Living in Anticipation: Children of the Light
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delved into 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, where Paul speaks about the Day of the Lord and how it will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. This passage reminds us that while the world may be caught off guard, as believers, we should live in a state of readiness and anticipation. Paul emphasizes that we are children of the light and the day, not of the night or darkness. Therefore, we must stay awake, sober, and alert, living lives marked by faith, love, and the hope of salvation.
Paul uses vivid imagery to describe the suddenness of Christ's return, comparing it to labor pains that come unexpectedly but inevitably. He encourages the Thessalonians, and us, to live as children of the light, embodying transparency, honesty, and integrity. This means avoiding spiritual slumber and being disciplined in our walk with Christ. Paul also calls us to be sober, not just in avoiding drunkenness but in exercising self-control and being filled with the Holy Spirit rather than other influences.
The message is clear: we must be ready for Christ's return, living lives that reflect our faith, hope, and love. Paul reassures us that those who have died in Christ will be with Him, and he challenges the living to be prepared. He urges us to encourage one another and build each other up, fostering a community that lives in the light of God's love and the hope of Christ's return. This community is not just about gathering but about actively supporting each other in our spiritual journey.
As we partake in communion, we remember Christ's sacrifice and look forward to His return. This act of worship is a proclamation of our living hope and our future hope in Jesus. Let us live in anticipation, ready for the day when Christ will come again.
### Key Takeaways
1. Live as Children of the Light: Paul calls us to live as children of the light, embodying transparency, honesty, and integrity. This contrasts with living in darkness, which is marked by deception and corruption. Living in the light means being deliberate and intentional in our walk with Christ, reflecting His love and truth in all we do. [45:12]
2. Be Awake and Sober: Spiritual vigilance is crucial. Paul warns against spiritual slumber and encourages us to stay awake and sober. This involves exercising self-control and being filled with the Holy Spirit rather than being influenced by worldly distractions. Our readiness for Christ's return depends on our spiritual alertness. [47:27]
3. Encourage and Build Each Other Up: Paul emphasizes the importance of community in our spiritual journey. We are called to encourage one another and build each other up, fostering a supportive environment where we can grow in faith, hope, and love. This mutual encouragement helps us stay focused on our future hope in Christ. [56:54]
4. Be Armed with Faith, Love, and Hope: Paul uses the metaphor of armor to describe how we should live. Faith and love act as a breastplate, protecting our hearts, while the hope of salvation serves as a helmet, safeguarding our minds. This spiritual armor equips us to face the challenges of life with confidence in our salvation. [52:57]
5. Live in Anticipation of Christ's Return: The certainty of Christ's return should shape how we live today. Paul urges us to live with expectation and preparation, not trying to predict the exact time but being ready at all times. This involves living a life that reflects our faith, hope, and love, always prepared to meet our Savior. [45:57]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:19] - Reading 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
[37:35] - The Creed: Christ Has Come, Died, Risen, and Will Come Again
[38:39] - The Mysteries of Our Faith
[39:19] - Jesus is Coming Again
[40:24] - Signs of the Times
[41:12] - God's Time vs. Human Time
[42:07] - Expect the Unexpected
[43:00] - Imagery of Noah's Days
[43:59] - Living as Children of the Light
[45:12] - Transparency and Integrity in the Light
[45:57] - Be Ready for Jesus' Return
[46:43] - No Snoozers: Stay Awake
[47:27] - Be Alert and Sober
[49:30] - Self-Control and Sobriety
[51:15] - Faith, Love, and Hope as Armor
[52:57] - The Greatest of These is Love
[54:55] - Confidence in Salvation
[56:54] - Encourage and Build Each Other Up
[58:33] - Living Now Like Christ
[01:00:52] - Paul's Prayer of Hope
[01:08:30] - Communion: Proclaiming the Lord's Death
[01:10:14] - Invitation to Communion
[01:17:37] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (NIV)
### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says the Day of the Lord will come "like a thief in the night"? ([36:19])
2. How does Paul describe the difference between children of the light and children of the darkness? ([36:19])
3. What are the three virtues Paul mentions that we should put on as armor, and what do they symbolize? ([49:30])
4. According to Paul, what should be our attitude towards those who have died in Christ? ([45:57])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need for believers to stay awake and sober? How does this relate to our spiritual vigilance? ([47:27])
2. What does it mean to live as children of the light in practical terms? How can transparency, honesty, and integrity be demonstrated in our daily lives? ([45:12])
3. How does the metaphor of labor pains help us understand the suddenness and inevitability of Christ's return? ([43:00])
4. In what ways can the community of believers encourage and build each other up, according to Paul's instructions? ([56:54])
