The Hope that Anchors: Standing Firm in Faith

1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 CEB

1 We don’t need to write to you about the timing and dates, brothers and sisters. 2 You know very well that the day of the Lord is going to come like a thief in the night. 3 When they are saying, “There is peace and security,” at that time sudden destruction will attack them, like labor pains start with a pregnant woman, and they definitely won’t escape. 4 But you aren’t in darkness, brothers and sisters, so the day won’t catch you by surprise like a thief. 5 All of you are children of light and children of the day. We don’t belong to night or darkness. 6 So then, let’s not sleep like the others, but let’s stay awake and stay sober. 7 People who sleep sleep at night, and people who get drunk get drunk at night. 8 Since we belong to the day, let’s stay sober, wearing faithfulness and love as a piece of armor that protects our body and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 God didn’t intend for us to suffer his wrath but rather to possess salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 Jesus died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with him. 11 So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already.

The Hope that Anchors: Standing Firm in Faith

Imagine a small town where the local weatherman was famous for his eternal optimism. No matter how gloomy the forecast, he could find a positive spin. Picture this: the town was gearing up for a massive storm. Rain was pouring, and the wind was howling. But there was the optimistic weather guy on TV, grinning from ear to ear.

In his forecast, he cheerfully announced, "Hey, folks! Today, we're dealing with a bit of liquid sunshine inconvenience. But fear not! Tomorrow, the sun will be back, and we'll have a chance to test how waterproof our umbrellas really are!"

Now, the townsfolk found this amusing until they realized the floodwaters were creeping up, putting their homes at risk. They rushed to the weatherman, pleading for a more serious prediction. Still beaming, the optimist said, "Friends, this is just a temporary hiccup. Sure, our homes might get a spontaneous exterior cleaning, but just think of the water bill savings! Plus, every flood eventually goes away. Tomorrow is a new day, and I'm confident the sun will shine even brighter!"

As comical as this story is, it drives home a simple truth: keeping a positive outlook, even in tough times, can bring a ray of hope. In our own lives, we face storms—both literal and metaphorical. But just like the perky weatherman, we can choose to see beyond the immediate challenges and hold on to the hope that a brighter tomorrow awaits.

This passage from Paul’s letter is a message of hope. We need hope in our lives. People without hope very often struggle with feelings of depression. I know in the past that I’ve used the picture of the glass and ask people if it is half-full or half-empty. I am seeing frequently that some people don’t even see a glass.

In reality that glass is neither half-empty or half-full. If it is partially filled with liquid, the the rest of the space is filled with air. So in reality the glass is full. It’s just that we cannot see the air. Just like in our lives. When we are looking at life like it is half-full we are not seeing the bigger picture.

Paul comes along and he writes in verse 11 of our text 1 Thess 5:11

1 Thessalonians 5:11 CEB

11 So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already.

He could have stopped the sentence after that word “up.” No comma, none of those last 6 words. But, he included “just like you are doing already.”

I like to read between the lines to figure out what they author was suggesting. When people are going through a rough time they often don’t realize the strengths that they have. In my role as a therapist we talk about patient centered care, that is, meeting the person where they are at. We look for the strengths that the person might have which will help them during their journey to sobriety or wholeness.

Paul could have stopped there after that word “up,” and that sentence would have been a command. But, he doesn’t do that. He is meeting them where they are at and reminding them that they are already encouraging each other and building each other up. In other words, Paul is building on the hope that they already have.

When you look at the times we live in, what do you see? Are you seeing only the problems and struggles, or, are you seeing the hope that is ours through Christ Jesus?

I want to challenge you with three points to offer you the Hope that Anchors so that you can stand firm in your faith even when life seems to be falling down all around you.

Paul starts this chapter with that well known picture of a thief in the night. The first movie that I remember that addresses this passage had the same title, Thief in the Night. We had a community youth event at the Methodist church in town. Whoever planned it wanted this movie shown. Somehow I ended up as the projectionist. Looking back that movie was geared to scaring us teenagers into heaven. I must have gotten saved a half-dozen times during the showing of that movie.

The thought of the evil and trouble in the world can created anxiety. That is what Paul is addressing. In the prior chapter he addressed what happens with those Christians who have already died. Now he is addressing those who currently are living. He says

1 Thessalonians 5:4–5 CEB

4 But you aren’t in darkness, brothers and sisters, so the day won’t catch you by surprise like a thief. 5 All of you are children of light and children of the day. We don’t belong to night or darkness.

The Unshakable Foundation

Let's talk about the assurance we get as believers, described by the Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5. He paints a picture of us being like children of the light, not stumbling in the darkness but living in the surety of God's love. This assurance isn't something that depends on our circumstances; it's anchored in who God is—a strong foundation that can withstand life's storms.

Now, when we think about faith as a foundation, it's not just a passive belief. It's an active force shaping the ground on which we build our lives. Picture it like constructing a house on solid bedrock instead of shaky ground. A strong foundation in God gives us stability and confidence, helping us stand firm when life gets tough.

