Signal Fire - 1 ThessaloniansSample

Paul continues with this encouragement: “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.” He’s not just talking about physically staying awake—he’s pointing to spiritual alertness. It’s easy to drift through life, numb or distracted, but Paul calls us to live with eyes open and hearts ready. Why? Because we belong to the day, not the night. Our identity shapes our posture. We live with intention, not passivity.

He goes on to say we’ve been “destined… to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” That’s huge. Our future isn’t up for grabs—it’s secure. Jesus died so that, whether we’re awake or asleep, alive or gone, “we may live together with him.” That’s the heartbeat of the gospel: together with Christ. And because of that, Paul tells us to keep encouraging and building each other up. Hope was never meant to stay private—it’s meant to be shared and multiplied in community.

1. Where are you most tempted to “fall asleep” spiritually—just going through the motions instead of staying alert?
2. How does knowing your salvation is secure in Christ give you confidence in daily life?
3. Who can you intentionally encourage or build up this week?