Be Alert and Sober

[전승훈2]

Summary:
Paul explains that the timing of the day of the Lord does not need to be explained further because the believers already know that it will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” sudden destruction will come upon them without warning, and there will be no escape.

In contrast, the believers are not in darkness, so that day should not overtake them like a thief. They are children of light and children of the day, not of the night or darkness. Therefore, they are to remain alert and self-controlled rather than spiritually asleep. Just as people sleep at night and become drunk in the darkness, believers are to live with clear minds, putting on faith and love as a breastplate and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

Paul reminds them that God has not destined them for wrath but for obtaining salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for them so that whether they are alive or have died, they may live together with Him. Because of this hope and assurance, they are to continue encouraging one another and building one another up.

Teaching:
Those of us who believe in Jesus have been delivered from darkness and brought into the light. God has made us children of light and established us for His purposes so that, through our Lord Jesus Christ, we might receive salvation. Jesus died in order to give us life.

Whether we are awake and alive or asleep in death, God's desire is that we live together with Jesus. Therefore, those who believe in Him do not fear death. Instead, as people who belong to the day, they devote themselves to what pleases God, live in readiness for the return of Christ, and experience life in fellowship with Him even now.

Excerpt from the sermon by Deacon 전인용, Jul 16, 2026
Thessalonians 5:1-11