WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.459 Well, thank you very much to the band and for everyone else who has already participated this evening. 00:00:05.759 --> 00:00:10.040 Let's just pray one more time before we turn to this passage. 00:00:13.620 --> 00:00:21.240 Father, as we look to the end of time this evening, as we consider that final day, the day of the Lord. 00:00:23.059 --> 00:00:26.699 Lord, help us live our lives with a long term vision. 00:00:26.699 --> 00:00:31.820 Help us live our lives the way you want us to live. 00:00:32.859 --> 00:00:35.539 In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 00:00:38.259 --> 00:00:44.560 One of the things I've been thinking about over the last few weeks, and one of the things that I know to be very true, I'm quite an organized person, 00:00:45.200 --> 00:00:49.060 is that people generally like to be prepared, don't they? 00:00:49.539 --> 00:00:54.640 So you'll feel this at work, you'll feel this at home, and in almost every area of life. 00:00:54.640 --> 00:01:00.120 If you know that something is coming, something's on the horizon, you want to be ready for it. 00:01:00.439 --> 00:01:01.280 You want to be prepared. 00:01:02.520 --> 00:01:07.700 And so, for example, in the beginning of May, Sabina and I were told that we needed to leave our apartment. 00:01:07.879 --> 00:01:10.060 The landlord needed it back, so fair enough. 00:01:10.719 --> 00:01:15.900 And in my mind, the 31st of July is a date that will bring some significant change. 00:01:15.900 --> 00:01:23.120 But instead of me sitting on that information for the last few months, I've been doing something about it. 00:01:23.760 --> 00:01:26.100 Sabina and I have been preparing for that day. 00:01:26.260 --> 00:01:33.540 So over the last few weeks, we have been climbing over, bumping into, and packing boxes upon boxes. 00:01:34.100 --> 00:01:37.880 Packing all of our belongings ready for that day to move. 00:01:37.960 --> 00:01:40.719 And this afternoon, we picked up the keys to our new flat. 00:01:41.680 --> 00:01:42.320 It's great. 00:01:42.319 --> 00:01:49.859 But it wouldn't make sense if we didn't think about the move until the day before it was supposed to happen, would it? 00:01:50.799 --> 00:01:56.139 It wouldn't make sense for me to think about this sermon two minutes before I got up to speak. 00:01:57.879 --> 00:02:00.719 Preparation is part of our everyday lives. 00:02:00.879 --> 00:02:04.399 But do we consider it to be part of our Christian life? 00:02:05.359 --> 00:02:07.219 And that's what I want us to think about this evening. 00:02:08.019 --> 00:02:09.000 Are you prepared? 00:02:09.000 --> 00:02:15.379 Last week, Tim took us through the end of 1 Thessalonians chapter 4. 00:02:15.780 --> 00:02:18.560 And that passage was about the day that Jesus will return. 00:02:19.620 --> 00:02:25.180 Paul was teaching and is teaching the Thessalonians what will happen on that final day to believers. 00:02:25.479 --> 00:02:27.340 But specifically those who had died. 00:02:28.780 --> 00:02:32.960 And this evening, Paul continues his teaching on that final day, on the return of Jesus. 00:02:33.560 --> 00:02:35.879 But he has a slightly different angle on it. 00:02:39.000 --> 00:02:43.780 Paul is saying that Christians should be prepared for the final day of the Lord. 00:02:43.900 --> 00:02:45.439 The day that Jesus will return. 00:02:47.580 --> 00:02:49.340 Because that is the will of God. 00:02:49.800 --> 00:02:54.659 That we would be sanctified, made more and more into the image of Jesus. 00:02:56.099 --> 00:02:59.780 And Paul says for Christians to be prepared, they need to know three things. 00:02:59.780 --> 00:03:02.300 Know what's coming. 00:03:03.479 --> 00:03:04.659 Know your identity. 00:03:05.840 --> 00:03:06.879 And know how to live. 00:03:08.240 --> 00:03:11.780 So the first thing that Paul says to the Thessalonians is, 00:03:12.379 --> 00:03:13.400 Know what's coming. 00:03:13.520 --> 00:03:14.800 Verses 1 to 3. 00:03:14.960 --> 00:03:15.840 Know what's coming. 00:03:17.159 --> 00:03:21.979 So here we see the beginning of another teaching slot in this short book of 1 Thessalonians. 00:03:21.979 --> 00:03:25.119 And it starts in a similar way to the previous section. 00:03:25.859 --> 00:03:30.000 So if you glance over the page to 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 verse 1. 00:03:30.099 --> 00:03:32.319 And compare it with chapter 5 verse 1. 00:03:32.699 --> 00:03:37.439 You'll see that they both have this sense that Paul is starting to teach something new. 00:03:38.139 --> 00:03:39.699 Or to clarify something. 00:03:40.879 --> 00:03:44.699 That Timothy maybe reported back to Paul as being slightly off. 00:03:44.799 --> 00:03:45.699 Slightly ski whiff. 00:03:45.699 --> 00:03:56.139 And so in chapter 5 verse 1, Paul starts to correct and teach the Thessalonian church about times and dates of the return of Jesus. 00:03:57.500 --> 00:04:04.579 So it appears that there were some in that church and in that city who were preoccupied with the time and date of Jesus' return. 00:04:05.579 --> 00:04:08.899 And they were just as preoccupied as there are theories today. 