Living for the Day of the Lord - Week 7
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Children of Light, Stay Awake!
Connecting to one another
What things do you enjoy that remind you of your inner child?
Context of Today’s Passage (First two paragraphs are from Tom Constable’s notes on 1 Thessalonians) --
"The day of the Lord" usually refers in Scripture to a time in history characterized by God's working in the world in direct, dramatic ways. It contrasts with "the day of man," in which affairs appear to be proceeding without divine intervention. The eschatological "day of the Lord," prophesied in the Old Testament, begins with the Tribulation and continues through the Millennium (cf. Isa. 13:9-11; Joel 2:28-32; Zeph. 1:14-18; 3:14-15; et al.). It contains both judgment (in the Tribulation) and blessing (in the Millennium)
The phrase "the day of the Lord" also refers specifically to the Second Coming of Christ (cf. Joel 3:9-16; Zech. 14:1-5; Matt. 24:43-44; Rev. 16:12-16; 19:11-21); it includes that momentous prophetic event, which occurs between the Tribulation and the Millennium. Thus Scripture uses the term in a broad sense (the Tribulation and the Millennium) and a narrow sense (the return of Christ)1
When we think about the Day of the Lord, we should remember that in Jewish tradition, the day begins with sundown (Gen 1:5); it begins with darkness and ends with light. When Jesus experienced the wrath of God upon Him, darkness covered the land, but He rose with the dawn. Likewise, the Day of the Lord begins with the Tribulation, but His children of light shall escape the wrath of His judgment.
Understanding the Truth with one another
Verse by Verse ~ Topic by Topic ~ Argument by Argument
Read 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11.
1. Why does Paul compare Jesus’ coming to a thief in the night? Why does he compare the coming destruction to a woman in labor pains? (v2-4)
2a. Why can each of the reminders below be considered to be an encouragement to this young church and to us today? Briefly discuss them in that light one by one.
· You have no need of anything to written to you for you know full well.... (v1)
· the day of the Lord is coming like a thief in the night (v2)
· ...they will be saying “Peace and safety” (v3)
· Then destruction will come, and they will not escape. (v3)
· You are not in darkness (in ignorance, in wickedness)... (v4)
· You are sons of light and sons of day (v5)
· Having (note verb tense) put on the breastplate of faith and love and as a helmet the hope of salvation (v8)
· For God has not destined us for wrath, but for salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ who died for us. (Consider why we, as those in Christ, can be sure that we will not experience wrath.) (v9-10)
· Whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. (v10)
2b. If I hadn’t framed these reminders as encouragement, you may not have viewed all of them that way. Review the list again. Discuss those that might have been “surprising” encouragements.
2c. Why is it necessary for disciplemakers to, like Paul here, remind their learners of Truth they already know? Consider man’s nature and God’s nature in your answers. Brainstorm as many reasons as you can.
3a. The word “sleep” in verse 6 implies spiritual lethargy; Paul is not using “sleep” in reference to the death of believers as he did in chapter 4. Why would spiritual lethargy be an illogical position for us to abide in according to Paul’s reminders above?
3b. Discuss what it means for us to be “sober.”
Living the Truth as we are sent out
Overarching Question -- How can we live in FAITH, LOVE, and HOPE in light of the PAST and in view of FUTURE?
4. Last week our last verse began with “Therefore, encourage [comfort] one another...,” and this week’s last verse begins the same way “Therefore, encourage one another....” The Greek’s idea of “encourage” is to come very close to a person to cheer and support him or her on a journey.
All of us are on a journey in our relationship with God. We are His children already (5:5); we will always be with Him (4:17); we will live with Him (5:10).
The journey we are going to focus on is “Where are you in your relationship with God?” Right now, you’re going to take ten minutes to reflect on that on your own by writing a prayer to God. Use the questions below to guide you; don’t feel as if you need to answer all of them, but do answer as if God is asking and you are talking to Him as Abba Father. You can answer these in your journal, Bible, or under our “Prayer” section on the last page.
My child, where are you growing in greater and greater trust in Me? Why am I your hope? What do you love about me? (faith, hope, love)
My child, what or who are you fearing right now? Why are you anxious? What are you unwilling to surrender to me? (fear, anxiety, selfishness)
5. Have you ever considered that being reminded of truths you already know is worship? Or that sharing your struggles of fear, anxiety, and selfishness with God is worship? Share with your group how you worshiped and enjoyed your Father right now.
6. Given that Paul was writing about the wrath of God, it’s odd that he did not command the Thessalonians to share their faith with those in darkness. You’ve just enjoyed ten minutes with your Father right now, and He’s with you now and always.
· Discuss with one another how your relationship with the Father could naturally lead others to faith, hope and love in Him.
· What are some practical ways you can lead yourself first in your relationship with God so that you can lead others to Him?
Homework
Next week will be our last week in the book of 1 Thessalonians. After that we will being engaged in hands on lessons on prayer and the gospel. In last week’s lesson I asked if you know how to share the gospel. A good place to start learning is to read Ephesians 2. Read that again and again over the next few weeks. Perhaps even print it out to make notes. We will pick up there soon.
Treasure for the Treasured on March 27th
Use this space to take notes on your responsibilities for loving our city through this event.
Praying Through the Truth for one another
How can we pray for you in light of what you learned in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11?
Pray for those whom you want to enjoy a relationship with the Father as you do (family, friends, our city, the world) in light of the imminent return of Christ.