Are we Aware of the Coming of the Lord Jesus?

1 Thessalonians 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

The Thessalonians were well-aware that the time of the Lord’s advent to earth was secret and sudden, as a thief coming without warning. However, the Thessalonian church was not in the dark about this occasion that may happen any time. They were very aware of the suddenness of the coming of Christ. Paul wrote to admonish them on three counts, lessons which will do modern believers good if they take heed.

We are not in the dark about this coming
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief
1 Thessalonians 5:4

We have been told, warned, preached to, and taught that the coming of Christ is sudden. Therefore Paul tells us that we are not in the dark about the coming of Christ. The only reasons believers will be unprepared at the coming of Christ are they firstly are indifferent to the warnings and teachings of the Lord in the Bible and are secondly in the state of unbelief about the coming. Believers, know therefore, the coming of the Lord Jesus is sudden and soon.

We are the children of light
Ye are all the children of light
1 Thessalonians 5:5

As the Lord Jesus is the Light of this world (John 8:12), we who belong to Him are the children of Light. Against the backdrop of the coming of Christ, it is vital that we realise in the looming darkness that hangs over this sin-cursed world, the Lord Jesus instructs us to be the Light of this world. Our activities, behaviour, speech and life ought to be reflective of the light, love and life of Heaven rather than imitative of this world and her ways. Our lives need to point people to Christ because of the light that the Lord has given to us.

We are to be awake
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
1 Thessalonians 5:6

Paul further admonishes the Christian to be awake, like a sentry or watchman that guards a castle or city walls against possible enemies or intruders. We are to do the same with our spiritual lives, our families, our loved ones, our churches, our ministries and our hearts. We are to be watchful and sober, always taking the initiative when it comes to serving the Lord, in standing against sin, in helping a weaker brother, in protecting the unity of the church and in giving and having compassion for each other.

Dear believer in Christ, will the coming of Christ overtake you? Will it catch you by surprise? Will we lose some spiritual rewards because of our indifference and unbelief? Are we the children of light that will reflect the life of Christ to this dying world? Will we be awake, sober and in the fight to keep our hearts pure, our lives right, our families set apart, our church strong and our brethren united?

Christ is coming soon! Let us therefore, be alive, alert, awake and enthusiastic for the glory of God, that we may have a glorious entrance into the kingdom of God!

Evangelist-Pastor Johnny Tan
Ambassador Baptist Church