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staying awake

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 (JDV)

1 Thessalonians 5:6 So then, let us not be sleeping, like the rest, but let us be staying awake and be self-controlled
1 Thessalonians 5:7 because those who are sleeping, sleep at night, and those who are getting drunk, get drunk at night.
1 Thessalonians 5:8 But since we belong to the day, we should be self-controlled and putting on the armor of faith and care, and a helmet of the hope of rescue.

staying awake

Paul had been talking about the second coming, and explaining what it will entail for believers, whether they are alive or dead — sleeping in Christ. Now he shifts the subject to a comparison of what the second coming will entail for those sleeping in unbelief, compared to those who are staying awake and self-controlled in faith.

Both sleep and intoxication are states where people are under an influence that makes them vulnerable. By staying awake and sober, people can focus on their mission, and protect themselves from harm.

Both Christians and unbelievers will experience the second coming of Christ. For Unbelievers, his return will mean the wrath of God. But for those who are awake, self-controlled and protected by the armor of faith and care, his return will mean rescue, and permanent life.

Lord, enable us to stay awake, prepared for your rescue.