A Call for Readiness, Fellowship and Faithfulness
Never neglect prayer, verse 17
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| Text | Comments |
| 1 ¶ But of the times
and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
.2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. .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. This is the danger of the rapture idea which teaches that Jesus is coming later. There is only one time when the righteous are taken to heaven. Matt. 24:31. .4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. |
2 -
Coming as a thief John, in Revelation, used the same symbol to warn
us to be ready for the coming of Christ re1615a.
It will be like the sudden appearance of a robber to those who are not
ready re2206sh.
3 - Peace and safety I often think of this warning. Our world doesn't look like peace today. Perhaps the reference is more toward spiritual peace and safety. The beast of Rev. 13 will appear as pure gospel leadership assuring people of salvation through its system (while ignoring certain principles of Scripture). When Jesus comes it will be too late. I expect that national and world order will also turn to anarchy at this time. 4 - But you aren't in darkness Does Paul really mean this? Some who think they are in the light are really in the dark. Look at verse 6. |
| .6
¶ Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be
sober.
7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. .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. .9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. |
6
- Sleep Think what Paul means by sleep. Do we get so busy dealing
with our work and the problems of life that we lose sight of the goal?
6 - Sober Greek nephomen, which means "without wine." This means abstinence. Explained more at 1pe0113. 9 - Appointed to salvation How do we receive salvation by Christ? We accept, of course, but salvation is through His death (next verse). He died for all thus salvation was appointed to all the human race (provision was made for it) jn0316. He has appointed never-ending death for the wicked angels mt2541. Some who believe the rapture theory use texts like this to say that the righteous will not be here during the tribulation. See note below. |
| .11
¶ Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even
as also ye do.
12 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. 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 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. |
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| 16 ¶ Rejoice evermore.
.17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. .22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. |
17
- Pray without ceasing Constantly we must be in an attitude of prayer
– contact with heaven. Compare ro1212.
18 - Every thing give thanks Those whose lives are committed to Christ may trust Him for what happens. We will understand later and rejoice. 20 - Prophesyings This of course applies to the Scriptures, but prophecy is a spiritual gift. The next verse applies to how we relate to ideas and spiritual advice – the main purpose of prophecy. 22 - Abstain from ... Because others may misunderstand and what we do may lead them into sin. Also, when we avoid the appearance, we are keeping away from the real thing. |
| .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.
24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 25 Brethren, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. 27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. |
23 - Sanctify you Our life goal must be to draw ever closer to Christ. |
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