“Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children 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 awake and sober. 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 sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through out 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.”

“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.

May God himself, the God of peace sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

Brothers and sisters, pray for us. Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all brothers and sisters.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”

-1st Thessalonians 5 : 1 - 28

awake - a call to spiritual vigilance, preparedness and action. Urging believers to be alert to God’s presence, live righteously, contrasting spiritual slumber with active Faith and readiness for God’s Kingdom, Rising from moral, spiritual, even physical death to new life in Christ.

sober - mental clarity, self control, sound judgement, spiritual alertness, free from intoxicating influences like lust, anger, worldly distractions, allowing for disciplined, rational thinking and action in preparation for Jesus Christ’s return and spiritual warfare. More than just abstaining from alcohol.

faith - Confidence and Assurance in what is hoped for and conviction about what is unseen. Meaning deep trust in God, His promises without physical proof.

love - selfless, active, sacrificial commitment to the well-being of others, reflecting God’s character, rather than just a feeling. It involves patience, kindness, generosity, forgiveness, and putting others needs before your own

salvation - the deliverance and rescue from sin, it’s consequences (like spiritual death and separation from God), eternal judgment. Achieved through faith in Jesus Christ the one true God, His atoning death and and resurrection, granting forgiveness, new life, eternal life as a free gift from Jesus.

admonish - to gently, but serious warn, counsel, correct someone out of love, using God’s Word to guide them back to the truth, righteousness and spiritual growth with God the Father.

idle - inactive, lazy, unfruitful, describing a lack of productive work, responsibility or righteous action. Encompassing physical sloth, aimless busyness, idle words

disruptive - insubordinate individuals who don’t follow rules, neglect their work and cause trouble

disheartened - losing courage, hope, confidence, becoming dejected or faint spirited due to difficulties. Jesus calls believers to find faith in God’s promises and presence through faith, prayer and reliance on him rather than self

pray continually - maintain a constant, conscious awareness of God’s presence and ongoing conversation with Him throughout daily life. Where every activity and thought becomes an opportunity to acknowledge Jesus.

quench the Spirit - extinguish, suppress, stifle the work and the influence of the Holy Spirit in ones life or the church. It involves resisting God’s guidance, ignoring his prompts, disobeying his will, or having contempt for his supernatural work, leading to a diminished spiritual life and hindering the Spirit’s expression of love, joy and peace.

prophecies - a message from God delivered through the Holy Spirit, not just predicting the future, but also forth telling God’s will for building up, encouraging and comforting believers, bearing witness to Jesus Christ, and revealing divine truths, often via dreams, visions and direct inspiration.

contempt - treating something or someone as worthless, vile or beneath consideration, often shown as deep disrespect, scorn, disdain, especially towards God, His people, His Words, His Commands leading to pride, rebellion and eventual shame and disgrace

sanctify - to set apart for a holy purpose, consecrate, or make holy, involving both God’s work and a believer’s response, transforming them to be more Christlike

faithful - reliable, trustworthy, steadfast in duty, love, and belief, especially to God

1-14-26

VII