alert – Ministry of Grace Church

Therefore we should not sleep, as others do, but we should be alert and be watchful.

Truth to Learn

Christians need to wake up and stop sleep-walking through life.

Behind the Words

Ara oun are the opening words of this verse in Greek. They are both inferential particles, serving to draw-out a conclusion based on the previous statement. A literal translation of these two words might be “accordingly therefore.”

The word “sleep” is translated from the Greek verb katheudō, meaning “to sleep.” It is used to express literal sleep, but it is also used metaphorically, as in this verse, to refer to those who are not aware of what’s happening around them.

The words “be alert” are from the Greek verb grēgoreō, which means “to watch” or “to refrain from sleep.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating something that may not be happening but that could or should be happening.

The words “be watchful” are translated from nēphō. The original meaning of the word was “to not be drunk.” However, over time the meaning was broadened to mean “to be sober minded” or “to be watchful.” This verb is also in the subjunctive mood, indicating something that needs to be happening.

Meaning Explained

In the first part of this chapter we learned that the Thessalonian Christians were fully aware of the Day of the Lord, the time of judgment against those who have rejected God. They learned that it will occur at a time when the people on earth believe that they finally have peace and safety. Unfortunately for them, however, God’s judgment will come on them suddenly and there will be no way for them to escape it.

In verses four and five, Paul reminded the Thessalonians that they were aware of the coming judgment and they are not in spiritual darkness. He told them (and us) that instead of being in darkness, they (we) are filled with the light of God and we understand things that those in darkness aren’t aware of.

Accordingly, therefore, since we are not unaware of the coming judgment, we need to stay awake. We need to be aware of what’s happening, and we need to witness to those who aren’t aware. Unfortunately, today as in Paul’s time, there are a lot of Christians who are sleep-walking through life. Being a Christian gives us peace and comfort, knowing that God will take care of us and He will take us to be with Him for eternity. But, to many Christians that means they live with one foot in the world and one foot in the church. We are to be in the world, but not of the world. We need to look different, act differently, and think differently. We need to be sober minded, not getting caught-up in worldly thoughts and actions and not getting radical or hysterical. Instead, we need to pray and read our Bibles to learn all we can so we can serve Him faithfully while there is still an opportunity to do so.

Application

How is your thought life? How do your actions demonstrate that you are a child of God? If you were arrested today for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? We only have one life to live for God and when it is over we will not have any more opportunities to serve Him. Will you spend eternity wishing you had lived differently, wishing you had done more for Him? Now is the time for action!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 5:8

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Truth to Learn

Stay on the alert and don’t be intimidated by our accuser.

Behind the Words

“Sober” is translated from the Greek word nēphō, which means “to abstain from wine” or “to be sober.” Metaphorically it means “sober minded.” In other words, thinking clearly and not allowing your mind to be clouded by any distractions. It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

The word “vigilant” is translated from, grēgoreuō, which means “to keep awake” or “to be watchful.” This word is also expressed in the imperative mood, indicating that it is not merely a suggestion, but a command.

Meaning Explained

Peter has told us how to behave when we are suffering under affliction which has been brought on by the providence of God. We are to allow ourselves to be humbled and we are to toss all of our worrying onto Him. Lest we think that enduring suffering is a passive event, however, Peter now tells us what action we are to be taking. We are to be sober minded and vigilant even while we are being humbled.

That is, we are to keep our minds clear from distractions; we are to remain sharply focused on God and to be ever watchful. The implication is that we are to be constantly on the alert for some impending danger. Why? Because “our adversary, the devil walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” The word translated adversary means “opponent,” particularly an opponent in a legal battle. The word “devil” is the Greek word diabolos, which literally means “accuser.” But why did Peter use legal jargon referring to Satan? Because we are in a legal battle with him! He is constantly accusing us of being unrighteous.

for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Revelation 12:10b)

And our accuser is walking about like a roaring lion. This verse does not say that the devil is a roaring lion; it says he is like a roaring lion. Have you ever watched a courtroom scene where the prosecuting attorney is roaring at the defendant trying his (or her) best to intimidate the defendant? This is precisely what Satan is doing in front of the great Judge of all creation right now. Fortunately for us, we have the best defense attorney in all of creation. In 1 John 2:1 it says:

And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

So, as we are humbled by God and we toss our cares upon Him, we need to be alert and watchful. We are to keep ourselves from succumbing to temptation because there is one who is watching for us to stumble so that he can accuse us before the Father. But, when that does happen, our advocate presents His own blood as evidence of our righteousness.

Application

Do you feel like you are under attack or that there is an adversary making threatening noises against you and what you believe? If so, be humbled, quit worrying, think clearly, and be ever watchful, resting in the arms of our loving Savior.

In God’s service, for His glory,

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Ministry of Grace Church

Tag: alert

1 Thessalonians 5:6 – No Sleep-walking!

1 Peter 5:8 – Stay Alert!