Lesson 7

I Thessalonians 5:1–11

Awaiting the Lord’s Return

The last event in the history of the redemption of God’s people is the second coming of Christ. The question naturally arises, when will He come again? This question has been asked throughout the ages. Are we not to look forward to His coming? Can this be done if we don’t know the time?

There were various questions in the Thessalonian church regarding the return of Christ and Paul deals with these questions in his letters to this particular church. However, when it comes to the question how long it will be before the Lord returns and the exact time of His coming, there is no need to give an answer. Jesus had spoken of this when He was still on earth. He had made it abundantly clear that no one knows the time. Therefore, it is a useless exercise to try to give an answer to such questions now. Later he will tell them about the things which must happen before He returns whereby they will have an idea as to the approximate time of His coming again, but it is not necessary to speculate regarding the exact time. The prophets had spoken of the approximate time of His first coming too, but not the exact time.

“As A Thief”

They are sufficiently acquainted with the teaching of Jesus and the Apostle’s teaching during the time of his ministry among them to know that His second coming will be “as a thief in the night.” Jesus had used similar terminology in His teaching about this matter. His coming will be sudden and unexpected. The thief does not give warning as to the time he will strike. So will it also be at His return. Surely, then, it is idle to speculate about the exact time.

The term “day of the Lord” is used here to describe the day of His return. This term had been used for the end of time since the days of Amos. It is the day which belongs to Him in a very peculiar way. It is the day of His triumph.

The writer now makes it clear that the unexpected return of Christ has reference primarily to the unbeliever. Many of them, of course, don’t believe that He will return. They preach peace and safety. Jesus likened them to the people living in the days of Noah and in the days of Lot. They have lost themselves completely in the present.

Their engagement in the various pursuits of life, though legitimate in themselves, has only their own enjoyment as its goal. They speak of peace and safety because everything from the beginning of the world till that time seems to go on without a cloud in the sky. While they are “enjoying” life to the full, sudden destruction comes upon them. For them it is totally unexpected.

Inescapable

The one figure of speech crowds the other in the writings of Paul. He now speaks of that time as that of a woman in labor. No, this does not refer to the unexpected nature of that time because she indeed knows that time is coming, even though she does not know the exact hour. Neither does it refer to the destruction which comes upon them because this is not a figure to indicate destruction. But, they shall in no wise escape! A woman will bring forth! Neither can the labors attending it be escaped.

Prepared Believers

For the believer, however, that day will not come as a thief in the night, neither will it bring sudden destruction. The unbelievers are characterized as those who are in darkness. Their minds are darkened and they are not able to see where they are going. This is not true of the believers—even though they do not know the precise time of the Lord’s return. These are his brethren in the faith. They have the light and are, therefore, prepared. We must not overlook the fact that the Apostle teaches very clearly that believers will be ready for His return even though they do not know the time!

The believers are the sons of light—in contrast with the darkness which characterizes the unbelievers. The light has taken possession of them. They are sons of the day rather than of the night. Christ has called them: The light of the world. They are the light of the world because they are united with Him who is THE light of the world. The contrast is as sharp as possible. The thief, coming at night, doesn’t affect the sons of the day and of the light!

Seeing they are the children of light they must not sleep as do the sons of darkness and of the night. This sleep speaks of laxity on the unbelievers’ part. They believe that all is well—peace and safety they fall asleep, not realizing that the thief is about to victimize them. Not so His people. They are to keep watch. They are to be alert! They do not know the time, but are always ready. Though the unbeliever thinks he is fully aware of what is happening, he is asleep. While he thinks he is alert to his surroundings , he is drunken. His mind and heart are beclouded. Sleep and drunkenness belong to the night and the night is the sphere in which the unbeliever lives. The believer is to be watchful and to be sober-the direct opposites of the unbeliever and so await the return of Christ.

