away from evil, but anything that resembles it. We should never lie, cheat, or deceive someone, no matter if there is some underlying cause that we may think is just. The reason is very simple, we still broke God’s Law by partaking in evil.

Evil can never be called righteous, (Isa 5:20-21, Mat 6:23, Luk 11:35).

Christians never ever conform to the world, just because the world’s version of morality changed. True Christians should never veer from the path of righteousness.

1 Thessalonians 5:23
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We become sanctified through God’s truth, His “word is truth,” (John 17:17). “Sanctify” simply means, “to make holy” and “purify.” It’s God’s will and desire that we are purified from sin, so we are “preserved blameless” at the appearance of Jesus Christ.

I want to point something else out here…

When Paul said, “I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless,” it’s not possible he meant our literal body could be preserved blameless.

Our body is simply flesh and bone. Are arms cannot be good or evil. It’s our spirit that performs good or evil, our physical body is simply how we interact in this world.

Therefore, Paul’s statement simply means he wanted our entire self, totally and completely, to be presented as pure and blameless to Jesus Christ. This becomes clear by reading the former verses, and what they mean for our walk in this life, and the one to come.

1 Thessalonians 5:24
Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

God is faithful to uphold the promises He made to you. He called you to join His eternal family through Jesus, and we can be certain, He will hold that promise.

1 Thessalonians 5:25
Brethren, pray for us.

Paul asked for prayers often. Preaching the Gospel was extremely dangerous in his time. Not to mention, he like so many prophets before him suffered from “like passions,” (Acts 14:15, James 5:17). Of course, those passions are being susceptible to the temptations of the world.

So never forget to pray for others, they’ll appreciate it, and so will God.

1 Thessalonians 5:26
Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

In the early church, it was common and acceptable for Christians to greet each other with a kiss. Paul also spoke of this in Romans 16:16 and 1 Corinthians 16:20.

1 Thessalonians 5:27-28
27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Paul closes the book by reminding the Thessalonians this letter was to be read to everyone in the church. In fact, in Colossians 4:16, Paul said to read the letter to other churches as well.

Why?

In order to uplift and edify them, so all Christians can be “Filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,” (Colossians 1:9).

Amen.