Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11
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.
Key Verse:
“But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:4–5 (NIV)
Devotional Insight:
Paul writes to a young church in Thessalonica that was eagerly anticipating the return of Jesus. Their concern about the timing of “the Day of the Lord” leads Paul to redirect their focus—not
living in readiness.
He acknowledges that the Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night (v. 2), catching the world off guard. But believers are not like the world. We are not in darkness. We are children of the light and of the day (v. 5). This identity calls us to a different posture: one of watchfulness, soberness, and preparedness.
Rather than spiritual slumber, we are called to stay awake. Instead of being intoxicated by the distractions of the world, we are exhorted to remain sober—spiritually alert and disciplined.
Paul uses the imagery of a soldier preparing for battle: “Putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet” (v. 8).
These are the defensive garments of a believer standing firm in the face of uncertainty and deception. Faith in Christ guards our heart. Love fuels our endurance. And hope secures our mind as we await the final salvation to be revealed when Christ returns.
And here’s the glorious reassurance:
“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 9).
For the believer, the return of Jesus is not a terror but a triumph. We do not fear the day of judgment because we are covered by grace and destined for glory.