Peace and Safety

Peace and Safety

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

 

 

As we continue with our study of 1 Thessalonians, we come to chapter 5, focusing on the same verses we looked at in the previous article, where we discussed the times and seasons mentioned by the authors of 1 Thessalonians in chapter 5, verse 1. 

 

We come now to look at part of verses 2 and 3. These verses say:

1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 (NKJV) 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.

 

These verses sound ominous, scary even. The words “sudden destruction” and “they shall not escape” tell us that bad things are coming.

 

This verse describes a threat looming over the world. Three components of this threat hang over Earth's inhabitants. They are as follows:

1. Men say, “Peace and Safety.”

2. Sudden destruction comes upon them.

3. They shall not escape.

 

We will go through them in order, but in this article, we will only discuss “Men say, ‘Peace and Safety.’”

 

Let’s look at 1 Thessalonians 5:3 again.

1 Thessalonians 5:3 (NKJV) For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.

 

This reveals a problem in humanity. There are scoffers among us. God has made it clear in His word what He will do. But throughout history, most people have not paid much attention. Jesus spoke about this in Luke 17, when He was explaining His return to His disciples. He said:

Luke 17:26-30 (NKJV) 26 “And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 “They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 “Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 “but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed [them] all. 30 “Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.

 

Consider Noah as an example. Noah preached to the people around him for a hundred years while building the Ark. Anyone who listened was welcome to join him on the Ark. If people had listened, they could have built multiple Arks, but, sadly, people mocked Noah and kept on with their usual ways. This worked for them for 100 years, until it didn’t.

 

2 Peter 3:3-6 tells us:

2 Peter 3:3-6 (NKJV) 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as [they were] from the beginning of creation.” 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world [that] then existed perished, being flooded with water.

 

We should observe three things about these people and ensure we are not like them. First, they do not take God's word seriously—they scoff at it. Second, they walk according to their own lusts. In other words, they see life as about pursuing what they can get for themselves. Their desires rule their lives. And third, they intentionally forget. We have a world full of evidence of the flood, yet people have found a different way to explain the evidence and deny the truth.

 

So, the first threat looming over Earth's inhabitants is of their own making. They say “Peace and safety” because they refuse to see the obvious signs God has given.

 

The second element of the threat is “Sudden destruction comes upon them.”

 

“Sudden Destruction” will be the topic for a later time.

 

At this point, let’s wrap up this session with a question.

 

Do we scoff at the word of God? Is there something that God says that we ignore, explain away, or question, like “Did God really say?”

 

I want to challenge you. If you have a sin or a habit that you know displeases God, do what you have to do to get rid of it.  

 

Let’s read what Galatians 6:7-8 says.

Galatians 6:7-8 (NKJV) 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

 

My challenge to you is to sow (plant) to the Spirit and reap everlasting life.

 

First, ask God to help you, to save you from the trap you find yourself in.

 

Next, confess your sin.

1 John 1:9 (NKJV) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

Then plant the word of God in your heart. Don’t just read it, think on it. Mull it over in your thoughts. Memorize it. Think through how to implement it in your life.

 

In doing these things, you will find the joy of the Lord and avoid the sudden destruction that comes from ignoring truth and warnings. 

Times and Seasons

Times and Seasons

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

We live in uncertain times. Each person reacts differently. Some are too busy having fun to worry about it, while others are so worried that they try to have fun as a way to escape their fears. Some are so anxious they can't sleep, and others are so scared that they numb themselves with drugs. Many rely on governments to get their act together and fix the issues. 

The United Nations has a Scripture engraved on a wall:

They shall beat their swords into plowshares... nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

These words are from Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3, both of which speak of the time, still in the future, when Jesus will return and set up His kingdom. God’s word makes it clear that world peace will not happen until that time. However, some are supremely confident that humanity will solve its problems.

God has many things to say about the future. For those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior, God’s words are very comforting. For those who do not believe, fear is the appropriate response.

The Thessalonians were concerned about what was happening in their day, so Paul addressed their concerns, saying:

1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 (NKJV) 1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.

“Concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.”

I read that and say, “But you are going to do it anyway!”

It’s like when we say, “No offense, but…” Such a saying is a signal that something offensive is about to happen.

However, when Paul says, “You have no need that I should write you concerning the times and the seasons,” he indicates that he plans to discuss something else. The topic he will discuss relates to the times and seasons, but it is not about the times and seasons themselves. The real subject is “Be READY!”

Look again at this passage: “Concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.” What are these “times and seasons” he is referring to?

This question is answered in the following sentence when he says, “You yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.”

He is talking about the coming “Day of the Lord.”

What does he mean when he says we know perfectly? Do we even know what he means by “Day of the Lord?”

