1 Thessalonians 5

Living in the Light: Reflections on 1 Thessalonians 5

The Day of the Lord and the Call to Be Alert

When Paul wrote about “the day of the Lord” in 1 Thessalonians 5, he wasn’t introducing a new idea. This phrase runs throughout the Old Testament—a moment when God judges His enemies and establishes His kingdom. There have been many “days of the Lord” throughout history, moments when God intervened in justice and mercy, even within His own people.

But there will be a final Day of the Lord—when Jesus Christ returns, bringing eternal judgment and ultimate restoration. On that day, there will be a separation: those who have trusted in Christ will live with Him forever, and those who have rejected Him will be separated from His presence.

Paul reminds us that this day will come like a thief in the night. We won’t know the timing, and that’s the point—we’re not called to predict it but to prepare for it. Every few years someone claims to know when Jesus is coming back. We smile, nod, and move on, because Scripture is clear: only the Father knows.

Our call is to stay alert—to keep our spiritual lamps burning even in the ordinary, everyday moments. We keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as we work, parent, cook dinner, commute, or face the chaos of the world around us.

Living as Children of the Day

Paul paints a vivid contrast: we are children of the light, not of darkness. That means we don’t live in fear or confusion about the future. Instead, we clothe ourselves daily in faith, love, and hope—the armor that protects our hearts and minds.

He reminds us that God didn’t appoint us for wrath but for salvation through Jesus Christ. Whether we live or die, we belong to Him. There’s deep comfort in that truth. Whatever tomorrow holds—a diagnosis, a global crisis, or uncertainty—we can rest knowing that our eternity is secure.

We often quote that old line, “We don’t know what the future holds, but we know who holds it.” Maybe it sounds simple, even a little cheesy—but it’s true. As Tim Keller once said while facing terminal cancer, “If Jesus really did die on the cross and rise again, then it’s going to be okay.”

That’s the posture of faith Paul calls us to. We live sober-minded and steady-hearted, trusting that God is faithful and the timeline of history is in His hands.

Encouraging and Building One Another Up

Paul closes his letter with practical, beautiful instructions for how we live while we wait for Jesus’ return: encourage one another and build each other up.

We love how he puts that—it’s not just about surviving the waiting but thriving in community while we do. We’re called to be one another’s “Sams,” like Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings—lifting up weary friends, carrying one another through the journey, and reminding each other that the story ends in victory.

So while we wait, we keep doing good. We live in peace, honor those who serve, warn the idle, strengthen the weak, and show patience to everyone. We refuse to repay evil with evil. Instead, we repay evil with grace.

And when we’re not sure what God’s will is for our lives, Paul gives us clarity:

“Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.”

That’s God’s will. That’s how we live as people of the light.

The God Who Is Faithful

Paul ends 1 Thessalonians 5 with one of the most comforting promises in all of Scripture:

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through... The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”

We’re reminded that our growth, our endurance, and our holiness are not ultimately our doing—they’re God’s. He began the work in us, and He will finish it.

So we press on, not in panic but in peace. The world may shake, but we’re rooted in a faithful God. Until Jesus returns, we’ll keep watching, praying, rejoicing, and encouraging one another—trusting that He’s still at work and that everything really will be okay.