We Belong to the Day

Introduction

A. Last week we looked at 4:13-18 and saw that those who die before us are not at a disadvantage when Christ returns. In fact, they will be the first to meet Christ in the air. Death does not have the final word. Death does not void our salvation. Death does not mean that we are forever separated from Christ. We will see our loved ones again and there will be a great reunion with Christ. But there is another side to that question. What about those who are still living when Christ returns? These early Christians in Thessalonica were concerned about the time of Christ’s return. Timothy has just returned from a visit with them and this is a specific question which they want answered. When is Jesus going to return? What should we be looking for? Paul in 5:1-11 answers their question, but does so with an answer which focuses on who they are in this world. As “sons of the light” they are to remain alert and not focus on when Jesus will return but focus rather on living self-controlled and righteous lives. As he did in 4:18, so he does in 5:11, Paul says these words are to be encouragement to us. Let’s be encouraged in our walk with the Lord today.

Fear of Judgment

A. Notice the terseness in Paul’s writing as he begins this section. What are the times and dates of Christ’s return? Paul says, “I don’t need to write about this. I’ve already explained it to you. Jesus will return as a thief. He will come back just as quickly as a woman goes into labor.” Paul has already explained something about Christ’s return. This was probably part of his message when he stayed with them. The return of Christ was a way for Paul to encourage them in their walk with the Lord. Paul doesn’t seem angry with them but like with a parent who has already explained something to a child having to repeat himself is a bit aggravating. No one can know the times or dates for Christ’s return. He will come quickly, like labor, and he will come unexpectedly like a thief. While those who are not Christian believe that things are going well, Christ’s return will happen and none will escape his judgment.

B. Jesus himself has said in Mark 13:32 that even he did not know when his return would take place. He said in Matthew 24:44 that he would come at a time when he is not expected. And in Acts 1:7, he bluntly tells the apostles that they are not supposed to know the times or dates which God has determined. No one knows. We are supposed to know. What we can know is that he will suddenly and certainly come again. Perhaps the Thessalonians are thinking that if they can know when Christ returns they can be better prepared for him. Perhaps they think that knowing when he will return will give them ample to time to be ready for him. Notice how Paul answers the question in 4-8.

C. He begins with “but you, brothers…” Paul emphasizes that they are not to be surprised by Christ’s return. Why? Because they are sons of the light. This phrase does not mean that women are excluded. It is a generic way of saying children. The image is of those who belong to God as Father. We are children of the light. Children of the light are contrasted with those who are belong to the night or darkness. Those who belong to the darkness sleep so that the thief surprises them. They get drunk so that their senses are dulled and they are not alert. Is Paul saying that Christians never sleep? No. His point is that those who do not belong to God seek to satisfy themselves. Christians then are to live self-controlled lives.

D. These self-controlled lives will be seen through faith, hope, and love. This is a repetition of what was said in 1:3. We are more familiar with the soldier image in Ephesians 6, but in this image the breastplate is faith and love with the helmet being hope of salvation. The point is really very easy to understand. Christians wait for Christ’s return. We know he will return. While we wait, we demonstrate faith in God, love toward others, and expectant hope for the salvation which Christ will bring. Many wonder about the time of Christ’s return. Many want to take Matthew 24 or Mark 13 and try to piece together a jigsaw puzzle of clues designed to give us all insight into the signs of Christ’s return. We want to know when he will return so we can be better prepared. Very little is said about Christ’s return other than he will return. Very little is said about life after death. Why? Paul answers us in this text. Our focus is not to be on when Christ will return. Instead our focus is to be on this life learning how to be self-controlled and alert for his return.

E. We should not be surprised when Christ returns. His return should not make us fear. The best way to be prepared for Christ’s return is to live your life now in faith, hope, love, and self-control. Live life as one who in light and when Christ returns there will be no fear. Live now ever watching the sky and when Christ returns we will not be surprised. Do not sleep. Do not dull your senses. We might say it this way—don’t let this world capture your attention and divert your eyes from the sky. Remain ever vigilant and be prepared for Christ’s return. Don’t let your eyes drop below the horizon. Then times and dates do not matter.

The Basis of Hope

A. Why are we not to be afraid of Christ’s return? How is it that we can wear the helmet of hope? For some the return of Christ means judgment, but not for the Christian. Notice in verse 9, God does not intend his children to suffer wrath. When Christ returns (v. 3) those who are not Christian will not escape his return. Verse 9 tells us that wrath is a part of Christ’s return. For those who are in Christ; for those who are children of the light, Christ’s return means salvation not wrath. We have nothing to fear when Christ returns because it is God’s intent that those who belong to him will experience the fullness of salvation. But that isn’t the only reason that we can be alert and expectantly waiting for Christ’s return.

B. Second, verse 10 whether we are awake or asleep we may live with Christ. This verse connects back to 4:14 when Paul writes about those who have already died. Whether we are alive or dead when Christ returns will not matter. Christ died for us so that we may live together with him. He died that we might live. His death and our life are linked. Our life is entirely due to his death. The fact that we can live with him is directly connected to his death. Whether we are living or dead when Christ returns doesn’t matter. God intends for his people to be saved and Christ’s death is proof not only of God’s intent but of our living together with him forever.

C. The Thessalonians seem to need some reassurance about Christ’s return. Paul wants to give it to them. The time of Christ’s return doesn’t matter. What matters is being ready for his return. What matters is living a self-controlled life which demonstrates that we are children of the light. What matters is that our hope is based not on what we do but what God intends and what Jesus has already accomplished in his death. He died so that we might live. For some, Christ’s return will be frightening. His return will mean that God’s wrath and punishment will be poured out. Only those who are anticipating his return and who are looking forward to his return can with great hope know that his return will be a time of celebration and thanksgiving. If Jesus were to come back today, would you nothing doubting live with him forever? If there is a doubt, don’t let this day go by. If you are certain then keep your eyes to the sky and live as a child of the light. Be alert. Do not let his return catch you by surprise. Invitation.

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