### Application Questions
1. Paul calls us to live as children of the light. Reflect on your daily life: Are there areas where you struggle with transparency, honesty, or integrity? How can you address these areas this week? ([45:12])
2. Spiritual vigilance is crucial. What are some practical steps you can take to stay spiritually awake and sober? Are there specific distractions you need to minimize? ([47:27])
3. Paul urges us to encourage and build each other up. Think of someone in your church community who might need encouragement. How can you support them this week? ([56:54])
4. The metaphor of armor includes faith, love, and hope. Which of these virtues do you find most challenging to embody, and what specific actions can you take to strengthen this area in your life? ([49:30])
5. Living in anticipation of Christ's return should shape our daily actions. How can you incorporate this sense of anticipation into your routine? What changes might you need to make? ([45:57])
6. Reflect on the concept of being ready for Christ's return. Are there any unresolved issues or relationships in your life that you need to address to be spiritually prepared? ([45:57])
7. During communion, we remember Christ's sacrifice and look forward to His return. How does this act of worship influence your understanding of living in hope and anticipation? ([01:08:30])
Devotional
Day 1: Living Transparently in the Light
Living as children of the light means embodying transparency, honesty, and integrity. This contrasts sharply with living in darkness, which is often marked by deception and corruption. As believers, we are called to be deliberate and intentional in our walk with Christ, reflecting His love and truth in all we do. This involves not only avoiding sinful behaviors but also actively pursuing righteousness and holiness in our daily lives.
Paul's message in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 reminds us that we are children of the day, not of the night. Therefore, our lives should be characterized by the light of Christ, shining brightly in a world that often prefers darkness. This call to live transparently is a call to live authentically, allowing the light of Christ to expose and transform every area of our lives. [45:12]
Ephesians 5:8-10 (ESV): "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to invite the light of Christ to bring transparency and integrity? How can you actively pursue righteousness in those areas today?
Day 2: Staying Spiritually Vigilant
Spiritual vigilance is crucial for believers. Paul warns against spiritual slumber and encourages us to stay awake and sober. This involves exercising self-control and being filled with the Holy Spirit rather than being influenced by worldly distractions. Our readiness for Christ's return depends on our spiritual alertness and our ability to remain focused on Him amidst the noise of the world.
Being spiritually vigilant means being aware of the spiritual battles we face and being prepared to stand firm in our faith. It requires a disciplined approach to our spiritual lives, including regular prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. By staying spiritually vigilant, we can ensure that we are always ready for Christ's return, living lives that honor Him. [47:27]
1 Peter 5:8 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
Reflection: What are some distractions in your life that hinder your spiritual vigilance? How can you create a plan to minimize these distractions and stay focused on your walk with Christ?
Day 3: Building Each Other Up
Paul emphasizes the importance of community in our spiritual journey. We are called to encourage one another and build each other up, fostering a supportive environment where we can grow in faith, hope, and love. This mutual encouragement helps us stay focused on our future hope in Christ and strengthens our resolve to live for Him.
Building each other up involves more than just offering words of encouragement; it means actively supporting one another through prayer, acts of kindness, and being present in each other's lives. By creating a community that lives in the light of God's love, we can help each other stay strong in our faith and be better prepared for Christ's return. [56:54]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who in your community needs encouragement today? How can you intentionally build them up and support them in their spiritual journey?
Day 4: Wearing the Armor of Faith, Love, and Hope
Paul uses the metaphor of armor to describe how we should live as believers. Faith and love act as a breastplate, protecting our hearts, while the hope of salvation serves as a helmet, safeguarding our minds. This spiritual armor equips us to face the challenges of life with confidence in our salvation and the assurance of God's love.
Wearing this armor means actively cultivating faith, love, and hope in our lives. It involves trusting in God's promises, loving others as Christ loves us, and holding onto the hope of our salvation even in difficult times. By putting on this armor daily, we can stand firm against the enemy's attacks and live victoriously in Christ. [52:57]
1 Thessalonians 5:8 (ESV): "But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation."
Reflection: How can you actively put on the armor of faith, love, and hope today? What specific actions can you take to strengthen these areas in your life?
Day 5: Living in Anticipation of Christ's Return
The certainty of Christ's return should shape how we live today. Paul urges us to live with expectation and preparation, not trying to predict the exact time but being ready at all times. This involves living a life that reflects our faith, hope, and love, always prepared to meet our Savior.
