L 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Lesson 7 The Day of the Lord 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 August 8, 2010 Paul’s Epistles to the Thessalonians

I.Introduction to Lesson 7 A.You can please some of the people all of the time... B.It is impossible to please everyone when preaching from a text like ours. C.Here are some things we should keep in mind when dealing with Bible prophecy: 1.It is normally not a fundamental of the faith. 2.Individuals & institutions may distinguish themselves on the basis of prophecy, and thus they will emphasize their view. 3.Many godly saints differ about prophecy. 4.Many have changed their minds over time. 5.We tend to read Bible prophecy in the light of the times in which we live.

6.Prophecy, of necessity, involves the unseen, and thus it is a matter of faith. 7.We may be tempted to “fill in the blanks,” rather than to focus on what we are told. 8.We should focus on what is clearly stated (the “camels”), rather than on what is not said (mystery) or incidental (the “gnats”). 9.We should focus on application, for this is normally the emphasis of prophetic texts. 10.We all tend to view prophecy through some theological system – and every one of them has its difficulties. 11.We will be tempted to embrace that system which we would most prefer to believe. 12.A confession and a conviction

D.Paul has prepared us for the teaching in our text. (turning to God from idols – v. 9) to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come (1:10) Thus they constantly fill up their measure of sins, but wrath has come upon them completely... For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at His coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy (2:16b, 19-20). so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints (3:13).

16 For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a shout of command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be suddenly caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

II.The “Day of the Lord” in the Old Testament A.The day of God’s judgment on Israel’s enemies, vindicating/delivering Israel (Isaiah 13, esp. vss. 1, 19) B.The day of God’s judgment on disobedient Israel (Amos 5:18ff.), especially those false prophets who promise peace and safety (Ezekiel 13:1-23) C.God will send Elijah before this great day of judgment (Malachi 4). D.The day of God’s judgment, about which Israel is warned and called to repentance, with promise of salvation for those who repent (Joel 2/Acts 2)

III.The “Day of the Lord” in the New Testament A.This expression is not found in the Gospels, but see Matthew 24:36 (“that day”). B.A day of judgment and salvation (2 Thes. 1:5- 12). C.A “day” that some falsely claim has already come (2 Thess. 2:1-2ff.). D.That day when a saint’s salvation is completed/finished (1 Cor. 1:7-8; Phil. 1:6, 10; even a disciplined saint – 1 Cor. 5:5). E.A time of boasting and rejoicing for believers: 1.In Paul & his associates (2 Cor. 1:14).] 2.The day when Paul will boast and rejoice in the Thessalonians (1 Thess. 2:19-20; 3:11-13) and the Philippians (Phil. 2:16).

IV.The “Day of the Lord” – possible problems A.Now concerning (5:1) B.Problems associated with this day: 1.Unsaved not ready (1 Thes. 5:2-3; Noah; Sodom and Gomorrah – Luke 17:26-30) 2.Unbelievers have a false sense of security (1 Thes. 5:3; 2 Peter 3:1-4ff.) 3.Saints not prepared (Luke 12:35-40), assuming that the day is a long way off (Luke 12:45-46; see Prov. 7:19-20). 4.False teaching/being deceived (Matthew 24:4-5, 9- 11); already come (2 Thes. 2:2) 5.Being alarmed by tribulation (Matt. 24:6) 6.Disunity/love grows cold (Matt. 24:10-12) 7.Fixation on its timing (Acts 1:6-8)

C.The “Day of the Lord” and 4:13-18: Two things troubled the Thessalonians: 1.Paul’s coming delayed (2:17ff) 2.Our Lord’s coming delayed (saints were dying (4:13- 18). V.The “Day of the Lord,” the Thessalonians, and unbelievers (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11) A.No need for Paul to write anything – but why not (5:1-2)? Nothing more to be said. B.Believers certain that this day is coming, but don’t know when it is coming (v. 2). C.Unbelievers are certain it is not coming (5:3). 1.It is unexpected (thief in the night) 2.It is irreversible/no escape (labor pains)

D.A study in contrasts “Them”“You” Night/darknessDay/light Thief in nightExpected Feel secureExpect judgment DrunkSober AsleepAwake WrathSalvation

VI.Conclusion A.The day of the Lord is longer than 1 day. B.Our problem is not finding out the exact time of His return (impossible!), but in dealing rightly with the delay of His return. It is about learning how to wait. C.Evangelism: We should be motivated to proclaim the gospel to unbelievers who are unaware of coming punishment. D.Prayer: We should pray for the salvation of the lost, knowing that they are convinced they are safe and secure & only God can open their hearts to the gospel. E.We must grow in faith, love, and hope, which is our defense in difficult times.

F.We can rejoice and be confident, knowing that God has destined us for salvation, rather than wrath. G.The entire text (5:1-11) emphasizes the contrast between those who are saved and those who are lost & destined for wrath. If we “love the world,” we will think as it does regarding the future. It is only by means of constant contact with the Word of God (4:13-5:11; Rom. 15:4) and the people of God (4:18; 5:11; Hebrews 10:24-25) that we will truly be encouraged in the difficult times ahead.

Copyright © 2010 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. This is the edited PowerPoint presentation of Lesson 7 in the series, Paul’s Epistles to the Thessalonians, prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh for August 8, Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit.