1 Thessalonians 5: The Coming of the Lord
Why are some people so eager to study scripture about the last days?
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Mark 13:4 “Tell us,” they said, “when will all these things happen? How will we know when the time is at hand?”
Mark 13:32 “No one knows the exact date and time, not even the Son or the angels in Heaven. Only the Father knows.”
Luke 17:24 “Just as the lightning stretches from one end of the sky to the other, the coming of the Son of Man will be unmistakable.”
1 Thessalonians 5:1–2 If you are ready for the Lord’s coming, you don’t have to worry about when it will happen. You know perfectly well that the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, as a thief in the night.
King James
Mark 13:4 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?
Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
Luke 17:24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.
1 Thessalonians 5:1–2 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
What is the danger of saying there is no danger?
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Matthew 24:37–39 “The coming of the Son of Man will be like the days of Noah. Before the flood, people were eating, drinking, and having a good time until the day Noah entered the ark. They did not believe until the flood swept them away. It will be the same when the Son of Man comes.”
1 Thessalonians 5:3 People will say, “I’m okay. There is no danger. But destruction will come without warning, bringing cries like a pregnant woman in labor, and there will be no escape.
King James
Matthew 24:37–39 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
1 Thessalonians 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
Why will the Lord’s coming not be a surprise to those who know him?
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Luke 17:24 “Just as the lightning stretches from one end of the sky to the other, the coming of the Son of Man will be unmistakable.”
1 Thessalonians 5:4 But you aren’t among those who live in darkness, that the moment should surprise you like a thief.
King James
Luke 17:24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.
1 Thessalonians 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
What is the distinction between people of the day and people of the night?
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1 Thessalonians 5:5–8 You are people who belong to the light of day, not the darkness of night. While others are asleep, not paying attention, not caring, we need to wake up and be alert to what the Holy Spirit is speaking to our hearts. Those who are asleep are overcome by the darkness, their senses dulled by drunkenness. We who are of the day should be wide awake, wearing the bullet-proof vest of faith and love, with the hope of our salvation as a helmet.
King James
1 Thessalonians 5:5–8 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
How do we put on the “armor of God”?
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Ephesians 6:11–17 To stand against all the forces of evil, you need to put on the whole armor of God. Our struggle is not with people but with the forces that influence our desires. We are pressured by spiritual wickedness in high places of authority—social prejudices, government leaders who tell people what they want to hear, and the media that filters, distorts, and spins the “truth” to suit their agendas. That’s why you need every piece of God’s armor to stand strong in the battle and protect yourself from the evil. So stand ready, wearing the bullet-proof vest of righteousness, truth buckled around your waist, fitted with marching boots perfect for sharing the good news of peace. Keep your shield of faith raised to block the flaming arrows of the wicked, and put on your knowledge of God and assurance of salvation like a helmet. Wield the truth of God’s word as a sword in the Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 5:8 We who are of the day should be wide awake, wearing the bullet-proof vest of faith and love, with the hope of our salvation as a helmet.
King James
Ephesians 6:11–17 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
1 Thessalonians 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
Why are some people forgiven and some are not?
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1 Thessalonians 5:9 God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, to forgive instead of punishing us.
Revelation 20:15 Everyone whose name was not recorded in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire.
King James
1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
When Jesus returns, what difference does it make whether we are alive or dead?
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1 Thessalonians 4:16 The dead in Christ will rise first, when the Lord descends through the clouds with shouting, at the blast of God’s trumpet and the cry of the archangel.
1 Thessalonians 5:10–11 Whether we are still alive or are dead and buried, Christ died so we can live forever with him. Therefore, continue to encourage one another, strengthening your faith.
King James
1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1 Thessalonians 5:10–11 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
How much should we depend on church leaders, counselors, and mentors?
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Philippians 2:12 Just as you followed my advice when I was with you, much more in my absence you must be sensitive to the direction of the Holy Spirit, working out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 My friends, I beg you to recognize the leaders who work among you to exhort you in the Lord. Give them your highest love and respect for the work they are doing, and live in peace with one another.
1 John 2:27 The Holy Spirit anointing that you received from the Lord lives within you, guiding you, so you don’t someone else to give you directions. He will reveal what you need to know, the absolute truth. As he teaches you, abide in him.
King James
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
Why should we be patient with people?
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Galatians 5:22 If the Holy Spirit is guiding your life, you show true love—giving to people without regard to whether they can return the favor. You have joy, peace and patience in stressful situations. Kindness, generosity, and faithfulness expresses who you are, not what people deserve.
