1 Thessalonians

Lesson 7 w/Answers: The Day of the Lord1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Bible

In this lesson, we will look at the rest of Paul’s discussion on end times and how we are to be knowledgeable of these events. With this knowledge, we are to encourage one another and to be watchful as we eagerly await the return of our Lord. In the previous lesson, Paul spoke of the Rapture, the time when Christ will call up his bride, the Church, into heaven. In this lesson, we will observe his consideration of the events that will take place following the Rapture.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 and consider the following questions:

  1. Who knows the exact day and time when Christ will return? Is it possible for us to also know? (See Matthew 24:36)
    1. ANSWER: For sure, no one on this earth knows the exact day and time that Christ will return. Clearly this is God’s will, as Matthew makes it clear that "...not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son" knows, "but only the Father." Knowing this, we should not allow others to fool us into thinking that they have inside, or special, knowledge, since only God knows the day of Christ’s return. Until then, we are to live each day by faith, knowing Jesus will eventually return.
  2. When is "the day of the Lord?" What is it referring to? (See Isaiah 13:9-11, Joel 2:28-32, Zephaniah 1:14-18, and 3:8-11)
    1. ANSWER: Isaiah describes the day of the Lord as "a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger." He goes on to tell us that "The stars of heaven and their constellations will not show their light. The rising sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light." Further, he tells us that God "will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins." Joel tells us that God "will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions." He goes on to tell us that God "will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." And, finally, Zephaniah sums up that awful day by telling us that God, "...will bring such distress on all people that they will grope about like those who are blind, because they have sinned against the Lord. Their blood will be poured out like dust and their entrails like dung. Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the Lord’s wrath."
  3. When will "the day of the Lord" occur, and what are the signs? (See 1 Thessalonians 5: 2-3, Matthew 24: 36-41, and 42-44)
    1. ANSWER: We know from our studies that no one knows the day or the hour when "the day of the Lord" will occur; however, the Bible has much to say about its approaching and the day itself. Paul tells us, for example, "...that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." Matthew recorded what Christ had to say about this day, and he tells us that it will be much like the time before the flood, when mankind did as they pleased and were unaware of the approaching doom until it was too late. So too now, as we approach that day Jesus tells us when the lost will be the same as they were then: blind to their sin and to the signs of impending judgment until it is too late, and they are taken away in judgment. Christ also tells us, just as Paul mentioned earlier, that "...the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." We are always to be vigilant, because we do not know the day or hour when Christ will return.
  4. In 1 Thessalonians, Chapter 5, Verse 3, who are "they"? (See Matthew 25:1-13)
    1. ANSWER: It is evident from both 1 Thessalonians 5:3 and Matthew 25:1-13 that Paul is referring to the unrighteous, unrepentant, sinners living on the earth at the time of Christ’s return.
  5. What does Paul tell us that we are to do in 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6?
    1. ANSWER: Knowing about the coming day of the Lord, Paul instructs us not to live in darkness, but to live in the light. As he tells us in Romans 12:1-2, we are to be transformed by the power of the Gospel, not living in the knowledge and wisdom of this world; and in 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6, to always "...be awake and sober," so that we are not surprised by the coming of Christ, I.e., that we are prepared for Him.
  6. What does 1 Thessalonians 5:7 mean?
    1. ANSWER: Paul is showing us that evil likes the darkness and not the light. Satan does not want his evil deeds exposed to the light of the truth of the Gospel; people are the same way. Loving the darkness and avoiding the light simply means turning your back on the truths of the Bible and the great gospel of Jesus the Christ. We, as believers, are to live in this light and not allow ourselves to "sleep," e.g., to slide into compromise, "...because the one who is in you is greater than the one who lives in the world." (1 John 4:4)
  7. In 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11, Paul encourages us, in the same manner as which we are to encourage others. What does he tell us that is encouraging, so that we can share it with others?
    1. ANSWER: Paul tells us to be encouraged and to encourage others as that great day approaches, because God "...did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." He tells us that Jesus died for us so that we can live eternally with him; this is so encouraging for each of us, especially on days when we are suffering. Further, we should use this good news to encourage others. Everyone needs to hear it, so that all of us can build each other up, and so that we can be ready as the day of his Second Coming approaches.

Have a great week everyone!

In Christ,

Wes

[2019]

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