How can we prepare for Christ's return, as warned in 1 Thessalonians 5:3? The Sobering Warning “For when they say, ‘Peace and security,’ then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” 1 Thessalonians 5:3 Living Awake and Sober – Verse 6 urges, “So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.” – Maintain spiritual alertness in everyday choices. – Refuse to be lulled by society’s claims that everything is fine; stay sensitive to the Spirit’s promptings. Guarded by Faith, Love, and Hope – “Since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of the hope of salvation.” 1 Thessalonians 5:8 • Faith: daily trust in Christ’s finished work. • Love: self-giving service that reflects His heart. • Hope: confident expectation of His return, protecting the mind from fear and compromise. Practice Holy Living Every Day – 2 Peter 3:11-12: “What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God.” – Turn from sin quickly; cultivate purity in speech, media, relationships, finances. – Let the certainty of judgment motivate consistent obedience. Stay Rooted in the Word – Matthew 24:35: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.” – Schedule unhurried Scripture reading; memorize key passages about Christ’s return (John 14:1-3; Revelation 22:12). – Measure every cultural message against the unchanging truth of God’s Word. Nourish Watchful Fellowship – Hebrews 10:24-25 calls believers to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds… all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Gather regularly with believers who take the Lord’s coming seriously. – Encourage, correct, and strengthen one another so no one drifts into complacency. Serve with Eternal Urgency – Luke 12:43: “Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.” – Invest time, talents, and resources in Gospel work. – Speak the Good News while there is still opportunity; the suddenness of His return intensifies evangelistic zeal. Hold Fast to Blessed Hope – Titus 2:13: “While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” – Let hopeful anticipation fuel joy, perseverance, and courage. – Remember: the promise is certain, the timing unknown, and the outcome glorious for all who are ready. |
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