1 Thessalonians 5:8
Verse
Context
Sermons
Paul Washer
Jim Cymbala
Svend Christensen
J.C. Philpot
John Gill
Tom MacartneySummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Putting on the breastplate - We are not only called to Work, but we are called also to fight; and that we may not be surprised, we must watch; and that we may be in a condition to defend ourselves, we must be sober; and that we may be enabled to conquer, we must be armed: and what the breastplate and helmet are to a soldier's heart and head, such are faith, love, and hope to us. Faith enables us to endure, as seeing him who is invisible; love excites us to diligence and activity, and makes us bear our troubles and difficulties pleasantly; hope helps us to anticipate the great end, the glory that shall be revealed, and which we know we shall in due time obtain, if we faint not. For an explanation of the different parts of the Grecian armor, as illustrating that of the Christian, see the notes on Ephesians 6 (note), where the subject is largely explained.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Faith, hope, and love, are the three pre-eminent graces (Th1 1:3; Co1 13:13). We must not only be awake and sober, but also armed; not only watchful, but also guarded. The armor here is only defensive; in Eph 6:13-17, also offensive. Here, therefore, the reference is to the Christian means of being guarded against being surprised by the day of the Lord as a thief in the night. The helmet and breastplate defend the two vital parts, the head and the heart respectively. "With head and heart right, the whole man is right" [EDMUNDS]. The head needs to be kept from error, the heart from sin. For "the breastplate of righteousness," Eph 6:14, we have here "the breastplate of faith and love"; for the righteousness which is imputed to man for justification, is "faith working by love" (Rom 4:3, Rom 4:22-24; Gal 5:6). "Faith," as the motive within, and "love," exhibited in outward acts, constitute the perfection of righteousness. In Eph 6:17 the helmet is "salvation"; here, "the hope of salvation." In one aspect "salvation" is a present possession (Joh 3:36; Joh 5:24; Jo1 5:13); in another, it is a matter of "hope" (Rom 8:24-25). Our Head primarily wore the "breastplate of righteousness" and "helmet of salvation," that we might, by union with Him, receive both.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But let us, who are of the day, be sober,.... As in body, so in mind; let us cast off the works of darkness, and have no fellowship with them; since the day of grace has passed upon us, the darkness is gone, and the true light shines, let us walk as children of the light, living soberly, righteously, and godly: putting on the breastplate of faith and love; this is the coat of mail, Sa1 17:5 which was made of iron or brass; and the Ethiopic version here calls it, "the iron coat." The allusion seems to be to the high priest's breastplate of judgment, in which were put the Thummim and Urim, which signify perfections and lights; faith may answer to the former, and love to the latter: these two graces go together, faith works by love, and love always accompanies faith; as there can be no true faith where there is no love, so there is no true love where faith is wanting: "faith" is a considerable part of the Christian soldier's breastplate, and answers the end of a breastplate, it being that grace which preserves the vitals of religion, and keeps all warm and comfortable within; and secures the peace and joy of the saints, as it has to do with Christ and his righteousness; wherefore this breastplate is called "the breastplate of righteousness", Eph 6:14, it fortifies the soul, and preserves it from Satan's temptations, from his fiery darts entering, and doing the mischief they would; it defends the heart against the errors of the wicked, for a man that believes has a witness in himself to the truths of the Gospel, and therefore cannot be easily moved from them; and strengthens a man against the carnal reasonings of the mind, for faith in the promises of God surmounts all the difficulties that reason objects to the fulfilling of them; and secures from the fears of death, the terrors of the law, and dread of the wrath of God: and love is the other part of the breast plate; love to God and Christ is a means of keeping the believer sound both in faith and practice; for a soul that truly loves God and Christ cannot give in to principles that depreciate the grace of God, and derogate from the glory and dignity of the person and office of Christ, or the work of the Spirit; and such love the ordinances and commands of Christ, and hate every false