To Start
Share with each other.
Do you like knowing exactly what is happening and when or are you happy to go with the flow?
Has your attitude to time changed as you have got older?
Read
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
The Day of the Lord
1 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What has stuck with you from the passage or the sermon on Sunday?
Discuss
What do 5:8-9 actually look like in the life of a believer?
Sermon Extra
Can people around you tell that you “belong to the day”?
How might we do v.11 so we can help each other live as children of the light?
To Close
Paul is concerned that the Thessalonians are ready for the return of Jesus and that they are not led away from readiness by the arrogance of those who say “Peace and Safety”. We too should stand ready so we are not surprised when the day comes but rather eagerly anticipating the moment.
Let us encourage one another to anticipate Christ’s return!
Pray
That you may encourage each other to be ready for the return of Christ.
For those who do not know Christ that they may step out of the darkness and into the light.
For those who are dabbling in the deeds of darkness that they may step back into the day.