00:04:08.900 --> 00:04:15.520 So I did a quick search this week and I have, in my short lifespan of 26 years, 00:04:15.780 --> 00:04:22.199 I have lived through at least 14 major theories and predicted dates of Jesus' return. 00:04:22.620 --> 00:04:24.759 14 in 26 years. 00:04:26.920 --> 00:04:33.579 Now I think that some of the Thessalonians were looking at the persecution that seems to have begun around them. 00:04:33.620 --> 00:04:35.840 That's referenced more in 2 Thessalonians. 00:04:35.839 --> 00:04:41.479 But they might have seen how they were becoming more and more marginalised in society. 00:04:42.199 --> 00:04:44.839 And think, surely God won't let this continue. 00:04:45.519 --> 00:04:46.979 Surely Jesus will return. 00:04:48.679 --> 00:04:58.120 And I think when you think about that, you can kind of understand why they'd be looking and be interested in the next prediction of Jesus' return. 00:04:59.899 --> 00:05:03.399 Similarly today, people get caught up in signs and wonders. 00:05:03.979 --> 00:05:05.679 All you need to do is go online. 00:05:06.479 --> 00:05:11.679 Check social media and you'll find almost a different prediction for any given day of the year. 00:05:12.679 --> 00:05:15.419 People are saying that signs are happening left, right and centre. 00:05:16.619 --> 00:05:21.639 And I think that this comes from our overwhelming desire to know absolutely everything. 00:05:21.899 --> 00:05:23.620 To understand everything. 00:05:23.620 --> 00:05:29.819 If we don't understand something, we work our hardest until we do understand it. 00:05:29.819 --> 00:05:36.079 But will humanity ever really be able to understand the Almighty God? 00:05:37.000 --> 00:05:37.319 No. 00:05:37.319 --> 00:05:43.079 Will we ever know exactly when Jesus will return? 00:05:43.159 --> 00:05:46.360 Exactly how and in exactly which sequence things will happen? 00:05:47.060 --> 00:05:50.459 Sure, in the Bible we have many indications. 00:05:50.980 --> 00:05:52.339 But can we know for certain? 00:05:53.379 --> 00:05:53.680 No. 00:05:53.680 --> 00:05:54.680 No. 00:05:54.680 --> 00:05:55.680 No. 00:05:55.680 --> 00:05:56.680 No. 00:05:56.680 --> 00:05:57.680 No. 00:05:57.680 --> 00:05:58.680 No. 00:05:58.680 --> 00:05:59.680 No. 00:05:59.680 --> 00:06:00.680 No. 00:06:00.680 --> 00:06:01.680 No. 00:06:01.680 --> 00:06:02.680 No. 00:06:02.680 --> 00:06:03.680 No. 00:06:03.680 --> 00:06:04.680 No. 00:06:04.680 --> 00:06:05.680 No. 00:06:05.680 --> 00:06:06.680 No. 00:06:06.680 --> 00:06:07.680 No. 00:06:07.680 --> 00:06:08.680 No. 00:06:08.680 --> 00:06:09.680 No. 00:06:09.680 --> 00:06:10.680 No. 00:06:10.680 --> 00:06:11.680 No. 00:06:11.680 --> 00:06:12.680 No. 00:06:12.680 --> 00:06:13.680 No. 00:06:13.680 --> 00:06:14.680 No. 00:06:14.680 --> 00:06:15.720 No. 00:06:15.780 --> 00:06:16.780 No. 00:06:16.779 --> 00:06:21.279 ago we finished our morning series on the book of Joel and it spoke a lot about the day of the Lord. 00:06:22.539 --> 00:06:28.399 The day of the Lord is when Jesus will return. It is a day of blessing for his people because 00:06:28.399 --> 00:06:34.459 they will be reunited with their king but it will be a day of calamity and destruction for those 00:06:34.459 --> 00:06:42.299 who do not know Jesus. Those who reject Jesus in this life will be rejected by him on that final 00:06:42.300 --> 00:06:48.460 day. But Paul says he doesn't need to explain this because he's taught it to them before. 00:06:49.520 --> 00:06:56.020 They knew that Jesus would return and that he would come like a thief in the night. Now I don't 00:06:56.020 --> 00:07:01.519 know how much you know about thieves, maybe you have personal experience of being robbed, but from my 00:07:01.519 --> 00:07:06.400 experience they generally don't knock at your door at two in the morning and ask politely if they can 00:07:06.399 --> 00:07:12.679 come in and raid your house. No, they come in in the dead of night when nobody's expecting them, 00:07:13.000 --> 00:07:17.560 when nobody in the house is expecting any activity and they get away with all the valuables. 00:07:19.699 --> 00:07:24.620 Paul says that this day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, meaning that the day of the 00:07:24.620 --> 00:07:30.919 Lord is unpredictable. You will not know when it is coming until it is here. 00:07:30.920 --> 00:07:39.920 But there will be those who are expecting that day. Christians should be expecting Jesus to return. 00:07:40.020 --> 00:07:45.220 We do not know when, but we are watching and waiting for the return of our king. 00:07:48.200 --> 00:07:51.879 And then there will be those for whom this day is a complete surprise. 00:07:53.080 --> 00:08:00.800 And on that day, those who do not know Jesus will not understand until they see him as he is. 00:08:00.920 --> 00:08:08.759 And verse 3 says that this day of the Lord will come when people are saying peace and safety. 00:08:09.840 --> 00:08:14.000 Now peace and safety was a Roman catchphrase for the greatness of Rome. 00:08:14.000 --> 00:08:19.240 And it shows where the city of Thessalonica put their confidence and their security. 