On a personal level, we all know what the Day of the Lord is. We know we will die, but we don't know exactly when. It will come like a thief in the night—unexpected and sudden. Some of us die from diseases that take time, so we are aware that our time is limited, but we don't see the exact moment of our death. However, when we die, we will have our personal “Day of the Lord.” It's even a common saying, “He is going to meet his Maker.”

Going to meet our Maker carries the idea of judgment. Hebrews 10:26-27 tells us:

Hebrews 10:26-27 (NKJV) 26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.

We all instinctively know that we will be judged when we meet our Maker. Just as we each have our personal “Day of the Lord,” the world also will have its “Day of the Lord.” The Bible says a lot about this coming Day, and we should not be ignorant of what it says. Be ready!

Paul says they do not need him to write about times and seasons related to this “Day of the Lord.” The words “times and seasons” need a bit of clarification, so let me explain what Paul is talking about. When I looked up the Greek words Paul used, the meaning became a little clearer. 

The Greek word translated “times” is χρόνων (chronōn). The meaning of this word is “a space of time or interval.” It might be a short time — just a few minutes — or a long time — just a few centuries. When we refer to “the age of the dinosaurs,” we mean the interval of time that dinosaurs lived on the Earth. We all intuitively know that we are living in the final days of the earth, but no one knows the day. We call this the end times or the last days. Be ready!

Next, we will look at the Greek word καιρῶν (kairōn), which is translated “seasons.” This word means “a set or proper time, an occasion.” When we want to meet with someone, we set a time, such as Tuesday at 8:00am. There is a day set when Jesus will return. God has set the hour of His return, and only He knows when it is. Be ready!

When asked by His disciples when He would set up His kingdom, Jesus said:

Acts 1:7 (NKJV) And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.”

Thus, the time will come like a thief in the night. It will be unexpected and sudden. Be ready!

We all know this instinctively. We can figure it out on our own. However, many people ignore the warning signs and their own inner person that keeps saying, “You know this is all going to end soon.” They go on about their business. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 tells us:

1 Thessalonians 5:3 (NKJV) For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.

People tell themselves, “We are safe and still have time.” And, they ignore that their own lives can end at any time, and they ignore that the God who made this earth may return at any time. Be ready!

However, Paul tells us:

1 Thessalonians 5:4 (NKJV) But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.

All this “Be ready” talk may have you wondering how to “Be ready.” Preparing is the simplest things in the world!  When Jesus was explaining how to enter the kingdom of God,  He said:

John 3:16 (NKJV) “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

If we believe in Jesus, we have nothing to fear. On the contrary, His coming is the great hope of us believers. It means that we will be with Him forever! He will wipe away every tear, take away all our sorrows, and give us perfect health. And, these are just the beginning of endless blessings!

If you are afraid, you can find comfort in Jesus Christ. He said that whoever calls on His name will be saved, and He means it. If you simply call on His name, you will be saved.

Call on Him today. Be ready!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

The Resurrection of the Dead

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

 

 

 

1 Thessalonians 4:13 (NKJV) But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.

 

From what we see written in First and Second Thessalonians, we infer that some false teachers had come, teaching that the resurrection had already taken place and that the Thessalonians had missed it. This would mean their loved ones, who had died, apparently were not raised.

 

In 2 Timothy, Paul speaks of some false teachers who were teaching something like this. 2 Timothy 2:16-18 says:

2 Timothy 2:16-18 (NKJV) 16 But shun profane [and] idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.

 

Paul compares their teachings to cancer. Cancer is hard to root out and deadly, and so are such teachings, so much so that this teaching overthrew the faith of some. (The Greek word used in the original is γάγγραινα(gaggraina) from which we get the word “gangrene.” Although scholars disagree on how to translate the word, the concept communicated remains the same. Since I am using the NKJV, I have used the same word that appears in my text. Your translation may use a different word.)

 

The cancer of these teachings is still with us. Teachers stray from the truth for different reasons. Some stray because of bitterness and envy, some stray because of greed, and some stray to gain followers. When we allow sin to rule in our hearts, the devil takes the opportunity to deceive us. Thus, the epistles contain a lot of instruction concerning false teaching and false teachers.

 

In Acts, when Paul spoke in any given location, he taught about the resurrection: first, the resurrection of Jesus, and second, the resurrection of the dead. From this, we can gather that knowledge of the fact that God will raise the dead to life again is essential. And this is precisely what Paul says here in 1 Thessalonians 4:13. He says, “I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep.”

 

We must not be ignorant. We must be sure of the basic facts concerning the resurrection.

 

First, we can be sure that the resurrection has not yet occurred. 