way of worship, or invention of men; and love to the saints is the bond of perfectness, knits them together, preserves unity and peace, and fortifies against the common enemy: and for an helmet, the hope of salvation; the helmet is that part of armour which covers the head, and was made of brass, Sa1 17:5 and used to be anointed with oil, that it might shine the brighter, last the longer, and more easily repel blows; to which this grace of the Spirit, hope of salvation by Christ, is fitly compared: for by "salvation" is meant salvation by Christ, spiritual salvation, and that as complete in heaven; and hope is a grace wrought in the soul by the spirit of God, which has for its foundation Christ and his righteousness, and for its object the heavenly glory; it covers the head in the day of battle, and preserves from being overcome by sin and Satan, when one that is destitute of it says there is no hope, and we will walk every man after the imagination of his own evil heart; it erects the head in time of difficulty, amidst tribulation and afflictions; it defends it from fears of divine wrath which is revealed from heaven, and sometimes in appearance seems to hang over it; and it preserves from Satan's temptations, and being carried away with the error of the wicked, from the hope of the Gospel: and thus a Christian clothed and armed with these graces, faith, hope, and love, should be so far from indulging himself in sin and sloth, that he ought always to be sober and watchful, and prepared to meet the enemy in the gate; and be ready, always waiting for his Lord's coming.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:8 Armor . . . helmet (Isa 59:17; Eph 6:11-17): The armament is the moral life (Rom 13:12; 2 Cor 6:7; 10:3-5; 2 Tim 2:3-4). The Christian soldier is equipped with the virtues of faith, love, and confidence (see 1 Thes 1:3; 3:6; 1 Cor 13:13; 2 Thes 1:3-4).
1 Thessalonians 5:8
The Day of the Lord
7For those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.8But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
1 Thessalonians 5:1-8
By Paul Washer1.8K57:17TeachingMAT 24:421TH 5:21TH 5:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding our identity as believers and living in accordance with it. He encourages listeners to stand upon the promises of God and press on in their pursuit of holiness and righteousness. The speaker warns against complacency and urges believers to be alert and sober, ready for the sudden and decisive event of their eternal destiny being fixed. He emphasizes the seriousness of this life and the impact that our actions here have on our eternal future. The sermon concludes with a prayer for strength and a plea for believers to serve God wholeheartedly.
The Way to Look at Things
By Jim Cymbala1.5K37:37DiscouragementLUK 18:1ACT 20:242CO 4:162CO 5:71TH 5:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of looking at things from a spiritual perspective rather than focusing on what is seen. He encourages the audience to walk by faith and not by sight, as faith is contrasted with sight. The speaker shares the heartbreak of an apostle or leader who sees some of his people going astray, but remains committed to the work of Christ. He reminds the audience that despite outward troubles, they should not lose heart, as their faith and daily renewal in God will lead to an eternal glory that outweighs any temporary difficulties. The speaker encourages the audience to hold on to Jesus, trust in Him, and not give up, as God can open their eyes to see the invisible and renew their strength every day.
Studies in Song of Solomon 01 His Head as Fine Gold
By Svend Christensen72445:411TH 1:91TH 2:71TH 4:11TH 4:121TH 5:8In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of 1 Thessalonians and highlights five key themes. Firstly, he discusses the progression of the Thessalonians' spiritual growth, comparing it to the stages of infancy, where they turned away from idols, were nurtured by Paul, and stood firm in their faith. Secondly, he emphasizes the importance of walking in a way that pleases God and being a good example to those outside the faith. Thirdly, he encourages believers to fight against spiritual battles by putting on the armor of God. The speaker then discusses the three-fold result of the Thessalonians' faith, as they became followers of God, examples to others, and witnesses of the gospel. Finally, he highlights the three-fold call for the Thessalonians to turn to God, serve Him, and eagerly await the return of Jesus. Throughout the sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of faith, salvation, and the need for a personal relationship with God.