00:08:20.300 --> 00:08:23.900 So the peace of Rome was a pretty big deal. 00:08:23.899 --> 00:08:31.819 It meant that Rome controlled all of its empire by having different governors look over and after different provinces. 00:08:32.480 --> 00:08:37.779 People could live under their own laws as long as they submitted to their Roman ruler. 00:08:38.240 --> 00:08:43.240 They submitted to their taxes and they lived under the Roman military. 00:08:43.240 --> 00:08:50.740 So this means that the whole of the Roman Empire at its peak was safe. 00:08:52.480 --> 00:08:57.620 And the phrase peace and safety characterized the whole of the Roman Empire. 00:08:57.759 --> 00:09:00.940 The historians today call it Pax Romana, a bit of Latin for you. 00:09:01.440 --> 00:09:03.840 Or the peace of Rome, Roman peace. 00:09:04.580 --> 00:09:06.820 People trusted Rome to protect them. 00:09:06.820 --> 00:09:10.860 They viewed the emperor as a god and worshipped him. 00:09:10.920 --> 00:09:14.000 But what does Psalm 146 say that we began with this evening? 00:09:14.820 --> 00:09:19.900 Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings who cannot save. 00:09:20.440 --> 00:09:24.100 When their spirit departs, when they die, they return to the ground. 00:09:24.760 --> 00:09:27.160 On that very day, their plans come to nothing. 00:09:27.159 --> 00:09:32.759 But blessed is the one whose help is the God of Jacob. 00:09:34.019 --> 00:09:36.759 Whose hope is the Lord their God. 00:09:38.299 --> 00:09:41.620 Paul is saying that Rome may protect you from earthly armies. 00:09:42.159 --> 00:09:45.360 But it will do absolutely nothing for you on the day of the Lord. 00:09:46.600 --> 00:09:52.159 For those who are unprepared, they are walking around with a false sense of security. 00:09:53.159 --> 00:09:56.779 And when the day of the Lord comes, destruction will be upon them. 00:09:56.779 --> 00:09:59.000 There will be no escaping that day. 00:09:59.100 --> 00:10:00.480 No opportunity to flee. 00:10:02.559 --> 00:10:06.220 The day of the Lord is unpredictable like a thief in the night. 00:10:06.439 --> 00:10:07.879 But it is also inevitable. 00:10:08.659 --> 00:10:11.319 And you see that with Paul's illustration of labor pains. 00:10:12.299 --> 00:10:18.220 When a woman's contractions start, they're an indication that the baby is getting ready to make an appearance. 00:10:19.539 --> 00:10:22.720 There's no way that the mother can stop that baby from coming. 00:10:23.600 --> 00:10:24.860 The birth is inevitable. 00:10:24.860 --> 00:10:28.200 And the day of the Lord is coming. 00:10:29.080 --> 00:10:33.060 And nothing will stop Jesus Christ returning to his bride, the church. 00:10:34.180 --> 00:10:37.440 So the day of the Lord is unpredictable, but it is inevitable. 00:10:38.879 --> 00:10:40.500 Unpredictable, but inevitable. 00:10:42.500 --> 00:10:43.480 Are you prepared? 00:10:43.480 --> 00:10:47.600 Are you preparing others for that day? 00:10:49.300 --> 00:10:53.519 So this message is first and foremost a warning to those who are not Christians. 00:10:54.539 --> 00:10:56.019 The day of the Lord is coming. 00:10:56.159 --> 00:10:57.180 Jesus will return. 00:10:57.279 --> 00:10:58.080 We do not know when. 00:10:58.159 --> 00:10:59.420 It could be tomorrow. 00:10:59.620 --> 00:11:00.379 It could be next year. 00:11:00.460 --> 00:11:02.220 It could be in hundreds of years. 00:11:02.259 --> 00:11:03.039 We have no idea. 00:11:03.879 --> 00:11:04.840 But it is coming. 00:11:04.840 --> 00:11:08.960 And we also don't know when we will die and meet him. 00:11:10.180 --> 00:11:24.019 And so the message of Jesus, the message of forgiveness of sins, the chance to be made right with God, to have true peace and true safety that are everlasting is not something to be put off. 00:11:24.019 --> 00:11:28.100 Are you prepared for the return of Jesus? 00:11:28.259 --> 00:11:31.879 Will that day be a day of blessing or a day of devastation? 00:11:31.879 --> 00:11:37.799 If you do not know where you stand, please speak to somebody this evening. 00:11:39.000 --> 00:11:40.700 Pray with the person next to you. 00:11:40.779 --> 00:11:47.080 Ask them questions because everybody who is a Christian wants to tell you about the good news of Jesus. 00:11:49.340 --> 00:11:55.019 Don't waste time, but be prepared because the day of the Lord is coming. 00:11:56.679 --> 00:11:58.519 Or maybe you are a Christian this evening. 00:11:59.399 --> 00:12:01.440 Are you preparing others for that day? 00:12:01.879 --> 00:12:09.639 If this is the end that awaits those who do not know Jesus, are we doing anything about it? 00:12:11.360 --> 00:12:18.899 In 2015, researchers estimated that 31.2% of the world's population are Christians. 00:12:19.480 --> 00:12:21.179 You see the statistics behind me. 00:12:23.480 --> 00:12:25.600 Should that statistic make us rejoice? 00:12:26.419 --> 00:12:26.779 Definitely. 00:12:28.019 --> 00:12:31.299 We should be glad that there are so many Christians in this world. 00:12:31.299 --> 00:12:34.979 But should that statistic put fire in our hearts? 00:12:35.679 --> 00:12:38.719 Because there are so many of the world who do not know Jesus. 00:12:39.599 --> 00:12:40.039 Absolutely. 