Pastor Craig Diestelkamp (or right click here to save to your computer)
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
When we come to these last two chapters of 1 Thessalonians, Paul focuses on two major events; The Rapture of the Church and the Day of the Lord. Having spoken about the Rapture in chapter 4, he begins to address the subject of “The Day of the Lord” which is the event of Christ’s coming the earth to judge the world. The purpose in writing about these dramatic events is to comfort the Thessalonians and give them security as to their eternal destiny. He addresses the security of the believer’s future through a series of contrasts. All of these contrasts serve to show the complete and total distinction that exists between believers and unbelievers and the implications it brings to bear upon our lives.
1. The contrast of knowledge and ignorance
1 Thessalonians 5:1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.
2. The contrast of expectancy and surprise
1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.
3. The contrast of nature
1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.
4. The contrast of behavior
1 Thessalonians 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.