Jesus had something to say about our foundation. He used a word picture to describe it in Matthew 7:24-27

Matthew 7:24–27 CEB

24 “Everybody who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise builder who built a house on bedrock. 25 The rain fell, the floods came, and the wind blew and beat against that house. It didn’t fall because it was firmly set on bedrock. 26 But everybody who hears these words of mine and doesn’t put them into practice will be like a fool who built a house on sand. 27 The rain fell, the floods came, and the wind blew and beat against that house. It fell and was completely destroyed.”

Imagine a seasoned sailor out on the open sea. The ship represents our faith, and life's journey is the vast ocean. Guided by the North Star on a dark night, the sailor navigates with confidence. The North Star is a constant reference point, a reliable guide in the vast unknown. Similarly, our faith acts as our guiding star, offering assurance as we navigate life's unpredictable waters. In times of uncertainty, our faith becomes an anchor, keeping us steady and on course despite the storms around us.

I explored that word anchor and came across several descriptions of the purpose of anchor. Of the many that stood out to me, these two were the ones that I think best describes the anchor of our faith.

Stability and Positioning: The primary function of an anchor is to hold a vessel in a specific location, preventing it from being carried away by currents, wind, or tides. This stability is vital when a boat needs to remain stationary for activities such as fishing, swimming, or conducting operations.

Safety: Anchors play a critical role in the safety of vessels. In adverse weather conditions, when wind and waves can pose a threat, dropping anchor provides stability and helps prevent the boat from being pushed onto rocks, shores, or other hazards.

This unshakeable foundation of faith doesn't mean we won't face challenges. Instead, it empowers us to tackle them with courage and resilience, grounded in God's promises. Faith assures us that even in the toughest moments, God's love will shine through, lighting our path and leading us to safety. It gives us confidence that goes beyond our circumstances because our trust isn't in our own strength but in the unwavering faithfulness of God. As children of the light, our foundation in faith becomes a testimony—a bright light that reflects the confidence we have in our unchanging Heavenly Father.

Paul addresses the second point I’d like to highlight when he wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:8

1 Thessalonians 5:8 CEB

8 Since we belong to the day, let’s stay sober, wearing faithfulness and love as a piece of armor that protects our body and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

Clothed in Faith and Love

The concept of being "clothed in faith and love," as articulated by the Apostle Paul in this verse draws a vivid image of spiritual clothing that believers are encouraged to wear. Imagine garments that transcend the physical and become a source of strength and resilience in the face of life's challenges. Just as we put on clothing to shield ourselves from the elements, being clothed in faith and love serves as a protective layer that fortifies our inner selves.

Faith, depicted here as a spiritual garment, is not a flimsy covering but a robust and durable cloak that we wrap around ourselves. It's a trust and confidence in God's promises, a conviction that goes beyond what our physical senses perceive. This faith-cloak becomes our shield in times of uncertainty, deflecting the arrows of doubt and fear. It's not the absence of questions or struggles but the active choice to trust in the goodness and sovereignty of God, providing a secure foundation upon which we can stand unshaken.

Paul expanded on what it means to be clothed by God when he wrote about the armor of God in Ephesians 6:14–17 “14 So stand with the belt of truth around your waist, justice as your breastplate, 15 and put shoes on your feet so that you are ready to spread the good news of peace. 16 Above all, carry the shield of faith so that you can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word.”

In this passage, Paul lists the individual pieces of armor and their use in the battle against evil. The armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. The Armor of God is a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that we have access to divine protection and guidance.

Love, the second spiritual garment in this imagery, is not a mere accessory but an essential part of our wardrobe. Envision it as a warm and comforting embrace that we carry with us wherever we go. Love, in the biblical sense, is not just an emotion but a selfless, sacrificial commitment to the well-being of others. Being clothed in love empowers us to navigate through challenges with a compassionate heart, extending grace to ourselves and those around us. It's a powerful force that binds believers together in unity, fostering resilience and mutual support in the face of adversity.

The Strength of Spiritual Garments

Now, let's explore how these spiritual garments contribute to our ability to stand firm in the face of challenges. Picture a person facing a fierce storm. The winds howl, and the rain pours relentlessly. Yet, this individual is not defenseless; they are clothed in a sturdy coat of faith. In the midst of life's tempests, faith becomes a shelter, a refuge that anchors us to unyielding truths. It allows us to stand firm when circumstances threaten to sweep us away.

Wearing love is akin to donning a sturdy fabric that protects us from the corrosive effects of bitterness and resentment. When we face conflict or hardship, love becomes our armor, shielding our relationships and enabling us to respond with compassion. It’s a transformative garment that empowers us to face challenges with the enduring strength of love—a force that can weather even the most formidable storms.

Did you catch what I said there? Love is a transformative garment.

When we say that something is "transformative," we mean that it has the power to bring about significant and positive change or transformation. A transformative experience, idea, process, or entity has the capacity to profoundly alter a person, situation, or context, often leading to improvement, growth, or a higher level of understanding. The term "transformative" implies a substantial and beneficial shift from one state to another, resulting in a notable and positive impact.

That is the goal of God, to transform us from what we were into the likeness of Jesus.