00:12:40.039 --> 00:12:47.319 This passage encourages us to look at what has already been taught. 00:12:48.319 --> 00:12:49.279 Pick up your Bible. 00:12:49.480 --> 00:12:49.919 Read it. 00:12:50.299 --> 00:12:53.659 See that God says time and time again that he is coming back. 00:12:54.379 --> 00:12:56.719 He will gather his people and dwell with them forever. 00:12:57.159 --> 00:13:00.339 And those who do not know him will be rejected and suffer his judgment. 00:13:00.340 --> 00:13:08.019 Are you willing to get out of your comfort zone and speak about Jesus? 00:13:08.019 --> 00:13:15.639 As Christians, we know the truth that can save people on that final day. 00:13:15.699 --> 00:13:17.199 So why do we keep it to ourselves? 00:13:18.159 --> 00:13:21.779 And I am saying this to myself as much as I am to you. 00:13:22.279 --> 00:13:26.360 Do we talk ourselves out of sharing the gospel because we maybe feel inadequate? 00:13:26.360 --> 00:13:29.899 Because we don't think we know all the answers. 00:13:30.039 --> 00:13:32.139 Maybe we feel we don't have time. 00:13:33.519 --> 00:13:37.000 Or we don't want to make a mess of it and turn people away from God forever. 00:13:38.000 --> 00:13:41.600 But do we not share the gospel simply because we don't want to feel uncomfortable? 00:13:41.600 --> 00:13:54.840 Our temporary comfort in this world is of absolutely no significance to those who are perishing around us without a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. 00:13:57.040 --> 00:14:00.620 Are you willing to prepare others for the day of the Lord? 00:14:02.200 --> 00:14:05.080 That day is unpredictable, but it is inevitable. 00:14:05.720 --> 00:14:07.279 Know what's coming. 00:14:07.279 --> 00:14:15.519 The second thing that Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to know is their identity. 00:14:15.759 --> 00:14:16.879 Verses 4 to 7. 00:14:17.039 --> 00:14:18.220 Know your identity. 00:14:19.480 --> 00:14:29.039 As this passage was read out to us, maybe you notice the contrast that Paul is drawing out between followers of Jesus and those who have rejected Jesus. 00:14:30.399 --> 00:14:36.799 So Paul says that Christians are children of light and those who do not know Jesus are in darkness. 00:14:38.279 --> 00:14:41.639 They are in darkness because they do not know the things of God. 00:14:42.179 --> 00:14:48.899 God has revealed himself to this world through creation, through the Bible and ultimately through Jesus Christ, his own son. 00:14:49.919 --> 00:14:54.939 Yet those in darkness ignore all of these things and prefer to live as if God doesn't exist. 00:14:57.159 --> 00:15:05.879 But Christians are children of light because we have seen the truth and God has opened our eyes to see God for who he is. 00:15:05.879 --> 00:15:15.159 In verse 4, Paul is saying that because of your identity as a Christian, you should not be surprised at the coming of Jesus. 00:15:15.700 --> 00:15:19.340 But you should be prepared and eagerly waiting for it. 00:15:19.340 --> 00:15:22.780 Why does our identity matter? 00:15:22.780 --> 00:15:32.700 Well, it matters because on that day when Jesus returns, if you are a Christian, you can have confidence, assurance. 00:15:33.320 --> 00:15:36.200 You can know for sure that you will be with Jesus. 00:15:36.200 --> 00:15:42.080 It matters because knowing who you are should shape how you live. 00:15:43.020 --> 00:15:49.259 Not because that will make you somebody better, but because you want to glorify Jesus with your life. 00:15:49.259 --> 00:15:59.480 Knowing your identity in Jesus should be the driving force behind how we plan our weeks. 00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:08.460 How we make decisions, how we serve others and how we shape the way we seek to grow in our love for the Lord. 00:16:09.259 --> 00:16:13.179 Our love for his word, for his church and a love for the lost. 00:16:13.179 --> 00:16:17.399 That's why we need to know our identity. 00:16:19.500 --> 00:16:21.459 And Paul is making this comparison. 00:16:22.120 --> 00:16:26.299 Have you ever made a comparison before between two things that are fundamentally different? 00:16:26.739 --> 00:16:30.659 I was having a conversation yesterday and someone used the phrase chalk and cheese. 00:16:31.719 --> 00:16:34.599 Or day and night, black and white. 00:16:34.600 --> 00:16:42.139 These phrases highlight the differences between two people, two worldviews, two political ideas, whatever it may be. 00:16:42.860 --> 00:16:44.540 But that is what Paul is doing here. 00:16:45.680 --> 00:16:50.720 As children of light, as people who know Jesus and have sat under the teaching of Paul. 00:16:51.960 --> 00:16:54.940 As people who have been passed on the knowledge of the second coming. 00:16:55.420 --> 00:16:58.320 The Thessalonian church should not be surprised when it comes. 00:16:58.320 --> 00:17:02.240 But they should be eagerly expecting it at any moment. 00:17:02.240 --> 00:17:06.259 Living in anticipation of that day. 00:17:07.779 --> 00:17:09.460 The light has been revealed. 00:17:09.920 --> 00:17:13.700 Jesus Christ came into this world of darkness to bring light. 