Key Word: Faithfulness
Be Watchful, 1 Thessalonians 5 :1-11
A. Contrast of Light and Darkness
- Unbelievers are in the dark a. their understanding is darkened, Ephesians 4:18; 5:8. b. they love darkness, John 3:19-21; Ephesians 5:11. c. they are controlled by darkness, Ephesians 6:12. d. they are headed to eternal darkness, Matthew 8:12.
- Believers are children of the Light, John 8:12. We should live in the light and be ready for Christ’s return.
B. Contrast of Knowledge and Ignorance–>Isaiah 8:20
- The world is ignorant of Christ’s coming. They say, “Where is the promise of His coming?” 2 Peter 3:1-18.
- The Christian reads the Bible and knows and sees God working.
C. Contrast of Expectancy and Surprise
- The unbeliever will be surprised by Christ’s Rapture of the Church as a thief in the night.
- The Christian expects the Lord’s rapture anytime.
D. Contrast of Soberness and Drunkenness
- The world is drunk with self absorption.
- The Christian is alert and spiritually awake.
Be Respectful to Your Leaders, vv. 12-13
Be Mindful of One Another, vv. 14-15
A. The unruly—those out-of-line—must be warned.
B. The feebleminded must be encouraged.
C. The weak—those not mature in the Lord—must be supported and discipled.
Be Thankful, vv. 16-18
Be Careful in Worship, 1 Thessalonians 5 :19-21
A. Satan is a counterfeiter—we must test the message with the Word, 1 Corinthians 12:10; 14:29-33.
B. The danger is going overboard in either extreme:
- emotional sensationalism
- quenching the movement of the Spirit