by Rich Carlson

Paul covers a lot of ground in 1 Thessalonians 5—all in the context of Christ’s second coming, which he had discussed in chapter 4.

The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, he says. Just before that, people will be saying “peace and safety.” In other words, they will be oblivious to what’s coming.

But even though Jesus’ coming will be a surprise to many people, we do not have to be surprised, because we are “children of the light.” According to the text, being God’s child means four things: I will be alert, I will be self-controlled, I will put on faith and love as my “breastplate” of protection, and I will put on the hope of salvation as my “helmet.”

Now Paul becomes very specific as he nears the end of his letter. He observes that:
• We are to build up and encourage others with these truths.
• We should respect church leaders.
• We should live in peace with each other.
• We should warn those who are idle.
• We should encourage those who are timid.
• We should help those who are weak.
• We should be patient with everyone.
• We should not pay back wrong with more wrong.
• We should always be kind to everyone.

And there’s more:
• Do not put out the Spirit’s fire.
• Do not treat prophecies with contempt.
• Test everything.
• Hold on to the good.
• Avoid every kind of evil.

These are Paul’s final instructions as he closes this letter to his Christian friends in Thessalonica. It’s pretty clear and focused. Imagine what can happen as we focus on this—God’s will for us—each day.

Rich Carlson is campus chaplain at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. “God Is Faithful” is adapted from the email devotionals he writes regularly for the Union College family. Rich enjoys filling his life with God, his family, and especially his five grandchildren.