As a church we’ve been working through 1 Thessalonians (1,2,3,4) and the final chapter 5 raised a whole ton of questions and insights. Here are just a few of them.

Jesus will return

• Don’t get caught up with dates & times of the coming of Christ – note how many Christians still ignore this (v.1)
• It will be surprising not unexpected (v.2)
• So don’t be surprised (v.4)
• Therefore be people of the day and the light not of the dark and the night (v.5-8)
• We are called to be alert (v.6), self-controlled (v.6 & 8), full of faith, hope & love (v.8).
• Salvation from the coming wrath is through Jesus Christ (v.9) and life is in Him (v.10)
• So encourage & strengthen one another (v.11)

Don’t forget to…

• Respect, esteem and love your leaders (v.12-13)
• Live in peace (v.13)
• Get these the right way around – warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak (v.14)
• Be patient with everyone (v.14)
• Be kind to everyone (v.15)
• Be joyful (v.16)
• Be prayerful (v.17)
• Be thankful (v.18)
• Be zealous (v.19)
• Be open (v.20)
• Be wise (v.21)
• Be pure (v.22)
• Trust in God to do it (v.23-24)

Really struck by this last list and what a beautiful portrayal of the life of the Christian it is – and giving of yourself to growth in these areas, asking God to sanctify us and trust in His work is so rewarding.