ALERT AS GOD’S WARRIORS (v.1-7)

Because we are in a relationship with God, He transforms us and enables us to live out this life. We are not sons of darkness (v.4) who will face destruction in the day of the Lord because they are spiritually asleep and are not controlled by the Holy Spirit. We are sons of light (v.5), controlled by the Holy Spirit and will experience salvation. We therefore need to be spiritually alert and sober (v.6). The Greek word used for “be alert” is grēgoreō, which means to stay awake, be watchful, be vigilant, or be on the lookout. It is an imperative command, urging believers to maintain a state of spiritual awareness and preparedness. It means being spiritually awake, not just coasting through life.

ARMED WITH GOD’S WEAPONS (v.8)

What thoughts are entering your mind? Is it aligned with God’s truth? Satan attacks our minds and deceives us, but the helmet of salvation protects our minds from his lies. We need to remember that we are saved through faith in Christ alone, and to take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). As we face trials and struggles, we need to anchor ourselves in God’s Word as it is God who helps us overcome (1 John 5:4) and by knowing His Word, we can think clearly and make good decisions. Remembering His promises helps us walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

God’s Word is also the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17), which has the power to change lives by its one unifying message (2 Timothy 3:10-17): the gospel of Jesus Christ. By God’s word we can also combat the lies of Satan, find our stability and hope in Jesus, and receive instructions on how to live in righteousness.

During the last days, we need to protect ourselves from misdirected love such as love for self, money, or pleasure (2 Timothy 3:1-2). God wants us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Always check your heart. Love God first and foremost.

ASSURED BY GOD’S WORD (v.9-11)

The Bible is so reliable you can build your life on it. We need to know God’s Word so we can believe in His promises. Study, memorize, and teach God’s Word. We should be in God’s Word and live our lives based on biblical truth.

God gives us the assurance that if we’re in Christ, whether awake (alive) or asleep (dead), we will live together with Him (vv.9-10) for eternity. We are not children of wrath because He himself bore our sins. He experienced the most excruciating pain so that we may have life. The assurance that we have in Christ is a glorious future. We must encourage one another (v.11). That is our great comfort.

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LAST WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)