1 Thessalonians 5: 4-11

[Garry]

“But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation (Greek: soteria, deliverance, preservation, safety) as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation (Greek: soteria, deliverance, preservation, safety) through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing (1 Thessalonians 5:4-11), NIV).

[CM Sackett]

Garry,

The scripture you quoted is a wonderful truth!

The original greek word for "salvation" you eluded to is absolutely CORRECT for this context!


The definitions you parenthetically included... are NOT.

"SOLERIA"... "SAFTY, SOUNDNESS" (this last definition is acknowledged by nearly all biblical text scholars as the intended use of the word in this context...).


Your definitions (except for "safety") in biblical references are reserved soley for the greek term "MOSHAOTH"... which is found ONLY in Psalm 68:20.

[Esquire]

Here are a few words from the Matthew Henry Commentary. The complete commentary on this section can be read here: http://www.ccel.org/h/henry/mhc2/MHC52005.HTM

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In these words observe,

I. The apostle tells the Thessalonians it was needless or useless to enquire about the particular time of Christ's coming: Of the times and seasons you need not that I write unto you, v. 1 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+5:1). The thing is certain that Christ will come, and there is a certain time appointed for his coming; but there was no need that the apostle should write about this, and therefore he had no revelation given him; nor should they or we enquire into this secret, which the Father has reserved in his own power. Of that day and hour knoweth no man. Christ himself did not reveal this while upon earth . . .

II. He tells them that the coming of Christ would be sudden, and a great surprise to most men, v. 2 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+5:2). And this is what they knew perfectly, or might know, because our Lord himself had so said: In such an hour as you think not, the Son of man cometh, Matt. xxiv. 44 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+24:44). So Mark xiii. 35, 36 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+13:35,36), Watch you therefore, for you know not when the master of the house cometh; lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And no doubt the apostle had told them, as of the coming of Christ, so also of his coming suddenly, which is the meaning of his coming as a thief in the night, Rev. xvi. 15 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+16:15). As the thief usually cometh in the dead time of the night, when he is least expected, such a surprise will the day of the Lord be; so sudden and surprising will be his appearance. The knowledge of this will be more useful than to know the exact time, because this should awaken us to stand upon our watch, that we may be ready whenever he cometh....

III. He tells them how terrible Christ's coming would be to the ungodly, v. 3 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+5:3). It will be to their destruction in that day of the Lord. . .

IV. He tells them how comfortable this day will be to the righteous, v. 4, 5 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+5:4,5). Here observe, 1. Their character and privilege. They are not in darkness; they are the children of the light, &c. This was the happy condition of the Thessalonians as it is of all true Christians. . . Their great advantage on this account: that that day should not overtake them as a thief, v. 4 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+5:4). It was at least their own fault if they were surprised by that day. They had fair warning, and sufficient helps to provide against that day, and might hope to stand with comfort and confidence before the Son of man. This would be a time of refreshing to them from the presence of the Lord, who to those that look for him will appear without sin unto their salvation, and will come to them as a friend in the day, not as a thief in the night.

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The scriptures are pretty clear. We don't know when Christ will come. Our charge is not to figure out the precise moment, but to be ready!

[Garry]

I think our charge is covered in Luke 21:36. "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the son of man".

What are we to be watching for? How can we know what to watch for unless we understand the end time prophies?

[CM Sackett]

Mornin' Garry,

Thankfully, this verse you referenced comes with a context that pinpoints the audience, times and situations pertinent to these powerful words from the Master... namely,

"I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." LUKE 21:32-33

Garry, you asked "what we are to be watchful for..." and "how we can know what to watch for". Fair enough.

Garry, we are indeed, as his adopted sons and daughters/salt/light and soldiers commanded, urged and implored to "...be prepared, in season, and out of season", and to "...keep your head in all situations". We are told plainly to be watchful and ready to "...do good unto all men", so that when that Great and Terrible Day (great for the surrendered, washed and forgiven... terrible for all others) arrives at the Father's determined hour, we will be among those who fall under our Saviour's tender gaze and hear the unfathomably rich words,

"Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."

Garry, in the very context of the above quoted phenomenal truth... one that men, who burn with a sometimes inquenchable passion to "know" the "when" of the end, reference as evidence for their single-eyed quest... notice Garry, in the whole of that discourse (Mathew 25), the King of souls and the Lord of Eternity never so much as eludes to a command to "know" the "when".

He does, however, state clearly and repeatedly that people would do well to be "...faithful with a few things..." so that He can say, "...Come and share your master's happiness!"

And Garry, He makes it utterly clear what will matter on that day... period. And it won't be (according to His own words,) whether we "figured out" or "knew" the calendar date of His coming (see Mt. 25:31-46 for the reasons for entry, and casting out...)

It will be whether or not we discerned, recognized and acted upon the opportunities He daily placed in our path to feed, quench the thirst of, share hospitality with, give strength and encouragement to... HIM. HERE. NOW. (Mt. 25:31-46).

From His own mouth He makes it clear that recognizing acts of service as opportunities to serve HIM, not just among our "fellows" and "friends", but (and oh, my God... how much I sometimes have cringed from this!) among PEOPLE... PERIOD, and surrendering to the point of following "...in His steps", is WHAT MATTERS.

You may have no trouble with such sight or surrender. I, on the other hand, am in regular need of having "the eyes of my heart opened" and my feet unfrozen.

If I were to know the EXACT HOUR of His coming, and yet missed His daily passing in the meantime... I would still be just as damned.

And most certainly, far more miserable.

You are certainly correct, sir, that we are to be "watchful". Thank you for the reminder.


As Always;

Sackett

[Garry]

Sackett,

Thanks for reminding me how important Matthew 25: 31-36 is.

I hope you with provide your thoughts on my 10 Virgins post.