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. 8 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. “(1 Thessalonians 5:6–8 (ESV)
The Bible is literature containing various genres, or styles of writing. Examples of the Bible’s many genres include law, historical narrative, poetry, wisdom, prophecy, ancient bibliography, doctrinal epistles, and apocalyptic. Therefore, the interpreter of Scripture must be aware of these genres and the many figures of speech the Holy Spirit used when He produced the inerrant and inspired Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
Today’s biblical text contains the figure of speech known as metaphor. A metaphor is a direct comparison or a figure of speech when a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable: The Psalms and the Old Testament Wisdom literature contains many metaphors. A metaphor represents has a symbolic meaning referring to an abstract truth.
The Apostle Paul used three metaphors encouraging believers in Christ to prepare themselves for the coming (Parousia) of the Lord Jesus Christ. He wrote for the Thessalonians to not sleep, to be awake and to be sober. Obviously, Paul was not being literal in these instructions. What then did the apostle, and the Holy Spirit, mean by using these three metaphors and how did they apply in the early church and also the church today?
“So then let us not sleep, as others do ,.. For those who sleep, sleep at night.” Sleep (καθεύδωμεν; katheudomen) is a present, active verb. Depending upon the literary context, the verb sleep can mean one of three things. (1) to speak of natural sleep, (2) to refer to moral or spiritual inactivity, and (3) to refer to death. The second meaning concerning spiritual inactivity is what the Apostle Paul had in mind in today’s text. He encouraged the Thessalonian believers to not be spiritual inactive regarding the coming of Christ.
“In a figurative way, sleep is used as a symbol of laziness, carelessness, or inactivity. Isaiah 56:10 speaks of those who failed in their responsibility as leaders of God’s people: “They love to lie there, love to sleep, to dream” (TLB). In the NT those who are the Lord’s servants are called to watch and to be sure that when their Master comes, he will not find them sleeping (Mk 13:35–37; see also Matt.25:1–13; 26:40–46). Likewise, the challenge to maintain spiritual alertness and to refrain from sleep comes in a number of places in the epistles: “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light” (Eph 5:14, RSV); “So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Watch for his return and stay sober” (1 Thes 5:6, TLB),” comments Dr. Walter Elwell in the Tyndale Bible Dictionary.
“To sleep (cf. Mark 13:36; Eph. 5:14) means to live as if there will never be a judgment-day. Spiritual and moral laxity is indicated. Luke 12:45 pictures this condition vividly. So does the description of the foolish virgins, who had taken no oil in their vessels with their lamps (Matt. 25:3, 8). It means not to be prepared,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.
Paul further indicated those who sleep, sleep at night. This metaphorically meant to be spiritually inactive continuously. The apostle cautioned believers to not be complacent in their walk with Christ; especially concerning the Lord’s glorious return of blessing and judgment.
“…but let us keep awake.” This phrase “let us keep awake” (γρηγορῶμεν; gregoromen) is also a present, active verb. It means to presently and actively be vigilant watchful and on the alert for the Lord’s return. It is the direct opposite behavior of the spiritual complacent and inactive.
“To be watchful means to live a sanctified life, in the consciousness of the coming judgment-day. Spiritual and moral alertness is indicated. The watchful individual has his lamps burning and his loins “girded,” and it is in that condition that he looks forward to the return of the Bridegroom. On this read Luke 12:35–40. The watchful person is prepared,” comments Dr. Hendriksen.
“A study of this verb to be watchful (γρηγορέω, whence the proper name Gregory), as used elsewhere, is rewarding. In addition to 1 Thess. 5:6 the passages in which the verb indisputably has a figurative sense are the following: Matt. 24:42; 25:13; Mark 13:35, 37; Acts 20:31; 1 Cor. 16:13; Col. 4:2; 1 Peter 5:8; Rev. 3:2, 3; 16:15. Dr. Henriksen states these previous passages lead to the following conclusions:”
- The uncertainty (on our part) of the day and the hour of Christ’s return is a reason for watchfulness (Matt. 24:42; 25:13; Mark 13:35, 37).
- Another reason for constant vigilance is the presence of enemies, seen and unseen, who threaten the flock (Acts 20:31; 1 Peter 5:8).
- To be watchful means to be spiritually awake (Rev. 3:2, 3; 16:15).
- It implies the habit of regular prayer, including thanksgiving (Col. 4:2).
- What is probably the fullest description of watchfulness is given in 1 Cor. 16:13, 14: “Be watchful, stand fast in the faith, acquit yourselves like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”
“…And be sober… those who get drunk, are drunk at night.” To be sober (νήφωμεν; nephomen) is also a present, active verb. It means to be sober-minded and to be well composed in one’s thinking. It is an attitude of self-restraint. To be drunk (μεθυσκόμενοι; methyskomenoi) means to be intoxicated and reckless.
“To be sober means to be filled with spiritual and moral earnestness, being neither overly excited on the one hand, nor indifferent on the other, but calm, steady, and sane (cf. 1 Peter 4:7), doing one’s duty and fulfilling one’s ministry (2 Tim. 4:5),” continues Dr. Hendriksen.
“The sober person lives deeply. His pleasures are not primarily those of the senses, like the pleasures of the drunkard for instance, but those of the soul. He is by no means a Stoic. On the contrary, with a full measure of joyful anticipation he looks forward to the return of the Lord (1 Peter 1:13). But he does not run away from his task! Note how both here and also in 1 Peter 5:8 the two verbs to be watchful and to be sober are used as synonyms.”
It is a good thing to be excited about the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. However, believers in Christ are also to be equally fervent for the spiritual tasks at hand in serving the Lord. This involves worship, evangelism, discipleship, fellowship and ministry. Remember, the Thessalonians were known for their work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope in the Lord Jesus (I Thess. 1:3). May this be also said of us.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 