The Other Side of The Believer’s Comfort | 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Scripture

• 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11

About this sermon

The comfort that God gives to His people, based on their destiny, is presented in both positive AND negative terms. We know God’s comfort on both ends of the spectrum of destiny. We know comfort when concentrating on what we WILL experience in the future. We know comfort when concentrating on what we WILL NOT experience in the future. In chapter 4:13-18, Paul reminded the Thessalonians of the day when believers will meet the Lord Jesus in the air and will forever be with the Lord. He clarified what that day will mean for the dead in Christ. He clarified what that day will mean for those alive when Christ appears. A DAY OF REMOVAL FROM A WORLD OF SIN AND DEATH INTO AN AGE OF EVERLASTING LIFE. A DAY OF FAITH BECOMING SIGHT. A DAY OF REUNION WITH ALL THOSE BELIEVERS WHO HAVE PRECEDED US IN DEATH. A DAY OF EVERLASTING FELLOWSHIP IN THE PRESENCE OF JESUS. But WHAT FOLLOWS THAT EVENT? What follows is a time of judgment on the earth. What follows is what Scripture refers to as “The Day of the Lord.” That terminology is used in more than one way in Scripture and a survey of its uses would take much more than just a sermon. But the way Paul is using that description in our text, is with reference to the time when the wrath of God is poured out on the earth in a series of events, culminating with the return of Christ to the earth to judge lost humanity, and to usher in His Kingdom. WHAT PAUL IS EMPHASIZING IS THE WRATH OF GOD IN JUDGMENT UPON THIS WORLD. What is interesting however, is that HE EMPHASIZES COMFORT AGAIN. He is now talking about judgment, but his pastoral purpose has not changed. Just as he told them that his words were for their comfort when he talked about the rapture. Now, he ends this section telling them that these words are for their comfort as he has described judgment. HOW CAN THAT BE? HOW CAN THE TRUTH ABOUT THE JUDGMENT OF GOD SERVE AS A REASON FOR OUR COMFORT? This morning, I want to give you four reasons why the truth about Day of the Lord is a reason for believers to be encouraged and comforted. I. BECAUSE BELIEVERS KNOW THAT IT IS COMING (vs.1-2a) Paul says that the Thessalonians have knowledge regarding the times and seasons leading to the return of Christ. Paul uses two words that are meant to be taken together. Most scholars agree that these two Greek words (χρόνος and καιρός) were used synonymously in New Testament times. It is simply of way of saying; “you don’t need for someone to write to you about future things — about God’s future programs of deliverance and judgment.” Why? “Because you have already been taught about it.” What Paul is about to say concerning the day of the Lord, he had already taught them in the past. In fact, when he says “you know full well,” he uses a Greek word translated “full well” that can mean “accurately.”

Topics

• Faith
• Encouragement