"But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation." (1 Thessalonians 5:4-8)
The first three verses of chapter 5 seem to not be filled with good news. As pointed out last time, Paul's point is that we are to be prepared for Christ's return. In those verses Paul describes what the people of the world are living like without that expectation. In these next five verses however, Paul looks at how we as believers are meant to be living during this time of expectation, and he begins it by using two words that bring in the contrast, "But you." Let us look at this contrast together.
Be Children of Light
Those in the world are not living in the light of Christ, but rather in the darkness of not knowing Him. The concerns that the Thessalonians, and indeed any who struggle with the "when" question as discussed last time, are not living as Children of Light. They are worried about things that should be of no real concern to them. When is only important in that they should be living with the constant expectation that it could be today.
As children of light we live knowing Jesus personally. With Him guiding us and teaching us, we have no need to fear the things that those in the darkness worry about. If we truly know Christ as we should, we will be ready even if He returns the moment you finish reading this paragraph. But those that walk in darkness have every reason to fear, for if Jesus should return today, they will stand condemned before the judgement seat of Christ.
Paul does not go into detail on how to live in the light. Rather he assures the readers that they already are, and therefore do not need to worry themselves about how to live in a dark world.
Be Fully Aware
Those who live in the darkness often times seem to be living fuller and more enjoyable lives. They drive the latest and fanciest cars, they live in luxury, and have fun doing it. Paul knows however that looks are deceiving. In reality those that live in darkness are deceived. They have no security for eternity. They are drunk and asleep in a dark world that is going to be judged when Christ returns. Therefore, why imitate them? Why desire what they have in this life?
As children of light we are to be aware of the dangers that lurk around the corner. We are to follow the light of Christ as it lights the way that we are to go, and to see the pitfalls that we will fall into should we follow the ways of the world. To Paul, how one perceives the end times actually impacts how one lives today. If you live with little or no regard for eternal life or judgement, why not just do as you please today? But if you know that a glorious eternity is waiting if you walk in the ways of the Lord, then how you live today becomes important.
Be Clothed in Spiritual Armour
Paul uses the image of being properly clothed a number of times throughout his epistles (cf. Romans 13; Galatians 3; Ephesians 6; and Colossians 3). In comparison to most of those passages though, this is not a command to "put on", as in Ephesians 6, but rather reminds us that as believers, faith and love have already been put on (v8). This therefore gives confidence to move forward. Christ has already clothed us with the armour that we need to be able to walk in light.
Those living in darkness do not comprehend the severity of living as such. They have no idea of what it will mean for them at the end. However, as Christians we do. The question is, are we showing those in darkness the Light of Christ? Are we living in faith and expressing His love to them? Are we drawing them into the Light?
Just a Thought!
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