1. The Lord’s Return 1 Thessalonians 5:1- 11

2. Introduction Widely discussed Widely discussed –Predictions made –Middle Eastern events Problem in Paul’s day as well Problem in Paul’s day as well –Troubling the church –Concerned (1 Thessalonians 4:13=18)

3. Time is Unknown (vv. 1-3) Needless to speculate “when” Needless to speculate “when” –Premillenialists –No way to know (v. 1) Return like a “thief” Return like a “thief” –No announcement (v. 2) –Without warning (Luke 12:39)

4. Time is Unknown (vv. 1-3) Men will be wrong Men will be wrong –Men cry peace (v. 3) –Birth pains unpredictable Other passages Other passages –Peter (2 Peter 3:10) –Jesus (Matthew 25:1-13)

5. Effects (vv. 4-7) Overtake those in darkness Overtake those in darkness – Thieves in darkness (vv. 4, 5) –Serving Satan (John 3:16-21) –Turn from darkness (Acts 26:18) –Kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13) –We walk in light (2 Peter 3:11)

6. Effects (vv. 4-7) Overtake those who sleep Overtake those who sleep –Asleep spiritually (v. 6) –Used figuratively to indicate “… carnal indifference to spiritual things on the part of believers… a condition of insensibility to Divine things involving conformity to the world.” (Vine’s)

7. Effects (vv. 4-7) Overtake those who sleep Overtake those who sleep –Jonah (Jonah 1:1-6) –The rich man (Luke 12:13-21) –Laodiceans (Revelation 3:15-17) –Us? (Ephesians 5:14)

8. Effects (vv. 4-7) Those who are not watchful Those who are not watchful –Be alert (v. 6; 1 Corinthians 16:13) –Grow (Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Peter 2:2) –Be responsible (Ephesians 4:15, 16) –Temptations (1 Corinthians 10:11-13)

9. Effects (vv. 4-7) Those who are not sober Those who are not sober –Not just intoxicants (vv. 6, 7) –“Free from mental and spiritual drunkenness, well balanced, self controlled (2 Timothy 4:5)” (Vines) –Idea elsewhere (1 Peter 1:13; 4:7) –Steadfast (1 Corinthians 15:58) –Be on guard (2 Peter 3:17)

10. Reaction (vv. 8-11) We are children of day We are children of day –Can anyone tell that we are? (v. 8) –Using our armor? (Ephesians 6:10-18) Remember our destiny Remember our destiny –To live with Him (vv. 9, 10) –Different than the wicked (Romans 2:1-6; 2 Thessalonians 1:9)

11. Reaction (vv. 8-11) Need to encourage one another Need to encourage one another –Help each other (v. 11) –The death of the faithful (1 Thessalonians 4:18) –A comforting thought

12. Conclusion Are you ready to meet God? Are you ready to meet God? Are you slumbering? Are you slumbering? Time to “wake up” Time to “wake up”