Title: As a Thief in the Night

1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-11

Introduction:

The believer in this world should not be ignorant concerning the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.  We know the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, but it should not overtake the believer in that fashion.

I. THE BELIEVER AND HIS WISDOM (v1-3)

A. The Indwelling Discernment- “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.”

B. The Impending Destruction- “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.”

II. THE BELIEVER AND HIS WITNESS (v4-6)

A. The Revelation of His Return- “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

B. The Radiance of His Return- “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

III. THE BELIEVER AND HIS WORK (v7-11)

A. Be Awake-“Therefore let us not sleep, as do others;

B. Be Alert- “But let us, who are of the day, be sober,

C. Be Aware- “Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

D. Be Accommodating- “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.