00:17:14.880 --> 00:17:18.839 But the Bible says that those in darkness loved the darkness instead. 00:17:21.599 --> 00:17:25.180 Their identity as children of light should comfort them. 00:17:25.319 --> 00:17:30.740 Because it means that the day of the Lord will not be a day of destruction, but a day of celebration. 00:17:32.240 --> 00:17:34.539 And if you're a Christian, that is the same for you. 00:17:36.859 --> 00:17:41.599 Now up until this point in this passage, Paul has been using you language. 00:17:42.200 --> 00:17:43.519 So verse 2, you know. 00:17:43.960 --> 00:17:46.839 Verse 4, you brothers should not be surprised. 00:17:46.980 --> 00:17:48.859 Verse 5, you are children of light. 00:17:50.019 --> 00:17:54.120 But in the second half of verse 5, Paul turns and uses we language. 00:17:54.559 --> 00:17:57.920 He's identifying with the Thessalonians. 00:17:57.980 --> 00:17:59.599 And this runs through the rest of the passage. 00:17:59.599 --> 00:18:05.099 Here you see Paul's pastoral heart for the children in the faith. 00:18:06.379 --> 00:18:12.599 He's encouraging his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ that they share the same identity in Jesus. 00:18:13.219 --> 00:18:14.559 He is no different from them. 00:18:15.240 --> 00:18:17.740 But they have one identity. 00:18:18.399 --> 00:18:22.599 They are united as one body under one head, Jesus Christ. 00:18:22.599 --> 00:18:30.000 The one who has revealed God to them and has brought them from darkness to light. 00:18:30.000 --> 00:18:33.660 And so in verse 6, Paul says, 00:18:33.779 --> 00:18:38.099 As children of light, do not be like the others who sleep and who are drunk. 00:18:39.039 --> 00:18:41.960 But instead be awake and be sober. 00:18:43.440 --> 00:18:47.819 Now this sleep is not to be confused with the sleep that Tim was talking about last week. 00:18:48.319 --> 00:18:52.000 At the end of chapter 4, the sleep that Paul is talking about is death. 00:18:52.000 --> 00:18:59.299 And Paul uses sleep as an illustration of the temporary nature of death for Christians. 00:19:00.279 --> 00:19:06.319 But in tonight's passage, the sleep that Paul is referring to is the attitude of those who are unaware of Jesus. 00:19:07.019 --> 00:19:09.920 Unaware of his works and unaware of his return. 00:19:09.920 --> 00:19:17.840 In short, the children of darkness are oblivious to the day of the Lord and to the ways of God. 00:19:19.060 --> 00:19:22.340 Now I remember as a child attending a pantomime with my family. 00:19:22.539 --> 00:19:28.279 If you've been to one before, you probably remember at least one scene in the show 00:19:28.279 --> 00:19:32.700 where a character is walking around the stage, absolutely oblivious to everything that's going on, 00:19:33.120 --> 00:19:34.880 whistling away, not a care in the world. 00:19:34.880 --> 00:19:39.259 And it's only when the whole audience, they don't let anybody sit there silently, 00:19:39.259 --> 00:19:43.099 when the whole audience screams, it's behind you. 00:19:44.079 --> 00:19:46.420 Do they turn around and realize what's coming? 00:19:50.879 --> 00:19:54.200 Paul uses two illustrations to draw out this oblivion 00:19:54.200 --> 00:19:56.640 because the children of darkness are like that person. 00:19:57.019 --> 00:19:58.279 They do not know what's coming. 00:19:59.059 --> 00:20:02.099 And the two illustrations are sleep and drunkenness. 00:20:02.900 --> 00:20:06.980 Now when most people sleep, they're unaware of what's going on around them. 00:20:06.980 --> 00:20:12.180 Some people are so good at it that there could be a huge storm raging outside their window 00:20:12.180 --> 00:20:13.860 and they could sleep like a log. 00:20:16.940 --> 00:20:19.960 When people are drunk, they lose their senses. 00:20:20.980 --> 00:20:22.059 They're not themselves. 00:20:22.200 --> 00:20:25.819 They need to concentrate on the most simple of tasks like walking. 00:20:26.480 --> 00:20:29.220 They're unaware of everything going on around them. 00:20:29.220 --> 00:20:32.500 That's what this group is like, Paul says. 00:20:32.640 --> 00:20:36.920 But do not be like them because of your identity. 00:20:37.680 --> 00:20:39.339 Be awake and alert. 00:20:40.620 --> 00:20:46.299 So imagine a city gate with a guard standing on top on the lookout for the invading army 00:20:46.299 --> 00:20:47.500 that's just on the horizon. 00:20:48.860 --> 00:20:53.400 Always watching, always paying attention for that scout which is coming. 00:20:53.400 --> 00:20:58.960 And then imagine a drunk man sitting on the floor just on the outside of the city gate. 00:20:59.980 --> 00:21:01.280 Not a care in the world. 00:21:02.340 --> 00:21:05.640 Doesn't care that this army is just about to come and attack the city. 00:21:05.940 --> 00:21:07.220 He doesn't know what's coming. 00:21:09.040 --> 00:21:10.780 Know your identity, Paul says. 00:21:11.220 --> 00:21:12.259 You are children of light. 00:21:12.360 --> 00:21:15.700 Be like that guard on the top of the city wall. 00:21:15.820 --> 00:21:16.940 Always on the lookout. 00:21:17.120 --> 00:21:19.019 Eagerly expecting Jesus' return. 00:21:19.560 --> 00:21:20.700 Be alert and sober. 