The Return of Christ - Staying Sober Minded

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1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 KJV 1900

1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 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. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 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. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Introduction

Preparation for Christ’s Return

For over 2000 years Christians have been preparing for and looking to the return of Christ. In Acts chapter 1 we find the record of Jesus’ ascension to heaven after his resurrection. The Bible promises that he would return:

Acts 1:9–11 KJV 1900

9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

There has been much debate through the centuries on when exactly this event would take place. Some have famously predicted the precise date only to be proven incorrect. Still others have scoffed at the idea that Christ will return and see the whole idea as nonsense and relegated to a few who still believe the Bible to be relevant.

Throughout history as man has dealt with a variety challenging circumstances which many times seem to excite the reality of God’s Judgement. It’s not surprising that the current disruption of our normal course of life causes us to ponder more significant things. Perhaps this describes what you are experiencing today as we face what lies before us.

Paul’s Separation and Sentiment to those at Thessalonica

As the Apostle Paul was ministering in the first century he found himself isolated from a group of people he had led to Christ. These people were facing extreme challenges and much uncertainty and it is with these truths in mind that Paul is writing his letter to them.

His recounting of their salvation....

1 Thessalonians 2:13–16 KJV 1900

13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: 15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: 16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

His recounting of his separation from them...

1 Thessalonians 2:17 KJV 1900

But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

He recounts their suffering and reveals his purpose for writing to them...

1 Thessalonians 3:1–5 KJV 1900

1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; 2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: 3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. 4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. 5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

Why did he write to them and send Timothy to them?

A. He wrote to Establish - “to establish you” - “that no man should be moved by these afflictions”

It means to be fixed and unmoveable like a large rock or a foundation that goes to bedrock

B. He wrote to Exhort - “comfort you concerning your faith” -

It does not have the normal meaning of comforting like we would think of - comforting a hurting child

It means “to speak to” or “communicate about” or “exhort” or “call together”

Paul directly addresses the tribulation period and the return of Christ

The Thessalonian believers were shaken by a popular idea that the rapture had already happened and Christ had already returned. This was Paul’s concern for them as he wrote. He set the record straight and gave instruction for the hour.

This instruction still rings true for us today...

How the event will affect the unbelieving world

A. The Sudden Nature of the Event -

1 Thessalonians 5:1–2 KJV 1900

1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

The “day of the Lord” refers to the period of judgment that many believe will commence at the rapture of the church and ultimately end with the destruction of this world

2 Peter 3:10 KJV 1900

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Paul reminded them that the day of the Lord would not be something that would be observed by the unbelieving world “ye yourselves know perfectly...”

This is echoed by Peter...

2 Peter 3:3–7 KJV 1900

3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

B. The Slumbering condition of the lost-

1 Thessalonians 5:3–6 KJV 1900

3 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. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

“let us not sleep, as do others”

In a general sense the world around us is not focused on God, they are focused on peace, which is an indication of their lost condition!

How the event should affect the Christian

A. The Sober minded exhortation

1 Thessalonians 5:6 KJV 1900

6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 KJV 1900

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.

“…be sober”

We are to remain serious minded about our purpose in this world

Our life is a life of Faith in God, Christlike love for others and Hope in the Salvation provided for us by Christ’s sacrifice

We are not to become to settled in this world, it is not our home, just a temporary dwelling place

Conclusion

Is Christ returning soon?