Living in Light

Devotion for Oct. 24 – Oct. 30 – Living in Light

Think as you read:

Why does the Bible use light as a metaphor to describe Jesus and his followers? 

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Explore God’s Word

- After stating that Jesus’ final coming should serve to encourage Christians, what does Paul say to balance out the Thessalonians’ view on this subject (v. 1)?  What can we know for sure regarding when Jesus will come back (v. 2-3)?

- Why should this event not surprise Christians (v. 4-5)?  

- As children of light, we anticipate Jesus’ coming, understanding that we do not know when it will happen.  How does Paul contrast Christians and “others, who are asleep? (v. 6)”  

- When do these people engage in acts that are contrary to how we should live (v. 7)?  Why do you think this is so?  What enables Christians to avoid this lifestyle (v. 8)?

- The term “asleep” is a synonym for death used in this passage two describe to kinds of people: 1) Christians who have died physically.  2) Non-Christians who are physically alive.  In a sense, both are dead.  What is the difference between the two (vv. 9-10)?

Apply God’s Word

- Does “the end of the world” make you scared?  If so, what are you afraid of specifically?  Have the words in this passage (particularly vv. 4-5; 9-10) alleviated some of your fears?  

- What might you say to be a “light” to an unbeliever the next time this subject comes up in mixed company?

- Your words will not go very far if your actions appear the same as those you are speaking to.  What things are “done at night (v. 7)” in Gatesville, TX that you do not need to belong to?  

- Do you struggle “not [being] like others who are asleep (v. 6)?”  If so, how does the reminder of the “hope of salvation (v.8)” you have in Jesus motivate you to keep trying?  Imagine how you would live apart from the “faith and love (v.8)” you have in Jesus.

Respond in Prayer

Thank God for the “light” he has provided us to live in as Christians, and the assurance we have that goes with it.  Pray specifically for people you know that are “asleep (v. 6).”  Ask God to forgive you when you act more like them instead of his child.  Pray that he would use you to be a light to them that exposes their need for Jesus, and the different kind of life they can have in him.