An Anxious Inquiry and a Gracious Response
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 107:12ROM 5:5ROM 8:251CO 3:81CO 13:131CO 15:581TH 1:31TH 5:8REV 2:2The preacher delves into the concept of 'kopos' in the Bible, which refers to labor involving toil, fatigue, suffering, weariness, and sorrow. This labor speaks of intense effort united with trouble, emphasizing the weariness that follows straining one's powers to the utmost. The sermon explores various Bible verses that illustrate different nuances of 'kopos,' highlighting the importance of labor prompted by love, the toil involved in spiritual benefits, and the endurance under trials inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:13
By John Gill0Hope in ChristSpiritual ReadinessLUK 12:35ROM 8:181CO 9:24EPH 6:14PHP 3:14COL 3:21TH 5:82TI 4:7HEB 6:111PE 1:3John Gill emphasizes the importance of mental preparedness and spiritual sobriety in his sermon on 1 Peter 1:13. He encourages believers to 'gird up the loins of your mind' with truth, focusing on the mysteries of grace and the teachings of Christ, while avoiding distractions and false doctrines. Gill highlights the necessity of maintaining a sober mindset, free from worldly anxieties and temptations, to fully embrace the hope of salvation that is revealed through Jesus Christ. He stresses that this hope should be sincere and unwavering, as it is tied to the grace that will be fully realized at Christ's revelation. Ultimately, believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith and hope until the end.
Faith, Hope, and Love (These Are Our Power Line and Our Navigation beam.)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0HopeFaithLovePSA 73:25ROM 5:51CO 13:13GAL 2:20EPH 3:20PHP 4:131TH 5:8HEB 11:12PE 1:31JN 4:16Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the vital roles of faith, hope, and love as the foundational power lines that connect believers to God's divine power, enabling them to live a life of godliness. He illustrates that these virtues are essential for receiving God's gifts and for effective ministry, highlighting that true faith connects us with Jesus and allows His power to flow through us. Waldvogel encourages believers to keep their focus on Christ, as faith brings light and life, while hope lifts us above worldly struggles. He warns against spiritual carelessness and stresses the importance of meditating on God's Word as a guide for living. Ultimately, he reminds us that love is the greatest of these virtues, anchoring our relationship with God and others.
The God of Hope
By Tom Macartney0PSA 119:114JHN 17:13ROM 8:17ROM 15:4ROM 15:13COL 1:271TH 5:8TIT 2:12HEB 6:191PE 1:3Tom Macartney preaches about the importance of hope in the Christian life, emphasizing that true hope is confidently waiting for something certain in the future. He highlights that hope is essential for survival and recovery from depression, pointing out that Jesus Christ is the only hope for humanity. Macartney discusses the challenges to hope, including the way of the cross that leads to glory, and the need for Christians to have complete assurance in God's control and eternal life through new birth. He concludes by encouraging believers to trust in the God of hope, who fills them with joy, peace, and overflowing hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Of the Grace of Hope.
By John Gill0GraceHopePSA 42:11PSA 130:7PRO 14:32JER 17:7ACT 4:12ROM 15:131TH 5:8TIT 1:2HEB 11:11PE 1:3John Gill emphasizes the significance of the grace of hope in the Christian faith, explaining that hope is rooted in God and is essential for believers. He outlines that true hope is not based on human merit or external circumstances but is founded on God's promises and the work of Christ. Gill highlights that hope is a living and good hope, which sustains believers through trials and leads them to eternal life. He encourages the faithful to anchor their hope in God, who is the source of all grace and mercy, and to trust in the promises of salvation through Jesus Christ. Ultimately, hope serves as a powerful motivator for believers to persevere in their faith.
On the Spiritual Conflict (Continued)
By Thomas Reade0ISA 55:61CO 9:272CO 5:172CO 10:4GAL 5:17EPH 6:101TH 5:81TI 6:12JAS 2:261JN 5:14Thomas Reade preaches about the importance of true faith and holiness, as exemplified by the sentiments of the Saxon Reformer, Martin Luther. Luther's teachings on the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit emphasize the need for believers to understand and overcome their sinful nature through the power of the Gospel. The sermon highlights Luther's exhortation for ministers to remain zealous in their duties and to combat spiritual temptations and persecutions. It also stresses the necessity for believers to crucify the flesh, resist sin, and rely on the Spirit to lead a life pleasing to God, echoing Luther's teachings on justification, sanctification, and perseverance in faith.
