Be Prepared for the Lord's Coming

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11     

Wednesday, 07 January 2026

“But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”   - 1 Thessalonians 5:8

The coming of the Lord should be the most joyful and eagerly anticipated event in the life of every believer. It is not meant to produce fear, but hope, watchfulness, and holy living. In 1 Thessalonians 5:1, Apostle Paul compares the Day of the Lord to a thief coming in the night to emphasize how sudden and unexpected Christ’s return will be for the unprepared.

Paul instructs believers on how to live while awaiting the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Children of the Day Vs. Children of the Night

Those who have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are referred to as children of the night. Like the people in the days of Noah, their life is focused on worldly pleasures, spiritually unaware and unprepared for the Lord’s return (Matthew 24:37–39). Their lives are marked by spiritual darkness and complacency.

In contrast, believers are called "children of light" and "children of the day". Since we have the seal of the Holy Spirit and assurance of the return of our Lord, we are not caught unawares. Paul urges believers to remain sober, alert, and vigilant.

To be sober is to live a life of integrity with spiritual clarity, self-control, and intentional obedience to the word of God. As children of God, we are called to live disciplined, godly lives. Our faith should be evident in our character and conduct. Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (Colossians 3:12)

Put on our Spiritual Armor (V.8) 

In verse 8, Apostle Paul calls believers to spiritual readiness by putting on the spiritual armor that protects both the heart and the mind.

• Faith and love as a breastplate

The breastplate protects the heart, the center of our emotions and desires. Paul instructs believers to guard their hearts with faith and love. Faith roots us in God’s truth and promises, especially in turbulent times of uncertainty or trials. It protects us from doubt and fear. When the enemy attacks with lies or discouragement, faith reminds us of the promises of God over every circumstance. In the same way, love should flow as natural response of our deep abiding relationship with God and guide us in our relationship with others. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8) Christian love guards our hearts against bitterness, hatred, pride, and selfish ambition. Together, faith and love protect our hearts and keep us steadfast in Christ.

• The hope of salvation as a helmet

The helmet protects the head which symbolizes the mind- the origin of our thoughts, perspectives, and understanding. In living sober, vigilant lives, Paul exhorts believers to put on the hope of salvation as a helmet.“For in this hope we were saved… If we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” (Romans 8:24-25) The hope of salvation protects our minds from despair, confusion and fear, especially in seasons of suffering or waiting. It reminds us that our salvation and future are secure in Christ. Romans 15:13 assures us that the God of hope will fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him. The hope of salvation focuses us to an eternal perspective over the temporary. It guards our minds from spiritual weariness and discouragement, enabling us to stand firm until Christ’s return.

Therefore let us live guarding our hearts with faith and love, and protecting our minds with the hope of salvation. This spiritual armor equips us to live soberly, resist temptation, endure trials, and remain steadfast as we await the glorious coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Let's take a moment to reflect: Are we living with an eternal perspective or caught up in earthly distractions? Do our daily choices reflect that we are children of the light? If not, let us return to our loving Heavenly Father, seeking His forgiveness and the grace to overcome every weakness of the flesh. May we truly live as children of the light, drawing many to the saving grace of God as we prepare for the Lord’s coming.

“Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day.” (Ephesians 6:13)