Living in anticipation of Christ's return means prioritizing our relationship with Him and aligning our lives with His will. It means being intentional about our spiritual growth and making choices that honor Him. By living with this eternal perspective, we can stay focused on what truly matters and be ready for the day when Christ will come again. [45:57]
Titus 2:11-13 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How does the anticipation of Christ's return influence your daily decisions and priorities? What changes can you make to live more intentionally in light of His coming?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus is coming again. We have a bit of a definition dilemma on this day of the Lord, this second coming, the parousia, otherwise known as the judgment day. And for various reasons, they are helpful and unhelpful. They are designations that try and influence. They aim for us to understand it, prepare for it, this day of the Lord, a phrase borrowed from the Old Testament that we see a lot in the Minor Prophets." [39:19] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Live with expectation. Live with anticipation. Live and make preparation for Jesus coming again. And live as children of the light. And I feel Paul wants to say to the Christians here, let's stop playing hide and seek. Ready or not, Jesus is coming. Paul comforts them with the knowledge that those who have died before he comes are going to be with him. And now he's challenging the living. We need to be ready." [45:57] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus died for us. Jesus rose again. Jesus is coming back. Can you think of anything more encouraging to tell your friends? And then finally, in verse 11, he says, be a community. Encourage one another. Build each other up. To build one another up, we need to do so in community. There is something so precious, so particular about a people being gathered together with common purposes." [56:54] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Christ has come. Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again. It is a hope that is now. Salvation is ours today. But it's an eternal salvation. When Jesus calls us home or comes back for us, to take us, to be with him, or he comes back. That's why God has given us these challenges, to be assured of our future hope with him. God doesn't want us to be in doubt, doesn't want us to be in fear, about our eternal destiny. He wants us to be secure in our faith, in our hope, and in God's love for us." [54:55] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The knowledge of the imminent return of Jesus serves to build up those who live in anticipation of Jesus coming again. Encourage one another. Build each other up, he says, just as you are already doing. The verse ties back lovely to chapter 4 and verses 13 to 18, where they were to encourage one another with the words that he'd already shared. And now he says, encourage people again. Keep on encouraging one another. Keep on guarding your soul. Keep on living in the salvation. Salvation bought for us in Jesus' death on the cross." [54:55] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul's challenge is for us as Christians who live in the light of God's love, of his death and resurrection, Jesus is coming back. So be alert. Live as children of the light. Be children of the day. Awake so that the suddenness will not surprise us. He tells us something else. We need to be sober. Being sober is not so much about being drunk. Rather, commentators suggest it's about the sobriety of some self-control, something each one of us need to consider in our lives, for having the Holy Spirit part of our lives, rather than being intoxicated by other influences that distract us from Jesus' return." [49:30] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul says, let's put on that faith as love, as a breastplate, and that hope as the salvation helmet. He sums up his instructions to us by using that metaphor of being armed, putting on the armor, that breastplate of faith and love, that hope of salvation. You may remember the armor of God Paul instructed us to put on in the letter to the Ephesians. And the Christian life is a life lived with a battle raging around us. And Paul knows that above all else, we do need to guard our hearts, both physically and spiritually." [52:57] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Paul writes to confirm how as Christians they should live. And we're going to take a leaf out of this very book. How we can live in this in-between times, waiting for Jesus to come again. But the one thing he says that we need to set the scene for, to be mindful that as Christ-believers and followers, we are to live as children of the light. Children of the day. Contrasting that with those who would otherwise live in darkness and in sinful ways without Jesus. And as Paul directs us into this joy of the future hope, which is for all those who love and live for Jesus, we do so. In the light." [45:12] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Paul's warning is to the believers to stay awake. We don't want any snoozes. There is a time for sleeping. And there is a time for waking. Jesus is getting ready to come back for his children. And we need to be awake. If Jesus comes back before I die. I do not want to die. to be asleep. I don't mean lying in my bed. I mean spiritually asleep. I want to be awake to see him face to face. So he says, be awake, no snoozes. He says, be alert, be on your guard, not asleep like the others." [48:07] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Paul has gone throughout this entire letter to share what a life of faith, love, and hope will look like, challenging our beliefs, challenging the way we think, challenging the way we live pure lives, challenging the way we live and live our lives. And he says, be serious too. Verse 8, since we belong to the day, let us be love one another, challenging the way we grieve. But he says, be serious. And there must have been a significant reason for him repeatedly using this lovely triad." [51:15] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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