photo #9442441

9: For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Thessalonians 5:9, KJV. Chapter 5, Paul teaches believers to remain spiritually alert because the Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly. As children of light, Christians should live with faith, love, and hope while encouraging one another. Paul then gives practical instructions for daily living, including rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, giving thanks in every circumstance, and following the Spirit's leading. The chapter concludes with a prayer for complete sanctification and a reminder of God's faithfulness. Paul is teaching believers to live watchfully, joyfully, prayerfully, thankfully, and faithfully while awaiting the return of Jesus Christ. In today's verse, we have assurance of salvation because God's plan did not call us to the destruction we deserved, but His plan through His Son, rescued us from darkness and the punishment for sins and brought us into the light and the protection of God, defeating death, and Satan at the Cross. Practical application for life: rejoice in the Lord and live for Christ. Avoid evil, stay in God's Word, trust God, for He is faithful, and pray with thanksgiving. Lessons learned: do not resist the Holy Ghost and live as if Christ is coming today. Believers are children of light, and God is faithful to complete His work in you. Amen.