The Day of the Lord
(Zephaniah 1:7-18; 2 Peter 3:10-13)
1 But of the times and the seasons,
brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord
so cometh as a thief in the night.
Notes: Paul was telling them: You already know this
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety;
then sudden destruction cometh upon them,
as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
Notes: This lines up with many other scriptures where the Lord has warned us, explained to us what will happen in the last days so that we will not be surprised. Matthew 24, Luke 21, The entire Book of Revelation
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness,
that that day should overtake you as a thief.
Notes: I think of Matthew 25 here, the parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins. The virgins who were prepared, were able to enter into the Wedding, the ones who were not, who did not take the warnings seriously, could not enter.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day:
we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Notes: We are able to hear what God is saying,
let us take the privilege of understanding and listening to God very seriously.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
Notes: Sleep as in being dead to God’s Spirit and our spirit,
letting the flesh run things.
7 For they that sleep sleep in the night;
and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
Notes: Hiding, thinking it doesn’t matter if we sin
or that it will not become known.
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober,
putting on the breastplate of faith and love;
and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
Notes: Let our actions and faith be what we are strong in
so we can make it to the end and help others along the way.
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath,
but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Notes: His wrath is coming but it is not for us
who have given our lives to Jesus fully who have confessed our sins
before Him and have been cleansed by His shed blood
and believed in His resurrection power.
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep,
we should live together with him.
Notes: This is for all who live for and for those who have died in Christ.
11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another,
even as also ye do.
Notes: Encourage each other in the Lord, every way you can
Christian Living
12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Notes: Appreciate those who are in positions of honor in the Lord.
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly,
comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
Notes: As the Lord gives you wisdom, let Him work in you toward others,
speak what He shows you to help others stay on the right track.
15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man;
but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Notes: Remember vengeance belongs to the Lord,
look for the good in others.
16 Rejoice evermore.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In every thing give thanks:
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Notes: Always look for the blessings God has brought, they are there.
19 Quench not the Spirit.
20 Despise not prophesyings.
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Notes: Test everything against the Word of God,
hold onto the good, the truth.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Notes: Be a good example, be holy.
Final Blessings
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly;
and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body
be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Notes: Encouragement for all to keep on track, follow all the commandments and don’t set down your cross.
24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
Notes: You can count on Jesus to do what He says He’ll do.
25 Brethren, pray for us.
Notes: We all need prayer, pray to keep the brethren strong in the Lord.
26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
Notes: Sweetness between those who love Jesus.
27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
Notes: This information is very important for all Christians to hear.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
{The first epistle unto the Thessalonians was written from Athens.