1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Psalm 100

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
We ended chapter 4 with events that will happen when the Lord returns. This discussion continues into chapter 5. Remember that Paul's letter, along with the rest of scripture, was not divided into chapters and verses. Regarding Christ's return, I guess it's human nature to wonder about how and when all this will happen. v. 1 The truth is that we don't now exactly how (except what the Bible specifically teaches), and we certainly do NOT know when. It will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. v. 2  Never be deceived by someone who claims to know the date or even the year or decade when Christ will return. This passage clearly teaches that we don't know when this will happen, and so we are always to be ready. v. 6 We have confidence in our salvation as we practice faith and love. v. 8

"Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." vv. 10-11

Do you notice how often Paul admonishes us to love one another, to encourage each other, and build each other up? This is a sharp contrast to a world which considers it appropriate or even funny to "put people down."

Psalm 100

The headnote calls this a psalm of thanksgiving. Perhaps giving thanks is more than a mere "thank you"! We must

• worship with joy and gladness. 
• come before Him with singing.
• acknowledge that the Lord is our God and our creator.
• know that we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.
• If we are His sheep, surely He is our perfect shepherd.
• enter before Him with thanksgiving and praise
• remember that His unfailing love continues forever and
• His faithfulness continues to each generation.

The familiar doxology comes from this psalm as does the following hymn (same tune as doxology--called "Old Hundredth.").

All People That on Earth Do Dwell

All people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.
Him serve with fear; His praise forth tell.
Come ye before Him and rejoice.

The Lord, ye know, is God indeed;
Without our aid He did us make.
We are His flock; He doth us feed,
And for His sheep He doth us take.

O enter then His gates with praise;
Approach with joy His courts unto.
Praise, laud, and bless His name always.
For it is seemly so to do.

For why? The Lord our God is good;
His mercy is forever sure.
His truth at all times firmly stood,
And shall from age to age endure.

To Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
The God whom heav'n and earth adore,
From earth and from the angel host
Be praise and glory evermore.

Amen!