Properly Armed

How are the “sons of light” going to remain watchful and sober until the return of Christ? Must the thought of His return fill their minds and hearts every day and color their whole existence? These are the natural questions which arise. First of all, the Apostle points out that, since we are of the day, we are to be sober. Sobriety is natural for him rather than the drunkenness of the world. This sobriety comes by way of faith and love. Those are the qualities natural and necessary for the believer. His faith in Christ readies him for the return of Christ! He makes us ready by giving that faith. Love is the manner of life which is the product of his faith. Now, this faith and love is the breastplate for the believer. It guards his vital organs. It is one of the pieces. of the Christian’s armor (Eph. 6) and It 1s a defensive weapon. Only when faith and love is exercised will he be protected against all the forces which would lead him astray and cause him to sleep and be drunken.

It is noteworthy that the same things which are necessary for the union with Christ (faith and love) are necessary to defend us till the end of time. To know the exact time for the return of Christ is not essential. Faith and love are. His people have already received enough to keep them in safety even in the most difficult of times. He has given them a breastplate which nothing can pierce. Put it on! Exercise that faith and love! The inquisitive probing into the question of the exact time of His return betrays a lack of faith and love. Such inquisitive people think they need more than what He has given.

The hope of salvation is the result of the exercise of both faith and love in all of Paul’s teaching. Salvation is hoped for, but is also assured. Hope is not used in the sense of desiring to obtain the uncertain, but is used in Scripture as that which is certain of fulfillment and is a present possession in principle. This hope must not only be kept alive but is to be worn as a defense until the great day of the Lord. They must put it on as a helmet. This, again, is a defensive piece of armor. It covers the head. It protects the thinking. They will not be led astray by the vain thoughts of others when they keep the hope of salvation clearly before them. Clothed with the breastplate and with the helmet, His people will be kept in safety.

Coming Judgment

When He comes again, what will be His purpose? Will it be a day of wrath for men? Indeed, for the unbeliever it will be the day in which he beholds the wrath of God. It will be the decisive day. It will be the day which cuts off the time and opportunity for conversion. The day of the Lord may, therefore, well be feared by every unbeliever.

And Salvation

But, such will not be the nature of this day for the sons of light. The hope of salvation will then be fulfilled. This does not mean that they have lacked that salvation until then, but that the full salvation will then be manifested. The last event in their salvation will then be completed. God has “appointed” us to the obtaining of that salvation. Although he uses a different word than is usual with him, the writer has the same thought in mind as when he uses the term “election.” He also uses a strange word to show how his people come into the possession of this salvation. They “obtain” it. Immediately he adds: “through our Lord Jesus Christ” to make it clear that this “obtaining” is not their own work. His return will be a glorious day for His people because their salvation will be complete and they shall be with Him.

This Jesus, who will return, is the same one who has died for them in the past. Seeing that He died for them, all the rest of the deeds in their salvation are assured, including His return. Through His death salvation was begun. Because of His death they are drawn into union with Him. Whether we are awake, are on the watch, are alive, whether we die, or are asleep, we shall live with Him. Nothing can separate us from Jesus Christ. His return will demonstrate again His close relationship to His loved ones.

They are to exhort, to encourage, to comfort each other with these words. They do not need the “comfort” of knowing the precise time of His return, but they do need the comfort and instruction which the Apostle has brought them. A curious prying into those things which have not been revealed will never be able to comfort anyone, but the gospel which has been received will do so. They are to be obedient to this gospel.

Even though questions arose in Thessalonica concerning these matters, Paul is also aware of the fact that they do speak to each other in the vein he has held before them. God’s people have sufficient knowledge and gifts to look forward to the return of their Lord whenever that may be. In full assurance of faith they pray: Lord Jesus, come quickly!

Questions for discussion:

1. Why do so many wish to know the time of Christ’s return? Why is it hidden from us? 2. May we speak of “doomsday”? May we speak of death as “the king of terrors”? Explain. 3. What responsibility rests on us as “sons of light”? How must our lives be different from those who “plant and build and marry” etc.? 4. The Bible has a higher estimate of our faith, love and hope than we do. Do you agree with that statement? If so, what should this teach us? 5. We often ask: Was he ready?, when someone is taken away. What does this mean? How do we get ready? Do we make ourselves ready? 6. Is there a danger of emphasizing eschatology (the doctrine of the last things) too much? Too little? What are the results of each?    

