We very seldom hear these days’ messages about the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus admonished us to observe the signs in Matthew 24:33, it states “ So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” We as believers must not be in the dark about these signs. We must be aware of what is going on around us. We must become familiar with what Jesus said about his return. “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” With that being said, let’s be ready my friend. The following are some brief notes for you to consider. Matthew 24:27 (KJV)
27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE RETURN OF THE LORD?
1 Thessalonians 5:1-22
Below is a synopsis of Paul’s discussion of the return of the Lord. Paul addresses our personal behavior, behavior toward church leaders, church family and toward God before Jesus’ return. I hope the verse by verse notes will lead you into a deeper study about the return of the Lord. Your eternal destination depends on it!
1 Thes. 5:4-11
The Lord’s Return and the Believer’s Behavior, 5:4-11
1 He is not to be overtaken by the Lord’s return (v.4-5)
a. Because he is not in darkness (v.4)
b. Because he is a child of light (v.5a)
c. Because he is a child of the day (v.5b)
2 He is not to be spiritually asleep or unwatchful (v.6-7)
a. Fact: Some do sleep (v.7a)
b. Reason: Identifies him with the night and evil behavior (v.7b)
3 He is to be sober and to protect himself (v.8-10)
a. How: By putting on the armour of God—faith, love, and hope (v.8)
b. The reasons (v.9-10)
1) He is not appointed to wrath, but to salvation (v.9)
2) Christ died for him (v.10)
4 He is to minister (v.11)
a. To encourage others (v.11a)
b. To edify others (v.11b)
A. BEHAVIOR TOWARD CHURCH LEADERS:
Vs. 12-13; KNOW, RESPECT & SHOW LOVE TO YOUR LEADERS
Behavior toward the leaders of the church (v.12-13)
a. Know them (v.12)
b. Esteem them very highly in love (v.13a)
c. Be at peace among yourselves (v.13b)
B. BEHAVIOR TOWARD CHURCH FAMILY:
(5.) Vs. 13 KEEP PEACE WITH EACHOTHER
(6.) Vs. 14, WARN, COMFORT, ENCOURAGE, BUILD UP, STRENGTHEN AND SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER, BE PATIENT AND DO GOOD!
C. BEHAVIOR TOWARD GOD:
(7.) Vs. 15-22:
Behavior toward God—personal behavior (v.15b-22)
a. Rejoice always (v.16)
b. Pray always (v.17)
c. Give thanks in all things (v.18)
d. Do not suppress the Spirit (v.19)
e. Do not despise prophesying (v.20)
f. Test all things: Hold fast to what is good (v.21)
g. Abstain from all appearance of evil (v.22)
D. RESULTS OF PROPER BEHAVIOR:
The results of proper behavior (v.23-24)
a. Sanctification (v.23a)
b. Preservation of spirit, soul, and body (v.23b)
c. Assurance of God’s faithfulness (v.24)