00:21:20.940 --> 00:21:23.320 Waiting and watching for that great day. 00:21:23.400 --> 00:21:26.780 Are you prepared? 00:21:29.480 --> 00:21:32.960 This is the truth for each and every person in this world. 00:21:33.060 --> 00:21:36.180 They are either in the group characterized by sleep and drunkenness. 00:21:36.360 --> 00:21:42.000 Or in the group characterized by awakeness and being sober. 00:21:45.100 --> 00:21:46.540 Which group do you belong to? 00:21:49.200 --> 00:21:52.019 If you're a Christian this evening, do you know your identity? 00:21:52.019 --> 00:21:55.039 Do you know who you are before God? 00:21:55.839 --> 00:21:59.980 When was the last time you thought about who you are as you stand before God? 00:22:01.119 --> 00:22:04.420 So often we pull ourselves down and focus on our sinfulness. 00:22:04.639 --> 00:22:08.240 And that isn't wrong because we do need to know the seriousness of our sin. 00:22:08.559 --> 00:22:12.680 But don't we also need to know this awesomeness of Jesus our Savior? 00:22:12.680 --> 00:22:16.720 Robert Murray McShane said, 00:22:16.799 --> 00:22:19.840 For every look itself, take ten looks at Christ. 00:22:21.640 --> 00:22:22.200 Why? 00:22:23.140 --> 00:22:25.779 Why does the cross of Jesus matter so much? 00:22:26.799 --> 00:22:30.920 Matthew Henry, a famous and well-known Bible commentator, says this. 00:22:30.920 --> 00:22:34.539 Come, see the victories of the cross. 00:22:34.740 --> 00:22:37.580 Christ wounds are thy healings. 00:22:37.880 --> 00:22:39.519 His agonies thy repose. 00:22:39.640 --> 00:22:41.539 His conflicts thy conquests. 00:22:41.920 --> 00:22:43.380 His groans thy songs. 00:22:43.820 --> 00:22:45.160 His pains thine ease. 00:22:45.259 --> 00:22:46.880 His shame thy glory. 00:22:47.039 --> 00:22:48.880 His death thy life. 00:22:49.400 --> 00:22:51.600 His sufferings thy salvation. 00:22:51.599 --> 00:22:58.759 As a Christian this evening, soak in that glorious truth. 00:22:59.719 --> 00:23:03.839 That through Jesus Christ, you have been delivered from darkness to light. 00:23:04.079 --> 00:23:05.539 You have been declared free. 00:23:06.719 --> 00:23:07.179 Forgiven. 00:23:07.679 --> 00:23:10.639 And have been set apart by God and for God. 00:23:10.899 --> 00:23:14.159 Through Jesus Christ taking your place and your punishment. 00:23:14.160 --> 00:23:18.680 You are no longer in darkness. 00:23:18.680 --> 00:23:21.200 But now you have been called into the family of God. 00:23:21.279 --> 00:23:22.620 You have a seat at the table. 00:23:24.580 --> 00:23:26.080 Isn't that a marvelous truth? 00:23:26.900 --> 00:23:31.100 Isn't that something that can get us excited and want to tell people about? 00:23:33.500 --> 00:23:36.180 Shouldn't that prepare us to meet our Father one day? 00:23:40.540 --> 00:23:42.940 Your identity on the day of the Lord matters. 00:23:42.940 --> 00:23:45.120 And will determine how you spend eternity. 00:23:45.920 --> 00:23:48.720 Will you live in darkness now and forevermore? 00:23:49.320 --> 00:23:52.200 Or will you live in light now and forevermore? 00:23:54.039 --> 00:23:55.240 Will you be prepared? 00:23:55.779 --> 00:23:56.559 I beg you. 00:23:57.480 --> 00:23:58.820 Please be prepared. 00:24:01.920 --> 00:24:04.500 And for people to be prepared for the day of the Lord. 00:24:04.559 --> 00:24:05.620 They need to know what's coming. 00:24:06.340 --> 00:24:07.799 They need to know their identity. 00:24:08.420 --> 00:24:10.700 And lastly, they need to know how to live. 00:24:11.039 --> 00:24:12.160 Verses 8 to 11. 00:24:12.160 --> 00:24:13.380 Know how to live. 00:24:14.820 --> 00:24:17.660 The Thessalonians know their identity in Jesus. 00:24:18.120 --> 00:24:19.640 Paul has made that clear to them. 00:24:19.700 --> 00:24:23.700 But he doesn't stop there at the head knowledge level. 00:24:24.840 --> 00:24:27.880 He gives them practical advice on how to live it out. 00:24:27.880 --> 00:24:33.740 It makes no sense to know a lot of things but to not actually put any of it into practice. 00:24:33.840 --> 00:24:34.200 Does it? 00:24:35.580 --> 00:24:40.480 We wouldn't think very highly of a doctor who knows all there is to know about the human body. 00:24:40.800 --> 00:24:45.700 Knows how to save someone in emergency but stands idly by as someone is choking to death. 00:24:45.700 --> 00:24:48.240 Because he doesn't want to get his hands dirty. 00:24:48.240 --> 00:24:51.160 He doesn't want to put his knowledge into action. 00:24:51.660 --> 00:24:57.019 It doesn't make sense for someone to store up a load of head knowledge but to do nothing with it. 00:24:57.019 --> 00:25:03.099 Knowing your identity in Jesus should result in your life being changed. 00:25:03.559 --> 00:25:07.359 You growing more and more into the image of Jesus Christ. 00:25:07.500 --> 00:25:11.879 And that is done through the power of the Holy Spirit that we'll see more about next week. 00:25:11.880 --> 00:25:19.380 And so Paul gives practicalities of how to live your life as a Christian in light of the return of Jesus. 00:25:21.080 --> 00:25:27.120 Paul told the Thessalonians to wake up to their identity and now he is saying dress up for life. 00:25:27.700 --> 00:25:28.560 In verse 8. 