This chapter continues from the last, speaking now of the coming of Jesus Christ. Paul will show why we are not afraid but excited for the Lord to come at the seventh trump. Keeping in mind the antichrist comes at the sixth trump. Chapter 5 and verse 1 reads.
1Thes.5:1] But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
[2] For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
As a thief because the world will think he is already here, they were taught to fly right into Satan’s arms instead of waiting for the true Christ.
1Thes.5:3] For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
Prophesied by Daniel in Ch.11 and verse 21 reads.
Dan.11:21] And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.
Satan comes in peaceably and prosperously, they think he is Jesus, and he calls himself God. And the whole world is deceived. But not you, for you have the truth and you will stand against him and will be delivered up to him with the testimony of Jesus Christ. Back to 1Thes.5 and verse 4 reads.
1Thes.5:4] But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
[5] Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
[6] Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
Watchmen watch, and when you see these things, speak.
1Thes.5:7] For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
Day is Jesus, Night is Satan. Gen.1:5 reads.
Gen.1:5] And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
And John 1:1-5 reads.
John 1:1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
[2] The same was in the beginning with God.
[3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
[4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
[5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Back to 1Thes.5 and verse 8 reads.
1Thes.5:8] But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
We are of the Day, the Light, of Christ and called by his name, Christians. We can see now that we are not going to fly anywhere, but have that gospel armor on and stand against Satan.
1Thes.5:9] For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
When God pours out those vials of wrath (that cup) we won’t be hurt, but those that worshipped the antichrist will be ashamed and pray for mountains to fall on them.
1Thes.5:10] Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
For whomsoever believes. The Lord has closed the eyes of some for their sake. It will be that hard when Satan is here, this is why Jesus shortened the time for the elect’s sake.
1Thes.5:11] Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
Edify means to teach. Don’t just read the word but study the word, then you can teach others. Be a doer for the LORD.
1Thes.5:12] And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
[13] And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
We get our word discipline from the word disciple. Very important for a church to have discipline.
1Thes.5:14] Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
[15] See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
For all are God’s children, and he wants all to come to repentance. 2Pet.3:9 reads.
2Pet.3:9] The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Back to 1Thes.5 and verse 16 reads.
1Thes.5:16] Rejoice evermore.
We can have joy in Christ because he died for our sins.
1Thes.5:17] Pray without ceasing.
This says without ceasing. I personally am always with the Father in thoughts, it is a spiritual connection to our Father through the Holy Spirit.
1Thes.5:18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
It is his will to hear our thanks.
1Thes.5:19] Quench not the Spirit.
Notice the uppercase S, this is the Holy Spirit.
1Thes.5:20] Despise not prophesyings.
Despise not “teachings”.
1Thes.5:21] Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Check your teachers and trust not man. Jer.17:5.
1Thes.5:22] Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Stay away from unbelievers, how can you help someone if they won’t listen. Do not cast pearls before swine.
1Thes.5:23] And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The whole subject of this chapter is the coming of Christ.
1Thes.5:24] Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
Called to do what? Ask and you shall receive, he will provide the bricks but you need to do the building. These are our “Works”.
1Thes.5:25] Brethren, pray for us.
[26] Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
You still see this in the world today, kissing on the cheek is a very common greeting.
1Thes.5:27] I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
Paul just said this charge (commandment) to read these scriptures to others was given to us by God. Let’s go to Titus 1:9 and read.
Titus 1:9] Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Back to 1Thes.5 and the last verse reads.
1Thes.5:28] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
This finishes the book of 1Thessalonians. A great book, and easy to understand when we take it chapter by chapter and verse by verse. Let’s go to his throne.
Father, we thank you for your word and ask that you bless all that love you in Jesus’s precious name, Amen.
KJV along with The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of The Bible