seekeroftruth
Well-Known Member
1 Thessalonians 5:1 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
This is where I got the commentary.
I read what Paul said, according to the commentary. What mush... IMHO.
Paul was sure Jesus was coming right back. He told people not to marry unless they couldn't keep their hands to themselves. He led people to believe they didn't have to worry about crops or housework. He led people to believe the normal things in life were unnecessary because Jesus was coming back and everything would change. Ugh.
They were Christians. Christians were hunted down, jailed, and executed for being Christians. Remember.... people flocked to the Word. Rome didn't like it when people flocked. Flocking caused the Roman Soldiers to have to pick up their armor. Someone had to pay. Christians lived their life in peril.
Paul says stay sober. He doesn't mean don't be a drunk. He's not talking to the wino that hangs out on the corner. He means keep you mind on Jesus.
He wanted the Christians to stay "Serious, sensible, and composed". That's what it means to be sober. Paul wasn't making a pitch for Alcoholics Anonymous... He was telling them to stand firm for what they Believe.It's a good thing Paul didn't think the Christians should carry guns. Paul was the type who would hold the coats once the fight was on. He didn't do the fighting himself. He just held the coats. He would have had them all in boot camp learning to kill.
At any rate.... The Thessalonians were doing as they were told. They were being kind to one another. They were helping the orphans and the widows. They were talking about Jesus and how wonderful life is now that He was on earth. They'll get lukewarm over the decades. They'll stay "serious, sensible, and composed" but they won't be "excited" over the future.
Paul told them Jesus would be right back. When Jesus didn't come back according to Paul's timetable, did it give Jesus a black eye?Did some people fall away from Christianity because of Paul's stupid timeline? [Which leads the doubter in me to think Paul planned this ploy to disturb the truth?].
Paul brought up child labor. At least in child labor, you know approximately when the real labor should start. Women know... The last few weeks are really difficult to get through.... They seem to drag on and on and on. You never know if a baby will decide to come early.... or if they will take their own sweet time. Jesus will return as sure as a pregnant woman will eventually go into labor. Babies take about nine months.
Let's make it plain. Jesus will return when the time is right and the battlefield is fully prepped for the battle. I'm not counting on what Paul says in his letters. I read what Jesus said about it. He will return. He said He would.
Sober = Serious, sensible, and composed"
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