Purpose. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11.
Dear People Belonging to God,
We have been identified as children of the day and not the night. Now Paul goes a step further and that there is a purpose to our lives. We have something to live and die for.
Destiny (v. 9). God’s intention is that we will “obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” In one sense, we have already obtained salvation because our sins are forgiven. But even now we are in the process of being saved from the grip of sinful nature over our lives. God ultimately wants us to be completely free from the presence of sin, and that will be our victory when we enter into glory.
Devotion (v. 10). Christ died to ensure our salvation and his desire is that we will commit our lives to him, either to live for his glory, which Paul here refers to as being awake or to die (sleep) for him. The life of every believer should be focused on the desire of Christ for us. Paul told the Corinthians, “So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him” (2 Corinthians 5:9).
Dedication (v. 11). The sure hope of salvation should be the reason for believers to encourage one another. Aside from the fact that there is really no one else to encourage believers, save for the Lord himself and his word, encouraging one another is mutually beneficial. One never feels alone and abandoned, no matter how severe the persecution. It is not that the Thessalonians were not encouraging one another. Paul wants them to do it more intensely because the threats against them are great. Never spend your breath to discourage another believer. Encourage instead, and the encouragement will bounce back to you.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.