A Light Life

1 Thessalonians 5:4-11 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
 
IF you need some extra encouragement today, dwell for a time on this Scripture. It is the sure hope of your future with Jesus.
   Paul continued to teach the Thessalonian church the knowledge of Jesus is all they need to know regarding his return. He points to the remarkable truth they are children of light. True believers live in the daytime of Jesus’ salvation revelation. Their lives are open without deceit. People can trust the Christian to be who she says she is. The prophet’s words have come true for the world: Isaiah 9:2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. 
   As you know, light is a powerful metaphor of God’s glory throughout Scripture. Jesus often taught the gospel-powered “Light Life” is one of faithful persistent action. Paul makes a point by contrasting the Light Life with those who sleep in the dark. Paul uses “sleep” here to illustrate those who are dead to the light. When he says let us not be like others, who are asleep, he implores the church to be awake in the knowledge of Christ. Unbelief is asleep to truth’s light. Those who sleep in sin do as they please, and they will be unprepared for Jesus’ return.
   In contrast, a Light Life is a self-controlled life. It is constant effort to continually put on faith and love as a breastplate. Jesus’ light protects your heart, the center of your faith. The hope of salvation as a helmet is the enduring knowledge God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
   Then Paul uses “sleep” in its basic definition. He preaches Christ crucified, dead, buried, raised and ascended is our sure hope. Whether the faithful are awake or asleep in bed when Jesus returns, all of his own will live together with him.
   Enjoy a Light Life. Shine Jesus’ light of eternal life. Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. May your church and your home be a Light House to strengthen your Light Life.