As Your Sanctification.- 1 cor.1:30
By Andrew Murray0ISA 61:10LUK 24:49ROM 13:12ROM 13:141CO 15:53GAL 3:27EPH 4:24COL 3:10COL 3:121TH 5:8The preacher delves into the concept of 'putting on' in the Bible, focusing on the spiritual significance of clothing oneself with the 'new man' in Christ. This act of 'putting on' signifies a past completed action that occurred at the moment of regeneration by grace through faith. Believers are encouraged to live out their new position as children of God, fully identified with Christ's righteousness and empowered to walk in newness of life. The sermon emphasizes the importance of daily 'putting on' Christ, manifesting His righteousness in everyday life, and living out the divine wardrobe of compassion, kindness, humility, and patience.
Real Issues to Be Considered
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0MAT 24:42ROM 13:121TH 5:51TH 5:8HEB 10:232PE 3:9Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the importance of not indulging in idle speculations but being alert to the signs of the approaching day of the Lord. Believers, as 'children of the light' and 'children of the day,' should be mindful of the positive conditions leading to that day and not disregard them. The imminent return of Christ should serve as a motivating vision that propels believers to action and inspires them to diligently pursue their tasks, just like it did for faithful saints and ministers like Mr. Moody. As the fulfillment of Scripture unfolds rapidly, Chafer urges listeners to open their eyes, heed God's Word, and recognize the signs of the times.
A Musick-Lector
By Solomon Eccles0MAT 5:16JHN 14:15ROM 8:16ROM 13:101TH 5:81JN 5:13John MacArthur emphasizes the importance of the 'helmet of salvation' in spiritual warfare, drawing parallels between Roman soldiers' helmets protecting them in battle and Christians' assurance of salvation protecting them from Satan's attacks of discouragement and doubt. The helmet symbolizes hope, deflecting blows of discouragement and doubt, ensuring believers of their eternal security in Christ. Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:8 urges believers to wear the full armor of God, including the helmet of salvation, to stand firm against the enemy's schemes and to encourage one another in the faith.
Hope
By Richard E. Bieber0PSA 27:13ROM 15:4ROM 15:131CO 13:13COL 1:271TH 5:8HEB 6:19HEB 10:23Richard E. Bieber emphasizes the importance of nurturing the three gifts God gives believers: faith, love, and hope. He explains that neglecting the gift of hope can lead to a loss of faith and love, urging listeners to seek and hold onto the vision of heaven even in darkness. Using the analogy of Christian in Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, he highlights the necessity of finding and maintaining hope to face challenges. Bieber stresses the need to taste glory in the scriptures, through harmony with fellow believers, and in unified praise to renew vision and hope in God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Putting on the breastplate - We are not only called to Work, but we are called also to fight; and that we may not be surprised, we must watch; and that we may be in a condition to defend ourselves, we must be sober; and that we may be enabled to conquer, we must be armed: and what the breastplate and helmet are to a soldier's heart and head, such are faith, love, and hope to us. Faith enables us to endure, as seeing him who is invisible; love excites us to diligence and activity, and makes us bear our troubles and difficulties pleasantly; hope helps us to anticipate the great end, the glory that shall be revealed, and which we know we shall in due time obtain, if we faint not. For an explanation of the different parts of the Grecian armor, as illustrating that of the Christian, see the notes on Ephesians 6 (note), where the subject is largely explained.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Faith, hope, and love, are the three pre-eminent graces (Th1 1:3; Co1 13:13). We must not only be awake and sober, but also armed; not only watchful, but also guarded. The armor here is only defensive; in Eph 6:13-17, also offensive. Here, therefore, the reference is to the Christian means of being guarded against being surprised by the day of the Lord as a thief in the night. The helmet and breastplate defend the two vital parts, the head and the heart respectively. "With head and heart right, the whole man is right" [EDMUNDS]. The head needs to be kept from error, the heart from sin. For "the breastplate of righteousness," Eph 6:14, we have here "the breastplate of faith and love"; for the righteousness which is imputed to man for justification, is "faith working by love" (Rom 4:3, Rom 4:22-24; Gal 5:6). "Faith," as the motive within, and "love," exhibited in outward acts, constitute the perfection of righteousness. In Eph 6:17 the helmet is "salvation"; here, "the hope of salvation." In one aspect "salvation" is a present possession (Joh 3:36; Joh 5:24; Jo1 5:13); in another, it is a matter of "hope" (Rom 8:24-25). Our Head primarily wore the "breastplate of righteousness" and "helmet of salvation," that we might, by union with Him, receive both.