WEEK 6: Until He Comes, We Will Be a Resurrected Church

DATE: April 5th

KEY SCRIPTURES: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28

- Verses 1–3: Paul reminds believers that “the day of the Lord” comes unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. Vigilance and alertness are required. The Thessalonians are called to live for Christ in light of this certainty without fear or speculation.

- Verses 4–11: Identity as “children of light and of the day” frames their daily ethics. Believers are contrasted with those in darkness (v. 5), called to sober, alert, and disciplined living, essentially an awakened life.

- Armor imagery (faith, love, hope; v. 8) connects these virtues to practical, daily obedience, the way we live each day matters. This is resurrected living.

- Verses 12–22: Paul instructs on community life, that we should respect leaders, encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak, pursue peace, avoid vengeance, and test prophecies. Again, living as fully awakened people.

- In that way, we are alive as a church; the church functions as a living organism, accountable and interdependent.

- Verses 23–28: The doxology frames the letter: God is faithful to complete His work of sanctification, urging believers to maintain holiness, peace, and rejoicing in all circumstances. We are called to live everyday for Christ.

- Jesus Christ is alive therefore we are alive and we live for Him. All aspects of our lives are governed by the reality of resurrection. We live differently because of resurrection.

‍

APPLICATION:

- Live daily with alertness, faith, love, and hope as your “armor.”

- Engage in community actively: encourage, admonish, and support one another.

- Maintain holiness and integrity in ordinary routines, trusting God to complete His work in you, through you, and for you.

- Understand waiting for Christ not as passive speculation but as active, faithful, and joyful living. Resurrection gives us power and hope to live each day.

‍