1 Thessalonians 5:1-8

Overview:
"The day of the Lord" (The day of the Lord is a future period of time in which God will be at work in world affairs more directly and dramatically than He has been since the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a time referred to by many Old Testament prophets (e.g., Isa_13:9-11; Joe_2:28-32; Zep_1:14-18; Zep_3:14-15). As these and other Old Testament verses indicate, the day of the Lord will include both judgment and blessing. That day begins immediately after the Rapture of the church and ends with the conclusion of the Millennium. This day is a major theme of prophecy with its fullest exposition in Revelation 6-19. ~Bible Knowledge Commentary) will come totally unexpectedly. Just when you think everything is safe and peaceful, He will come - and can not be held back. (example of labor pains). You, however, don't need to be surprised because you are children of light. Work hard, be alert and be watchful. Those who relax and let down their guard do it at night. But you are children of the day, you are protected by your spiritual armor (breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of salvation) - the breastplate will protect your courage and love for God and fellow believers and the helmet will protect your thinking.
Application:
Make the most of your time...I can't quit even though I may want to. The Lord's return is imminent and once it comes, there is not time to wish I had done more. Put on the defensive weapons to ward off Satan and his deceptive thoughts from clouding my thinking. Use my time wisely - ask myself, "Is this how to reach the most people? Is this the best tool for our times? etc."  I need to always be current, yet true to Scripture, to reach this present world with the gospel.