1 Thessalonians Reading Plan – W3D3

Check out all the previous 1 Thessalonians readings here.

1 Thessalonians Reading | Week 3 | Day 3

Prayer

Take a moment to be silent and still. In order to be fully present in body and mind, take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Do this three times. Pray that God would open your eyes to wonderful things from His word today.

Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11

Read these verses three times slowly.

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Reflection & Questions

Paul wants the Thessalonians (and us) to be ready for Jesus’ return. It shouldn’t “surprise you like a thief,” he says. He told us yesterday it’s not about knowing the dates or times. That’s not for us, or anyone to know. And in fact it doesn’t make a difference. Being ready isn’t about knowing the time of pickup. It’s about knowing the one who’s doing the pickup. Jesus’ return will not be “like a thief” for those who know Him. It will be a welcome surprise! It will be a day of joy!

Paul explains that those who know Jesus show it by being “awake and sober.” He’s being metaphorical here. He’s saying that we’re to be active in following Jesus. We’re to have a realistic and eyes-wide-open view of the destiny of the world and worldly activities. Instead of “sleeping” in the ways of the world, we’re to put on faith, hope and love and persevere, knowing that we are destined to “receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that …we may live together with him.” This is the good news! This world is not the be all and end all. In fact, it’s just barely the beginning. Jesus is coming back for His own. And whether they’ve already died, or are still alive, there will be a grand forever reunion for all His followers when He returns!

1. Will Jesus’ return be a welcomed surprise for you? Why or why not?
2. Are you living in an “awake and sober” way? How do you know?

Prayer

Talk to God in response to today’s reading.

Worship Song

You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:

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Questions?