1 Thessalonians 5:4-28

THE LORD'S PRESENCE THOSE DROWSING

THOSE DROWSING

4 The day of the Lord with its terrors and destruction is not for us. The cry of "peace and security" should not lull us to sleep. We should be on the alert, knowing the futility of all security and peace apart from Christ. And, though aware of the whirlpool into which this world is sweeping, we have no fear, for it will not engulf us. But, suppose that we, too, relax our vigilance and take a nap along with the rest. Will we be left for judgment? At His coming to set up the kingdom it is vital that they watch or they will lose their reward (Mat_24:42; Mat_25:13; Mar_13:34; Luk_12:37; Rev_3:3; Rev_16:15). Not so here. Those who received Paul's gospel of faith apart from deeds, find their salvation a matter of pure unadulterated grace. This is true of the future as well as the past. The death of Christ, not our conduct, our watchfulness or the lack of it, is the foundation on which our future salvation rests just as really as the salvation which we already enjoy. This confidence will not lead to laxness.

8 The believer's armor is defensive. His only weapon is the spirit's sword, the word of God. Not, indeed, every statement in the Scriptures, for some of it is an inspired record of human philosophy and the very lies of the adversary are contained in its pages, but every actual declaration which has proceeded forth from God through His accredited prophets and apostles. These are powerful and effective. No other weapon should be used. For defense we rely on faith and love for the present and on the blessed expectation of our gathering together unto Him for the future. This is figured by the helmet. No judgment from above can harm us. When heaven's judgments fall we will be safe above them in His presence.

ASKING AND ENTREATING

12 Love and patience should characterize all our intercourse with fellow saints. Love will lead us to acknowledge those who are over us and to bear with those below. It will rule out all retaliation.

16 Constant joy, constant prayer, constant thanksgiving is the normal privilege of all saints.

20 These exhortations are made in view of the changing character of Paul's ministries. They became more spiritual as time advanced. The gift of prophecy was especially adapted to meet the need of the saints until God's complete revelation should be given (1Co_12:10; 1Co_13:8). Yet they were to be tested and only those in line with the ideal toward which God was working were to be permanent.

23 The lame man who sat at the Beautiful gate of the temple (Act_3:2-16) had unimpaired health and strength after he was healed. The same word is used here but is extended to the soul and spirit as well. This, and far more, will be our lot in His presence even should any part be lame or deficient now!