Like a Thief in The Night: 1 Thessalonians 5

Read 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5

Introduction: The fifth chapter of 1 Thessalonians tells us to be watching and ready for Jesus’ return. It encourages believers to stay vigilant, walk in the light, and be a source of strength and comfort to each other. The Apostle Paul ends the book with practical instructions for Christian living, pointing out the need for continuous joy, prayer, and gratitude. As we move closer to the end of all we know in this world (the day of the Lord, the apocalypse, the rapture), we as believers should keep our eyes heavenward, Jesus said he would come as a “thief in the night”.

I. The Day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)
In the first eleven verses, Paul speaks of how unpredictable the coming the Day of the Lord will be, likening it to a thief coming in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2). He encourages believers to be awake and ready for the coming of the Lord Jesus. He uses the example of night and day to distinguish between those in darkness and those in light (those who are ready) (1 Thessalonians 5:4-5). The exhortation to wear faith and love as a breastplate and the hope of salvation as a helmet (1 Thessalonians 5:8) refers to the armor of God found in Ephesians 6:14-17. Romans 13:12 also mentions this topic, urging believers to cast off the works of darkness, for the days before his return is getting shorter. The promise that God has foreordained us for salvation rather than His wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9) is also mentioned by 1 Peter 2:9, which speaks of God’s people as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood and a holy nation called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light.

II. Christian Conduct towards Others (1 Thessalonians 5:12-15)
Here in these verses, Paul tells them to respect and honor (esteem highly) those who labor among the believers and lead them spiritually (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). This can also be read in Hebrews 13:17, which tells church members to obey their leaders. The call to be patient with all people  (1 Thessalonians 5:14) brings to mind the love described as long suffering and kind in 1 Corinthians 13:4. The command to always pursue what is good for each other and all people (1 Thessalonians 5:15) reminds us of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:12 to do to others what we would have them do to us, byw, this would cure all the ills of the world even in year 2024.

III. Personal Spiritual Responsibilities (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22)
In these verses, Paul lists several personal spiritual responsibilities, beginning with the call to rejoice always (1 Thessalonians 5:16), as seen in Philippians 4:4. Praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) is comparable to Jesus’ encouragement in Luke 18:1 to pray at all times. The command to give thanks in every circumstance (1 Thessalonians 5:18) brings to mind Ephesians 5:20, which instructs believers to give thanks for everything. Paul tells them, don’t quench the Holy Spirit (our spiritual guide through life) (1 Thessalonians 5:19) and to test prophecies (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21) can be related to Ephesians 4:30 and 1 John 4:1, which emphasize being led by the Spirit and trying the spirits.

IV. Final Instructions and Blessings (1 Thessalonians 5:23-28)
As Paul ends the letter, he prays for the Thessalonians’ sanctification (1 Thessalonians 5:23), somewhat like Jesus’ prayer for His disciples in John 17:17. The call for the letter to be read to all the brethren (1 Thessalonians 5:27)  is mentioned in many of Paul’s letters, like Colossians 4:16, which  instructs the sharing of a letter with the church. The closing grace (1 Thessalonians 5:28) is Paul’s common closing, as seen in 2 Corinthians 13:14.

Conclusion: 1 Thessalonians 5 is a guide for Christians anticipating the return of Christ. It calls for vigilance, spiritual readiness, and communal support. Paul’s message includes respect for leaders, patience, and the pursuit of good, alongside personal responsibilities of joy, prayer, and gratitude. His closing words encourage sanctification and grace, urging believers to remain steadfast in faith.  As we read through this chapter, we as believers should be inspired to apply these principles in our lives, and be ready and watching, anticipating our Lord’s coming.