Motivated by the Master; Living Ready for His Return

Introduction

Last Sunday we looked at the hope of the Rapture and the comfort that it brings to the life of a Christian. This morning we look at the choice that the rapture puts before each person; to believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross for the sins of mankind that we might be saved from destruction and given the righteousness of God through his grace and mercy that we might live forever in heaven with him.

Let us examine the further truths that Paul teaches the church of Thessalonica in chapter 5.

Sudden Destruction Cometh

1 Thessalonians 5:1–3 “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.”

The Time of the Rapture is Unknown

1 Thessalonians 5:2 “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.”

The Unbeliever is Convinced of Peace

1 Thessalonians 5:3 “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child...

The Destruction of Unbelievers is Certain

1 Thessalonians 5:3...and they shall not escape.”

Watch and Be Sober

1 Thessalonians 5:4–6 “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.”

Believers should be Expectant of the Rapture

1 Thessalonians 5:4 “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.”

Believers should be Examples of the Light

1 Thessalonians 5:5–7 “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.”

Live in Faith

1 Thessalonians 5:8 “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.”

Controlled by the Spirit

Sober - Self-Control - putting the things of the Spirit over our own desires and passions.

Compelled by Love

Putting on the breastplate of faith and love

Covered by God

Putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet

Consumed by Hope

...the hope of salvation.

Conclusion

1 Thessalonians 5:9–11 “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”

The Rapture puts before each person a choice.

Christians will not suffer the wrath that shall be poured out on the “Day of the Lord” described in our passage. They have been filled with the Spirit of God, blessed with God’s love and protection, and offered His hope of salvation from not only the Day of the Lord we call the tribulation, but also from eternal condemnation.

Those who do not believe in Christ as the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Savior of the world they will not only be condemned to suffer throughout the tribulation, but also to be eternally condemned in Hell. Let those that have trusted in Christ be comforted by these truths and may those that have yet to believe take note of their condemnation and need for reconciliation with God through HIM.

It leaves unbelievers with a choice of yielding to the Savior and obtain salvation through him or to deny the Savior and suffer condemnation in this life and in the life to come.