Lesson 8

I Thessalonians 5:12–15

Admonitions for the Life of the Church

It was difficult for the church to answer to her high calling in the early days of Christianity. Especially was this true of a small church and one which did not have the benefit of an apostolic presence to guide her in regard to doctrine and the defence of the faith. Such a church was the one at Thessalonica. It is no wonder that the Apostle ends most of his letters with admonitions to the church to be faithful, and I Thessalonians is no exception.

In the study of this epistle it must never be forgotten that Paul had spent a very short time in Thessalonica. He had used every moment at his disposal to instruct and to build them up in the faith. But, there is a very definite limit to the amount of instruction which can be given in a few weeks and there is also a limit to the amount of instruction which can be absorbed and understood by the hearers in so short a period of time. It is evident from these two epistles that the Apostle had proclaimed “the whole counsel of God” to them—that he had fed them with meat as well as with milk. We indeed stand amazed that these Christians have understood the gospel as well as they did. However, there are a few things which he desires to bring to their attention in order that the life of the church may prosper even more than it has.

Respect for Office

Because he does not mention elders and deacons in these epistles, there are those who believe that the admonition found in these verses is directed to the whole membership of the church. Besides, it was one of the first churches to come into existence, and, therefore, they believe, there was no organization to be found in this early church. We believe, however, that this view is not correct. Indeed, these admonitions come to the church, but they are to be seen in reference to the office-bearers which he appointed in every church. Those who labor among them are in office. In all of his missionary labors Paul has sought to establish the church—the body of believers and not an aggregate or loose collection of individuals. Therefore his insistence on office in every place so that the church could be the church and carry out her task in this world.

His admonition to the church is very gentle. He beseeches them, he asks them to do those things of which he will speak. He speaks of their attitude to those “that labor among you and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you.” These are the characteristic duties of the elders in every church. The people are to “know them,” i.e., they are to appreciate them. Apparently there was a problem on this score in this church. This is not surprising. It is a fault which has been repeated throughout the history of the church. The members of this church must remember that these office-bearers are the gift of Christ to the church. Their office is to aid the church. Even when they admonish you—it is for your welfare. When we remember that this church counted some “important” people among its members and that some of the elders may have been from the lower classes, we can understand that a problem might arise.

These office–bearers labor among you. He uses a term denoting strenuous labor. They labor diligently and their work is difficult. These have been appointed by the Lord and their authority is from Him. There is a beautiful Christian warmth associated with these words. They do not labor among you as those who are serving themselves, but they labor among you and are over you in the Lord! They also admonish you to obey His Word. So the flock of Jesus Christ is tended and nourished and led.

Now these office–bearers are to be highly esteemed in love for their work’s sake, says the Apostle. He forms a new Greek word, a compound, in order to express the high esteem in which t hey are to be held. There must be an affection for them. It is not to be an esteem because of their persons, but for their work’s sake! The people must remember that these men are doing the work of Jesus Christ!

What is the nature of this office? Is it authoritative or is it service? Both. They are to serve the body of Christ with all their labors. They are not working for themselves, but, for Another. At the same time this service cannot be rendered properly except by the authority He has given them. They never come with the cold voice of authority—but, in the Lord! These two aspects of office may never be divorced from each other. Authority apart from service leads to hierarchism and service apart from authority leads to a man-centered institution.

He admonishes them to be at peace among themselves. They are to stop criticizing office–bearers and others. If they will have the proper esteem for office, that peace will come. True peace in a church is the only climate in which the gospel can be preached a nd where the people will grow in grace.

Mutual Discipline

After he has admonished them concerning the respect they are to have for the office–bearers who work among them, he also addresses a few words to the whole church regarding some of its members. The discipline is not to come by way of the offices only, but mutual discipline is to be exercised. The church of Christ is not to be a passive body, it is to be deeply concerned about all those who are in need. Christians are to be sensitive to the spiritual needs of their brethren.

