1 Thessalonians 5:1-28
1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
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.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
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.
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11 Wherefore comforta yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
14 Now we exhortb you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
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.
16 Rejoice evermore.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19 Quench not the Spirit.
20 Despise not prophesyings.
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
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.
24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
25 Brethren, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
27 I chargec 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. [The first epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens.]
Contents: The model walk for the believer. The day of Jehovah. Exhortations to believers.
Characters: Christ, Holy Spirit, Paul.
Conclusion: Let Christians live like men who are awake, living in constant expectation of Christ's return, and having all natural desires under Christ's control. Christ's coming will be sudden, overtaking many who are in the midst of their carnal security. and jollity, and bringing them destruction from which there will be no escape.
Key Word: Times and seasons, 1 Thessalonians 5:1.
Strong Verses: 1 Thessalonians 5:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-21.
Striking Facts: 1 Thessalonians 5:2. As the thief usually comes in the dead of the night, so the coming of Christ will surprise the ungodly. It is the happy condition, however, of those who believe God's Word, that they live in momentary expectation of His return, and whether times be troublesome or peaceful, they cannot be surprised if He should come.