Christians are to be wide awake so as to be ready for the critical moment of God which may come at any time and is, in fact, always now.
We should be continually ready, and this is appropriate to our lives as people who already belong to God's day.
Living in a State of Readiness
On the alert
RAF Leuchars - Instant Response Aircraft
But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. (1 Thessalonians 5:4, NIV)
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. (1 Thessalonians 5:6, NIV)
Constant vigilance
How can we be always on our guard, Always watchful?
Only through Christ
He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. (1 Thessalonians 5:10, NIV)
Even in sleep we are waiting, and whether sleeping or waking we are God's
Living as God's Children
Following Jesus
Living lives pleasing to God
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV)
Prepared for Spiritual Conflict
But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. (1 Thessalonians 5:8, NIV)
We can choose to be in the light, putting on hope and love and encouraging others. Those who choose to walk in the light do not need to fear the darkness.
Ready for Eternity
For God [appointed] us … to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, NIV)