00:25:28.980 --> 00:25:32.160 Because of our shared identity in Christ Paul says be sober. 00:25:32.640 --> 00:25:35.680 Put on faith and love as a breastplate. 00:25:36.140 --> 00:25:38.620 And hope of salvation as a helmet. 00:25:38.619 --> 00:25:42.399 Now we've seen this triad before haven't we? 00:25:42.459 --> 00:25:43.739 In chapter 1 verse 3. 00:25:44.559 --> 00:25:49.979 Where Paul is giving thanks for the Thessalonians and how they are living out these three qualities as a Christian. 00:25:50.979 --> 00:25:55.119 But now Paul almost weaponizes these qualities. 00:25:56.599 --> 00:25:58.719 Paul describes faith and love as a breastplate. 00:25:59.239 --> 00:26:00.899 And the hope of salvation as a helmet. 00:26:01.639 --> 00:26:03.819 These are defensive pieces of armor. 00:26:03.819 --> 00:26:08.579 If you've ever been to London and visited Buckingham Palace. 00:26:08.579 --> 00:26:12.539 You've probably seen a man on a horse looking at something like this. 00:26:13.439 --> 00:26:15.460 These are called the Queen's lifeguard. 00:26:16.119 --> 00:26:19.460 They have a breastplate and a helmet and usually a sword as well. 00:26:20.119 --> 00:26:21.659 Now these men will not smile at you. 00:26:22.279 --> 00:26:24.200 They will not acknowledge that you are there. 00:26:24.859 --> 00:26:26.039 They will not talk to you. 00:26:26.279 --> 00:26:30.579 They are entirely focused on their duties to protect the Queen and her estates. 00:26:30.579 --> 00:26:36.619 These soldiers are undeterred by their surroundings because of their focus on their duties. 00:26:37.720 --> 00:26:42.000 And that is a similar kind of life that Paul is calling us to in these verses. 00:26:43.720 --> 00:26:53.460 As a Christian your duty, your privilege because of your identity in God is to have faith and love as a breastplate. 00:26:53.460 --> 00:26:58.559 And that means faith in God and love for his people. 00:26:59.140 --> 00:27:01.840 And all of this in light of the future day of the Lord. 00:27:02.160 --> 00:27:05.180 This is how we prepare ourselves for that final day. 00:27:05.880 --> 00:27:08.059 In all of our sufferings for the gospel. 00:27:08.620 --> 00:27:14.079 In all of our persecutions and heartaches of living in a world which hates our King. 00:27:14.079 --> 00:27:19.439 The one thing that should stand firm is our faith in God. 00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:23.599 And we should love and support our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. 00:27:24.839 --> 00:27:27.299 And we put on the hope of salvation as a helmet. 00:27:28.859 --> 00:27:33.919 The hope that Paul is speaking about here is not the kind of hope that has no foundation. 00:27:35.039 --> 00:27:41.779 He isn't saying live out your life as best you can and then hopefully maybe God will save you on that final day. 00:27:41.779 --> 00:27:42.139 No. 00:27:43.039 --> 00:27:45.039 And you'll see that if you turn to verse 9. 00:27:47.019 --> 00:27:55.539 But the hope of salvation is the definite, absolute, certain knowledge that on the day when Jesus returns, 00:27:55.680 --> 00:27:57.980 his people's salvation will be complete. 00:27:59.359 --> 00:28:01.680 No longer will we feel the effects of sin. 00:28:02.839 --> 00:28:06.660 No longer will we suffer in the hands of a world who hates Jesus. 00:28:07.579 --> 00:28:10.440 But verse 10 says that we will dwell with him forever. 00:28:11.779 --> 00:28:18.720 Tell that to a brother or sister in Christ who's in a hard labour camp in North Korea. 00:28:20.720 --> 00:28:25.059 Tell that to the Christians being cut down for their faith across the globe. 00:28:25.299 --> 00:28:27.440 Do you think that this would make a difference? 00:28:28.420 --> 00:28:28.899 Definitely. 00:28:28.900 --> 00:28:35.320 Because this truth is the one thing that keeps them going day in and day out, 00:28:35.360 --> 00:28:41.360 knowing that when Jesus returns, all of their suffering will be over and they will be reunited with their king. 00:28:41.359 --> 00:28:46.379 But we aren't in their situation. 00:28:47.319 --> 00:28:48.719 So what does this mean for us? 00:28:49.899 --> 00:28:53.799 Well, it means be alert, be prepared, know how to live now. 00:28:54.679 --> 00:28:58.139 Take these qualities of faith, love and hope and live them out. 00:28:58.140 --> 00:29:03.400 Head knowledge will only get you so far. 00:29:03.480 --> 00:29:07.740 But when you start to live out these truths in every area of your life, 00:29:08.240 --> 00:29:11.280 people will notice that something is different. 00:29:11.840 --> 00:29:14.020 And they will ask about why. 00:29:15.720 --> 00:29:17.600 So why does it matter for us to live this way? 00:29:17.660 --> 00:29:19.500 Because living this way will be noticeable. 00:29:20.500 --> 00:29:24.140 Living this way will give us opportunities to tell people about Jesus. 00:29:24.140 --> 00:29:28.620 And living this way will keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. 00:29:29.420 --> 00:29:31.540 Because everything we do is done for him. 00:29:35.360 --> 00:29:39.180 Verses 9 and 10 are a short summary of the gospel message. 00:29:39.860 --> 00:29:41.000 So let's get practical. 