Be Prepared
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1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
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 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.
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This Sunday, Pastor Matt continued our sermon series in First Thessalonians. This series is about how the Thessalonian church practiced their faith while under intense persecution by their community.
If today was your last day on earth, how would you spend your time?
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. (5:8)
The early church woke up each day with two thoughts: Jesus will probably come back today, and if He doesn’t, I will risk everything to advance the gospel further than it is now. Do we have this same mentality? This same sense of urgency?
Don’t wait another day, because you’re not guaranteed another day. Be prepared by staying alert, by being self-controlled and protect yourself with faith, love, and the hope of salvation.
Let’s be prepared and let us be children of the light.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Read Scripture:
Read: Joel Ch. 2
Look for similarities between this text and 1 Thessalonians Ch. 5
Memorize Scripture:
Together we are memorizing 1 Thessalonians 5:8
Here are a few wallpapers for this series.
Here's a helpful guide we put together for memorizing Scripture: https://faithe.org/memorize/
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Questions:
1) What is one word or phrase that they Holy Spirit highlighted for you during this teaching? Why?
Journal your thoughts and/or share this with someone else.
2) What do you need to remove from your life so that you are prepared for the day of the Lord? What do you need to add?
3) Who is the Holy Spirit asking you to share the good news with?
Prayer:
God, thank you for your Word to us. Thank you that, as believers, we are appointed to receive salvation on the day of the Lord. Help me to stay alert and be prepared for Jesus’ second coming. Help me to love others and give me an unrelenting burden to share you with those who are unconvinced, or unaware, of the judgement coming for them on the day of the Lord.
Amen.