Consider the parallel concept found in Colossians 3:12–14 “12 Therefore, as God’s choice, holy and loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against anyone, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other. 14 And over all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” ,

This passage emphasizes the wardrobe of virtues that believers are encouraged to put on. Just as clothing serves both a practical and aesthetic purpose, these spiritual garments contribute to the practical aspects of living a life aligned with the teachings of Christ. They enable believers to withstand the storms of life with grace, compassion, and unity, standing firm in the face of challenges.

The Enduring Strength of Faith and Love Garments

This metaphor of being clothed in faith and love offers a profound perspective on the inner strength that believers can possess. These spiritual garments are not superficial coverings but sources of strength, shaping our responses to the trials and tribulations of life. Faith becomes our shield, providing a foundation of trust in God's goodness, while love serves as an armor, fostering resilience and compassion in the face of adversity. As we navigate the unpredictable terrain of life, may we intentionally choose to put on these garments daily, standing firm with unwavering strength and grace.

Paul addresses the third point I’d like to highlight when he wrote in 1 Thess 5:9-10

1 Thessalonians 5:9–10 CEB

9 God didn’t intend for us to suffer his wrath but rather to possess salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 Jesus died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with him.

Standing Firm in the Hope of Salvation

Let's delve into the third point, exploring the profound theme of standing firm in the hope of salvation. This passage illuminates the radiant hope embedded in the promise of salvation, a promise that extends beyond current challenges and echoes through eternity. The hope of salvation is not a distant, abstract concept; rather, it is an anchor, firmly grounded in the assurance of God's deliverance from the tumultuous waves of His righteous wrath.

The promise of salvation is a beacon of hope, a guiding light that pierces through the darkness of life's trials. It is an assurance that, no matter how fierce the storms may rage, believers have a lifeline—anchored in the unchanging love and grace of God. Salvation is not merely a future destination but a present reality that shapes the way we navigate the turbulent seas of earthly existence. It assures us that, in Christ, we find deliverance from the consequences of sin and a secure refuge in the arms of a loving and redeeming God.

Hope: The Anchor in the Storms of Life

In times of difficulty and uncertainty, hope plays a crucial role in anchoring believers. Picture a ship tossed by tempestuous waves, its anchor plunging deep into the seabed to provide stability. Similarly, the hope of salvation serves as the anchor for the believer's soul, grounding them in the promises of God even when the circumstances of life seem tumultuous. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation—a belief that God's redemptive plan is steadfast and unwavering.

Consider Romans 5:5

Romans 5:5 CEB

5 This hope doesn’t put us to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

It beautifully complements the concept of hope in salvation. This verse emphasizes that the hope we have in God's salvation is not in vain; it is rooted in the overflowing love of God. It is a hope that stands unashamed, secure in the knowledge that God's love, poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, is the foundation of our hope.

Hope Beyond Circumstances: Sustaining Believers in Every Season

The hope of salvation is not contingent on favorable circumstances but remains constant in the face of adversity. It's a steadfast anchor that holds firm when the winds of challenges blow fiercely. In times of personal trials, societal unrest, or global crises, this hope stands as an unwavering assurance. It's the assurance that, despite the storms, we are eternally secure in the hands of a loving Savior who has conquered sin and death.

Look at Hebrews 6:19-20

Hebrews 6:19–20 (CEB)

19 This hope, which is a safe and secure anchor for our whole being, enters the sanctuary behind the curtain.

20 That’s where Jesus went in advance and entered for us...

This verse vividly portrays hope as an anchor for the soul, emphasizing its firm and secure nature. The imagery of the anchor entering the inner sanctuary signifies the intimacy of our hope, directly connected to the redemptive work of Jesus. It's a hope that transcends the visible and temporal, anchoring us in the unshakable promises of God.

Standing firm in the hope of salvation is a transformative stance for believers. There is that word again. Salvation is transformative. It is not a passive optimism but an active reliance on the promises of God, grounded in the finished work of Jesus Christ. This hope serves as a beacon in the storms of life, guiding us through turbulent seas with the assurance of salvation and the unfailing love of our Creator. As we stand firm in this hope, we navigate life's challenges with resilience, knowing that our anchor holds within the veil, where Christ, our forerunner, has gone before us.

As we come to a close let me distill the essence of this transformative message. We've explored the imagery of being clothed in faith and love, understanding them not as mere adornments but as robust garments that shield and empower us in life's journey. Faith, a durable cloak, becomes our shield in times of uncertainty, while love, an essential part of our spiritual wardrobe, binds believers together, fostering resilience and mutual support. We've anchored ourselves in the unshakable foundation of trust, building our lives on the enduring promises of God, and we've stood firm in the hope of salvation, a beacon that pierces through the storms of life, guiding us to safety.

As we embrace "The Hope that Anchors," let us challenge one another to stand firm in faith. In the face of challenges, let our faith be a sturdy coat that shelters us, and may our love for one another serve as a resilient fabric, preserving relationships and fostering unity. Let this hope be our anchor in the turbulent seas of life, holding us firm and secure in the promises of our unchanging God. Together, as a community of believers, let us encourage and uplift one another, recognizing that our collective strength lies in our shared hope, faith, and love.