00:29:42.140 --> 00:29:46.720 Why not take these verses and pray them for your non-Christian friends and family this week? 00:29:47.940 --> 00:29:53.320 Or why not take these two verses and tell them to a non-Christian friend or family member this week? 00:29:54.140 --> 00:29:59.620 Take these verses and live your life in light of them. 00:30:00.140 --> 00:30:02.600 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath. 00:30:02.640 --> 00:30:04.940 That's referring to God's final judgment. 00:30:05.540 --> 00:30:08.800 But to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:30:09.060 --> 00:30:12.500 He died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep, 00:30:12.800 --> 00:30:14.520 we may live together with him. 00:30:15.360 --> 00:30:20.560 And encourage and build each other up with all of these truths just as you are doing. 00:30:20.559 --> 00:30:27.599 Those truths in verses 9 and 10. 00:30:28.399 --> 00:30:30.200 Brunsfield Evangelical Church. 00:30:31.339 --> 00:30:34.039 Encourage and build each other up in these truths. 00:30:36.200 --> 00:30:40.079 This evening there are so many of you here who do this without anybody noticing. 00:30:41.559 --> 00:30:43.440 You visit people in their homes. 00:30:43.879 --> 00:30:45.359 You have people around for dinner. 00:30:45.480 --> 00:30:46.899 You visit people for coffee. 00:30:46.900 --> 00:30:48.540 You call people up. 00:30:48.620 --> 00:30:49.840 Ask them how they're getting on. 00:30:50.820 --> 00:30:52.440 You help people move house. 00:30:53.240 --> 00:30:56.000 You pray faithfully for this church family. 00:30:57.140 --> 00:30:58.480 Keep going. 00:30:59.320 --> 00:31:00.259 Do not stop. 00:31:02.019 --> 00:31:05.300 I would love it if after every single service on a Sunday, 00:31:05.440 --> 00:31:07.840 we turned to the person next to us and said, 00:31:08.019 --> 00:31:09.620 how can I pray for you this week? 00:31:09.619 --> 00:31:16.179 How can I pray for you and encourage you in your faith, love and hope in Jesus Christ? 00:31:17.599 --> 00:31:20.819 It would be such an encouragement if after every service, 00:31:21.019 --> 00:31:22.899 we saw people praying with each other. 00:31:23.939 --> 00:31:27.739 Living the ups and downs of life together and being alert, 00:31:27.939 --> 00:31:30.319 living in anticipation of the return of Jesus. 00:31:31.399 --> 00:31:33.139 Wouldn't that transform our church family? 00:31:33.140 --> 00:31:39.680 Wouldn't that keep us alert and sober minded and prepare us for the day of the Lord? 00:31:42.960 --> 00:31:46.480 As we draw our service to a close this evening, let me ask you again. 00:31:47.560 --> 00:31:49.660 Are you prepared for the day of the Lord? 00:31:51.360 --> 00:31:56.800 Will that day of the Lord bring you destruction or will it bring you joy? 00:31:56.799 --> 00:32:04.180 If you knew that Jesus was returning tomorrow, would you live differently today? 00:32:06.299 --> 00:32:10.419 That's the kind of anticipation that Paul is calling us to have and that is not easy. 00:32:11.700 --> 00:32:14.799 And we need to pray for God's help because only he is able. 00:32:15.899 --> 00:32:18.059 We need to confess our need for him, 00:32:18.279 --> 00:32:22.839 whether that's for the first time calling out for forgiveness and asking him to save us, 00:32:22.839 --> 00:32:25.220 or whether that's for the hundredth time today, 00:32:25.720 --> 00:32:31.299 asking for his strength to endure the race until the day of the Lord. 00:32:32.159 --> 00:32:33.159 Let's pray together. 00:32:41.159 --> 00:32:45.879 Heavenly Father, we thank you so much that you have revealed yourself to us in your words. 00:32:47.639 --> 00:32:50.419 We thank you that you have spoken to us through the Bible. 00:32:50.420 --> 00:32:54.460 Lord, I pray that as we go into life this week, 00:32:54.740 --> 00:32:59.000 as we go to work, as we go stay with the grandkids, 00:32:59.080 --> 00:33:00.740 as we play around with the kids, 00:33:00.779 --> 00:33:03.300 as we join with friends and family in the evenings, 00:33:03.500 --> 00:33:07.560 Father, would you constantly be preparing us for that final day? 00:33:10.120 --> 00:33:12.320 Lord, would you give us opportunities this week 00:33:12.320 --> 00:33:15.700 to tell people of our identity in you 00:33:15.700 --> 00:33:20.559 and to share how they too can have the amazing opportunity to be forgiven 00:33:20.559 --> 00:33:22.340 and to be made right with you? 00:33:24.100 --> 00:33:27.200 We ask this knowing that you are able 00:33:27.200 --> 00:33:29.140 and that you are faithful. 00:33:30.100 --> 00:33:32.220 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:33:32.220 --> 00:33:32.340 Amen. 00:33:32.340 --> 00:33:32.420 Amen. 00:33:32.420 --> 00:33:33.340 Amen. 00:33:33.340 --> 00:33:34.340 Amen. 00:33:34.340 --> 00:33:34.460 Amen. 00:33:34.460 --> 00:33:34.840 Amen. 00:33:34.840 --> 00:33:34.960 Amen. 00:33:34.960 --> 00:33:35.460 Amen. 00:33:35.460 --> 00:33:36.460 Amen. 00:33:36.460 --> 00:33:36.960 Amen. 00:33:36.960 --> 00:33:37.460 Amen. 00:33:37.460 --> 00:33:37.519 Amen. 00:33:37.519 --> 00:33:38.460 Amen. 00:33:38.460 --> 00:33:38.519 Amen.