1 Thessalonians 5:8

“But let us, since we are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for. helmet, the hope of salvation”

“But”: In contrast to the indifference and immorality found among the unbelieving. “Let us”: We can do this. This is. matter of complete freewill. “Since we are of the day”: Hence. certain lifestyle is demanded. “Be sober”: Vigilant and not apathetic, self-controlled and not involved in immorality. No room here for spiritual "fuzziness" (Hebrews 5:14) The Christian must always have their "wits" about them. In. sense they are always on "sentry duty". “Putting on”: Watchfulness means that one makes good use of the weaponry that God has provided. God often has Paul use. military or soldier illustration in reference to the Christian life (Ephesians 6:13 ff; Romans 13:12; 2 Corinthians 6:7; 2 Corinthians 10:4; 2 Timothy 2:3).

“The breastplate of faith and love”: Compare with Ephesians 6:14. The Breastplate for the ancient soldier protected the vital organs.. direct hit in this section usually was fatal, if one was unprotected. In like manner, faith and love are necessary to protect the most vital aspect of the Christian, that being his or her mind and heart (Proverbs 4:23; Mark 7:20; Hebrews 3:12). Note how "active" faith and love is viewed as defensive armor. Faith is essential, because defeat for the Christian is certain, if one loses their conviction that God is good and that God can be trusted. Love is essential, because without love, even our best efforts will be nothing more than selfish attempts as self glory and manipulation (1 Corinthians 13:1). “And for. helmet, the hope of salvation”: “Paul may intend us top infer than nothing in the Christian's equipment surpasses faith, love, and hope” (Morris p. 159). Hope is so important because it enables us to see past the current, seemingly enticing pleasures of the world. Hope helps us look beyond this existence (Romans 8:18). Hope enables us to put long term gain ahead of short term pleasures (Hebrews 11:25). This verse should also remind the Christian that God has given us everything we need to end up saved, His word (Romans 1:16); the sacrifice of His Son (John 3:16); clear conditions of salvation (Mark 16:16); access to forgiveness, even after we become Christians (1 John 1:8); encouragement from other Christians (Hebrews 10:24); and His monitoring of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).