Darkness

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 - Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.

Romans 13:11 - And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

Acts 24:25 - As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you."

Conclusions:

• In the Old Testament the day of the Lord is a time when God will come and intervene with judgment and/or blessing
• In the New Testament the thought of judgment continues, but it is also the day of redemption; the day of God, or of Christ; and the last day, the great day or simply the day
• The day of the Lord is the consummation of all things
• There will be some preliminary signs, but the coming of the Lord will be as unexpected as that of a thief in the night
• In Semitic languages to be the “son of” a quality meant to be characterized by that quality
• Christians do not simply live in the light, they are characterized by light
• The present time is the time of salvation, the closing period of the present age, before the consummation of the kingdom
• The hour is the time for action
• Our salvation is the full realization of salvation at the second coming of Jesus Christ
• Every day brings us closer to the second advent of Christ
• Hearing of righteousness, self-control and judgment, Felix looked at his past life and was filled with fear
• Felix had a spark of sincerity and concern
• Lust, pride, greed and selfish ambition made it continually inconvenient for Felix to change

Application:

• Are you ready for the Lord's coming?
• Are you characterized by light?
• Are you slumbering?
• Is their lust, pride, greed and selfish ambition in your life making it inconvenient to change?

All Scripture verses from NIV

Conclusions derived from NIV Study Bible