How does 1 Thessalonians 5:7 contrast spiritual alertness with spiritual sleep? Setting the Stage • Paul has just reminded the Thessalonian believers that “the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (v. 2). • Verse 6 calls believers to “be awake and sober,” then verse 7 draws the sharp contrast: ‑ “For those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.” The Language of Night and Day • “Night” = the sphere of darkness, ignorance, moral laxity, and separation from God (cf. John 3:19-20). • “Day” = the realm of light, truth, and active fellowship with Christ (cf. 1 John 1:7). • Paul ties behavior to environment: night breeds sleep and drunkenness; day calls for wakefulness and sobriety. What Spiritual Sleep Looks Like • Indifference to God’s Word—Hebrews 2:1 warns about “drifting away.” • Moral insensitivity—Ephesians 4:18-19 speaks of hearts “hardened” and “past feeling.” • Lack of expectancy—Matthew 24:48-50 pictures the servant who says, “My master is staying away a long time.” • Dependence on worldly stimulants—“drunk” symbolizes any numbing distraction that dulls the conscience. Marks of Spiritual Alertness • Clear-minded vigilance—“Be sober-minded; be watchful” (1 Peter 5:8). • Readiness for Christ’s return—Romans 13:11-12: “Our salvation is nearer now… let us put aside the deeds of darkness.” • Continual prayer—Colossians 4:2: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” • Active obedience—James 1:22: “Do not merely listen to the word… do what it says.” Why the Contrast Matters • Nighttime behavior exposes allegiance; persistent sleep proves one still belongs to darkness. • Daytime conduct affirms identity as “sons of light and sons of the day” (1 Thessalonians 5:5). • Only those awake recognize danger, hear the trumpet, and welcome the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:52). Living in the Daylight: Practical Steps 1. Start each day in Scripture—the lamp for your feet (Psalm 119:105). 2. Guard the mind—refuse anything that intoxicates thinking (Philippians 4:8). 3. Cultivate fellowship—meet with believers who spur you on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25). 4. Keep short accounts—confess sin quickly to maintain unhindered communion (1 John 1:9). 5. Serve with expectancy—abound in the Lord’s work, “knowing that your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). |
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