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Paul urges believers to live in a way that pleases God more and more. God’s will is for them to be holy—turning away from sexual immorality, living with honor and self-control, and never taking advantage of one another. For God has not called them to live impure lives, but holy lives, and he has given them his Holy Spirit to help them live this way.

Paul encourages them to continue loving one another, just as God has already taught them to do. Yet he urges them to love even more, to live quietly, mind their own business, and work with their hands so that they will live honorably before outsiders and not depend on others.

Then Paul turns to a question that weighed heavily on their hearts: what happens to believers who have died? He tells them not to grieve like those who have no hope. Since Jesus died and was raised to life again, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.

Paul describes a breathtaking moment still to come. The Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, those who are still alive will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And from that moment on, they will be with the Lord forever. “So encourage each other with these words.”

Paul reminds them that the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. While the world speaks of peace and safety, sudden destruction will come. But believers are not in darkness. They are children of the light and children of the day. So they must stay alert and sober, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as their helmet the confidence of salvation.

For God chose them not for wrath, but to receive salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for them so they could live with him forever. Because of this hope, Paul urges them to encourage one another and build each other up.

He calls them to honor those who lead and work among them, to live in peace with one another, warn those who are lazy, encourage the timid, care for the weak, and be patient with everyone. Never repay evil for evil, but always seek to do good.

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances.” Do not stifle the Holy Spirit, but test everything and hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.

Paul closes with a final blessing: may the God of peace make them holy in every way, and may their whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless until the Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

Verse of the Day: Job 19:25-27

“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!

Question of the Day:

How does Job's story bring you comfort today?