1 Thessalonians 5:1-3
Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

Confusion leads to chaos
Clarity leads to calm

 
1. Timing

Mark 13:32
“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

 
Not the Same:
• The Coming of the Lord – believers, resurrection, joy, life, reunion

• The Day of the Lord – judgment on the sinful world

How it will begin…
• Unexpectedly – like a thief in the night

• Inevitably – like labor pains for a pregnant woman

1 Thessalonians 5:4-7
But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. 5 For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night.

2. Identity

You are Not:
• In darkness
• Of the Night

You Are:
• Children of the light
• Children of the day

1 Thessalonians 5:8-11
But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

 
3. Hope & Holiness

Wake Up – be alert
Get Dressed – for the DAY

• Breastplate: Faith and Love
• Helmet: hope of salvation