Scripture
1Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters,[1] we don’t really need to write you. 2For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. 3When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.
4But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief.[2] 5For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. 6So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. 7Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. 8But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.
9For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. 10Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 11So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Translation notes (2)
- 5:1 Greek brothers; also in 5:4, 12, 14, 25, 26, 27.
- 5:4 Some manuscripts read comes upon you as if you were thieves.
11So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
We heard in the weekend sermon that a Harvard study found that 36% of Americans feel lonely most of the time. Loneliness is rampant in our world today. Scripture makes it clear that God never meant for us to live life alone. He intended for us to live life alongside each other, help each other, and encourage each other. We are simply better when we have each other.
After God created Adam, the first human on earth, He declared: "It is not good for the man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18). God knew that humans need community. When we are alone, we get lazy and make bad decisions. Because God knew that humans needed each other, He created Eve. God created us human beings for community, which is why we all crave community, whether we are extroverted or the most introverted introvert. Some of us may like to pretend that we don't need community or any help, but we all need others to encourage us and help us. We also need to encourage and help others. The apostle Paul explained the importance of community in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, saying, "Encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." When we engage in community, we get to encourage each other and be encouraged by others. As we take steps to build each other up, we also find feelings of loneliness fade away.
Do you have a community of people who are living life alongside you? Although many of us value our independence and do not like help, we are better when we join with other Christ followers and live and serve with them. When we live life with other Christ followers, we encourage each other to live lives that honor Christ in everything we do. Our community of Christ followers is a gift from God. When we dive into the community of Christ followers God has placed in our lives, we feel equipped, encouraged, and less lonely. We need each other. Will you be willing to embrace your God-given community today?
Moving toward action
Take some time to think about your community of Christ followers. Who has God placed in your life to walk alongside life with? Thank God for who He has placed in your life to encourage, help, and live life with. Be sure to reach out to these people and let them know how thankful you are for them.
Going Deeper
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
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