1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 5:24.

The Thessalonian church had the reputation of having sat down waiting for Christ’s imminent return, thinking that they had nothing more to do. They really could have done with the encouragement of Hebrews 12 and 13, especially Hebrews 12:2, to keep focused on all that Jesus had given to them, and commissioned them to do. They needed reminding to keep active as disciples and disciple-makers because whilst the promise of Christ’s return was certain (Revelation 22:7-21), the exact day and hour that that would happen had not been revealed (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3).

Sitting around passively between now and Christ’s return is not an option. We need to be active in sharing the gospel. Otherwise, how will those who have not heard about Jesus as their anchor of hope now and for all eternity have an opportunity to respond to Him?