Ephesians 4:2 Always be humble and gentle, allowing others to be different from you, even in their faults, because you love them.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 I urge you, fellow believers, to be patient with everyone. Admonish slackers in ministry, encourage the weak in faith, and lift up people who can’t stand on their own.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord isn’t slow in keeping his promise, not like some people think. He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, giving time for everyone to repent.
King James
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
What is the reward for showing kindness to those who mistreat us?
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Romans 12:20 If your enemy is hungry, prepare a feast for him. If he is thirsty, give him your best wine. Your generosity will amaze him—as much a shock as coals of fire being poured upon his head—and God will reward you.
1 Corinthians 9:17 If I followed a self-serving initiative, what I have on Earth is all the reward I would get. By making myself a slave to whatever God wants, I reap a greater benefit.
1 Thessalonians 5:15 When people offend you, don’t treat them like they have treated you. Always follow what is good, not just among fellow believers but for everyone else as well.
King James
Romans 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
1 Corinthians 9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
1 Thessalonians 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
When is confidence in God most important? Why?
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1 Thessalonians 5:16 Let your confidence in God be a source of constant joy in every situation.
King James
1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice evermore.
What does “pray continually” mean?
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1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray continually, always mindful of God’s presence.
King James
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
During tragedies, how is a thankful, positive attitude possible?
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Ephesians 5:20 No matter what the situation is, always give thanks to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 No matter what the circumstances are, be thankful, because this is the attitude God wants you to have in Jesus Christ.
King James
Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
In what ways can people resist what the Holy Spirit wants to do in their lives?
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1 Thessalonians 5:19 Do not resist what the Holy Spirit wants to work in your lives.
King James
1 Thessalonians 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.
How do we know when God’s voice to our hearts is only for us or should be shared?
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1 Thessalonians 5:20–21 Don’t minimize the importance of voicing what God speaks to your hearts, but judge the truth of what you say, speaking only that which you know is right.
King James
1 Thessalonians 5:20–21 Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
What “appearance of evil” might Christians easily overlook?
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Romans 14:21 Be sensitive to what others believe, and avoid any behavior that would weaken their faith.
1 Corinthians 8:10–13 If people saw you eating in the temple of an idol, then they might ignore their conscience and participate in idol worship as they ate. Jesus gave his life for them. You don’t want your enlightenment to cause anyone to perish. If you injure one who is weak in faith, you injure Christ. That’s why I will never eat food that might cause a believer to stumble.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 Avoid even the appearance of evil.
King James
Romans 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
1 Corinthians 8:10–13 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
In the midst of a storm, how can we be “separated” from the storm?
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Philippians 4:6–7 You don’t have to worry about anything. In prayer and praise, express your desire to God, surrendering to his will and his peace, which the world cannot understand, will bring calm reassurance through Christ Jesus that everything will be all right.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 May the God who brings peace in the midst of great turmoil bring calm in your lives, separating you from the storms, so you may persevere without sin until Jesus comes.
King James
Philippians 4:6–7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Why do Christians sometimes fear that they cannot do what they feel called of God to do?
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Exodus 4:10–12 “But God,” Moses said, “I’m not a good speaker. I never have been. Even in front of you, I hesitate and stammer. I can’t think of the right words.”
“Who made your mouth?” God said. “How do people speak, hear, or see? Am I not the Creator who gives what they need? Therefore, go in confidence knowing that I will be with you, giving you the words to speak.”
Matthew 25:24–25 “The servant who had received one bag said, ‘Master, I knew how hard you are to please. You are like someone who expects a harvest but has planted no seeds. I was afraid I might lose your money, so I hid your bag in the earth. Here is your money, still safe.’ “
1 Thessalonians 5:24 Rest assured that the God who called you to do his work will also equip you to do it.
King James
Exodus 4:10–12 And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
Matthew 25:24–25 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
In remembering Paul, what do you think his Christian friends prayed? What would have made those prayers effective?
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Romans 8:26 The Holy Spirit will help us in our weaknesses. For example, we don’t always know the Lord’s will and what to pray for, but the Spirit prays through us with groaning that English words cannot express.
1 Thessalonians 5:25 My Christian friends, remember us in your prayers.
King James
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
1 Thessalonians 5:25 Brethren, pray for us.
In what ways to Christians best show their affection for one another?
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1 Thessalonians 5:26 Greet one another affectionately, caring for others’ needs.
King James
1 Thessalonians 5:26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
Who do you think Paul expected to read his letter?
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1 Thessalonians 5:27–28 Please read this letter to everyone in your fellowship. I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will give you favor in all you do for him. Amen.
King James
1 Thessalonians 5:27–28 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.