First of all, he exhorts them to admonish the disorderly. By these disorderly ones he means those who are idle, those who do not work for a living. Paul has little respect for those who will not work. He tells the Thessalonians in his second letter to them that those who will not work shall not eat (3:10). However, in this particular place he does not seem to have in mind the generally lazy person, but rather, those who do not work because of their erroneous view concerning the imminent return of Christ. Why work anymore if He might come today or tomorrow? These are “out of step.” These must be admonished. These are not promoting the work of the church but will become a burden. The thought of the return of Christ may not lead to idleness but to unbroken labor while it is day.

Mutual Support

Then there are also the “fainthearted,” those meek souls who worry about various things. There were those in Thessalonica who worried about those who had passed away before the Lord’s return. They also worry about their own faith. These fainthearted have been found in the church of all ages. Assurance is lacking. The rest of the church must deal gently with them. They must be encouraged. This encouragement is given in the Word. Only when the Word is understood and believed will they lose their faintheartedness.

The weak must be supported. He does not refer to the weak in body, i.e., the sick, but those who are weak in faith. The Apostle distinguishes between the fainthearted and the weak. These two groups seem to have a lot in common and one would have to know the congregation at Thessalonica intimately to be able to understand the difference between the two. He commands the congregation to be longsuffering to all. Don’t let them go! Be aware of the needs of each one and minister to these needs with the riches of the gospel. The church of Jesus Christ may never evidence the spirit of satisfying only one’s own ego, but must be of spiritual help to all those who are fellow members of the body of Christ.

Kindness Instead of Revenge

Having given several specific admonitions to the church to correct some of the difficulties which have risen in the Thessalonian church, the Apostle now comes with a more general exhortation. The church must always give evidence of the fact that she is grounded in Jesus Christ. All of her teaching and action must display this foundation. She may not live contrary to the principles which He Himself has laid down. This particular church has been harassed by both Jews and Greeks. There was the temptation to strike back. This, however, would be contrary to the clear teaching of her Lord. Christians are not to render evil for evil. Instead, they are even to love their enemies. To love in the face of hostility will put their faith to the test, but it is required. It is often said that this teaching of Christ was totally new. However, this teaching was rooted in the Old Testament. The writer of Proverbs counseled the people of God to give bread and water to the enemy (Prov. 25). Time and again the people were told that vengeance belonged to God alone. Christ brought it into sharper focus but it is the teaching of the Word of God from beginning to end.

Instead of rendering evil for evil they must “follow after that which is good.” They must pursue this. They must strive with all their might to be of benefit to those who are hostile to them. Thus the church will exert her greatest influence in this world. The message of the gospel is foreign to the thinking of the natural man. The members of the church of Christ, who have believed the gospel, must make it plain in their lives that this gospel changes men’s lives and that their attitude to others is the direct opposite from that of the world.

These admonitions which the Apostle has given to the church are to be accepted for their own welfare and to pave the way for the gospel in the lives of those who are now still hostile. They are not only to pursue that which is good to their fellow believers but also to those outside. The true church must live its confession in all relationships. Then only will its faith prove itself genuine and that church will be the light of the world.

Questions for discussion:

1. Do the offices in the church belong to its wellbeing or to its being? Can a church exist without them? Explain. 2. What is the proper relationship between authority and service as shown in the offices of the church? Discuss. 3. When Paul speaks of esteeming them exceeding highly in love for their work’s sake, does this mean anything more than the love which we must show at all times and to everyone? Explain. 4. Is discipline only to be exercised by elders? What is the importance of self-discipline? Of mutual discipline? Are all three related? 5. Does Scripture demand that we identify the poor? Is one who refuses to work entitled to the financial help of the church? 6. How can we encourage the fainthearted? How does a person receive assurance? 7. What does it really mean to love your enemies? Does this trample justice?