 

Let’s look at 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NKJV) 13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

 

The Thessalonians mourned loved ones who had passed away, just like we all must do at some point. However, Paul says, “You have hope! Because Jesus will bring with Him all who have died in Jesus.” Therefore, there is your proof that the resurrection has not yet occurred.

 

“What,” you ask me. “How does that constitute proof?”

 

Paul discusses more in verses 15 through 18, and we will examine those verses. However, let me summarize them. The fact that they had loved ones in the grave is proof, because they are in the grave. If God raised them, they would not be in the grave. 

 

However, there is more to this. Let’s read verses 15 through 18.

1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 (NKJV) 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive [and] remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

 

First, look at verse 15. It says, “that we who are alive [and] remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.” 

 

Next, look at verse 16. It says, “And the dead in Christ will rise first.”

 

Finally, look at verse 17. It says, “Then we who are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”

 

These three events occur in the specified order. According to 2 Corinthians 15:51-52, these events will happen in a moment, making them effectively simultaneous.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (NKJV) 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed-- 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

 

The second proof that the resurrection has not taken place yet is the fact that we are still here. We have not been caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

 

The devil leads people astray concerning this truth because it creates fear and uncertainty. Fear does not come from faith, and whatever is not of faith is sin. Therefore, it is essential to comfort one another with this truth.

 

Our loved ones are still in the grave, and we are still here, so the resurrection has not taken place yet. Paul does not want us to be ignorantof the fact that the resurrection has not yet occurred. This is the first basic fact about the resurrection that we must know. The second and third basic facts are also truths that many stumble over.

 

The devil has created a lot of confusion over the following two facts because this confusion creates doubt about the word of God and uncertainty about our purpose as believers and as the Church.

 

These facts are more complex, so I will introduce them to you now, but we will need to examine them more closely later. Many people take the approach that these truths are not essential, but the word of God treats them as crucial. The details I am referring to are part of the prophecies of the Bible. Almost a third of the Bible is prophecy. From this fact alone, we can see that God wants us to be aware of what is happening. But that is the point of Satan’s efforts. He seeks to sow confusion about what God tells us, thereby creating uncertainty and doubt about the word of God.

 

The second fundamental fact we must understand is that the resurrection of the dead we are awaiting is not the only resurrection that will happen, and it is not the return of Christ that will bring the end of the world.

 

The third basic fact is that verses 16 and 17 of 1 Thessalonians 4 say nothing about Jesus’s feet touching the ground. Instead, these verses say that we who are alive and remain will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air.

 

With the second fact, we must understand that there is more than one resurrection that God tells us about. We must be clear which resurrection we are talking about.

 

With the third fact, the one about Jesus' feet not touching the ground, we must understand what God has revealed to us about His plans for the last days.

 

Oh, come on, Joe, what is so important about what is going to happen? It will all work out in the end, right?

 

Several issues arise from this truth, but the most significant one is its impact on our work as the Church and our goals. What is our purpose? Why does God keep us here?

 

Where are you with these facts?

 

Do you know what is at stake when we talk about the resurrection?

 

The resurrection is a matter of salvation. Jesus said that He was going to prepare a place for us, and He promised to return and take us to that place. If there were no resurrection of the dead, His promise would be meaningless.

 

And if we understand that there is a resurrection of those who died in Christ that is separate from the resurrection of the rest of the dead, then we will understand the urgency of telling the world about what is coming. 

 

In Revelation 20, we read:

Revelation 20:11-15 (NKJV) 11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is [the Book] of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

 

Jesus spoke of the lake of fire as a place where the fire is not quenched and the worm does not die. And He spoke with urgency because many more people will end up in this place of suffering than will end up in His Father’s house. When His disciples asked the way to where He was going, Jesus said:

John 14:4-6 (NKJV) 4 “And where I go you know, and the way you know.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

 

Jesus is the way to His Father's house, and He is much more than that. Jesus is the answer for all of life’s problems. All our issues have their roots in a spiritual problem. For one thing, before sin, the world was perfect, and there was no suffering or sorrow. 

 

In answer to the problems caused by sin, God says: 

Isaiah 53:4-6 (NKJV) 4 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He [was] wounded for our transgressions, [He was] bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace [was] upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

 

The Bible says, “By His stripes we are healed.” The only way we will ever be complete is by coming to the Father through Jesus. This is the truth that transformed the Thessalonians, and it continues to transform people today. 

 

Which resurrection will you be a part of? The key to being in the good resurrection is found in Romans 10:9-10.

Romans 10:9-10 (NKJV) 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

 

If you do what these verses say, you will be one of us who will meet the Lord in the air, and thus be with Him forever!