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But let us, who are of the day, be sober,.... As in body, so in mind; let us cast off the works of darkness, and have no fellowship with them; since the day of grace has passed upon us, the darkness is gone, and the true light shines, let us walk as children of the light, living soberly, righteously, and godly: putting on the breastplate of faith and love; this is the coat of mail, Sa1 17:5 which was made of iron or brass; and the Ethiopic version here calls it, "the iron coat." The allusion seems to be to the high priest's breastplate of judgment, in which were put the Thummim and Urim, which signify perfections and lights; faith may answer to the former, and love to the latter: these two graces go together, faith works by love, and love always accompanies faith; as there can be no true faith where there is no love, so there is no true love where faith is wanting: "faith" is a considerable part of the Christian soldier's breastplate, and answers the end of a breastplate, it being that grace which preserves the vitals of religion, and keeps all warm and comfortable within; and secures the peace and joy of the saints, as it has to do with Christ and his righteousness; wherefore this breastplate is called "the breastplate of righteousness", Eph 6:14, it fortifies the soul, and preserves it from Satan's temptations, from his fiery darts entering, and doing the mischief they would; it defends the heart against the errors of the wicked, for a man that believes has a witness in himself to the truths of the Gospel, and therefore cannot be easily moved from them; and strengthens a man against the carnal reasonings of the mind, for faith in the promises of God surmounts all the difficulties that reason objects to the fulfilling of them; and secures from the fears of death, the terrors of the law, and dread of the wrath of God: and love is the other part of the breast plate; love to God and Christ is a means of keeping the believer sound both in faith and practice; for a soul that truly loves God and Christ cannot give in to principles that depreciate the grace of God, and derogate from the glory and dignity of the person and office of Christ, or the work of the Spirit; and such love the ordinances and commands of Christ, and hate every false way of worship, or invention of men; and love to the saints is the bond of perfectness, knits them together, preserves unity and peace, and fortifies against the common enemy: and for an helmet, the hope of salvation; the helmet is that part of armour which covers the head, and was made of brass, Sa1 17:5 and used to be anointed with oil, that it might shine the brighter, last the longer, and more easily repel blows; to which this grace of the Spirit, hope of salvation by Christ, is fitly compared: for by "salvation" is meant salvation by Christ, spiritual salvation, and that as complete in heaven; and hope is a grace wrought in the soul by the spirit of God, which has for its foundation Christ and his righteousness, and for its object the heavenly glory; it covers the head in the day of battle, and preserves from being overcome by sin and Satan, when one that is destitute of it says there is no hope, and we will walk every man after the imagination of his own evil heart; it erects the head in time of difficulty, amidst tribulation and afflictions; it defends it from fears of divine wrath which is revealed from heaven, and sometimes in appearance seems to hang over it; and it preserves from Satan's temptations, and being carried away with the error of the wicked, from the hope of the Gospel: and thus a Christian clothed and armed with these graces, faith, hope, and love, should be so far from indulging himself in sin and sloth, that he ought always to be sober and watchful, and prepared to meet the enemy in the gate; and be ready, always waiting for his Lord's coming.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:8 Armor . . . helmet (Isa 59:17; Eph 6:11-17): The armament is the moral life (Rom 13:12; 2 Cor 6:7; 10:3-5; 2 Tim 2:3-4). The Christian soldier is equipped with the virtues of faith, love, and confidence (see 1 Thes 1:3; 3:6; 1 Cor 13:13; 2 Thes 1:3-4).