1 Thessalonians 5:6 says “So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.” This important Bible verse contains an exhortation from Paul for believers to stay spiritually alert and self-controlled as we await Christ’s return.
To fully understand the meaning of 1 Thessalonians 5:6, it’s helpful to examine the wider context of the passage. You can read the full text of 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 here.
The Setting of 1 Thessalonians
The book of 1 Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul as a letter to the church in Thessalonica sometime around A.D. 51-52. This makes it one of Paul’s earliest letters according to most New Testament scholars.
Thessalonica was the capital of Macedonia with an estimated population of 200,000 people. Paul had founded the Christian church there only a short time earlier on his second missionary journey recorded in Acts 17:1-9.
Paul wrote this epistle in response to a report he had received from Timothy about the congregation in Thessalonica. The purposes of the letter included encouraging persecuted believers, urging holy living, correcting misunderstandings about the Lord’s return, and restoring problematic members.
Context of 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5
Chapter 5 continues the letter’s previous discussions of sanctification and Christ’s return. In the passage immediately before verse 6, Paul contrasts believers with unbelievers:
“But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.” (1 Thessalonians 5:4-5)
Paul then uses this light/darkness metaphor to introduce the sleeping/waking contrast in verse 6.
The Significance of “Sleep” in This Passage
When Paul urges believers not to “sleep” in 1 Thessalonians 5:6, this sleep is not referring to physical sleep. Rather, it means spiritual sleep, meaning complacency, laziness, and a lack of vigilance in the Christian life according to biblical commentators.
This metaphor of sleeping versus staying awake spiritually occurs across several other New Testament passages:
“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11)
“Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.” (1 Corinthians 15:34)
“Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.” (Ephesians 5:14)
In each case, the concept of “sleep” refers to spiritual stupor, dullness, and insensitivity to the things of God. True believers must stay spiritually awake.
Characteristics of Someone Who is “Asleep” Spiritually
There are several signs that indicate a Christian may be spiritually sleeping instead of staying watchful and sober:
- Neglecting prayer and Bible reading
- Becoming complacent about sin
- Losing enthusiasm for Jesus’ return
- Not sharing their faith
- Forsaking fellowship with the church
- Lacking good works and service
A sleeping Christian is vulnerable to backsliding and missing out on God’s best. But this sluggishness can be overcome!
How to “Stay Awake” and Sober According to Scripture
Paul’s exhortation to stay awake spiritually implies the need for purposeful, vigilant effort. Following are some biblical keys to not sleeping:
- Pray for a sensitive heart that desires God’s truth (Psalm 51:10)
- Study the Word daily for wisdom and holiness (Psalm 119:9-11; John 17:17)
- Fellowship regularly with encouraging believers (Hebrews 10:24-25)
- Watch for Christ’s return with patient hope (1 Thessalonians 1:10; Hebrews 9:28)
- Serve others and do good works with fervor (Galatians 6:9-10; Titus 3:14)
- Share the Gospel – our duty and privilege (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Corinthians 5:20)
- Depend on the Spirit to renew spiritual vigor (Titus 3:5-6)
As Jesus said in Mark 14:38, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Staying spiritually awake requires Christ’s power in us.
The Importance of Staying Awake According to 1 Thessalonians 5
Why did Paul place such emphasis on staying awake and sober in 1 Thessalonians 5? What’s so important about avoiding spiritual sleep? Consider:
- Unbelievers need the Gospel (Romans 10:14)
- Satan seeks idle believers (1 Peter 5:8)
- Our hope is in eternity (Colossians 3:2)
- Opportunities to expand God’s Kingdom await (Galatians 6:10)
- Jesus requires faithfulness (Matthew 25:14-30)
As Christ’s ambassadors, we cannot afford to slumber when the world desperately needs the Gospel.
Parallels Between Physical and Spiritual Sleep
It’s fascinating to examine scientific studies on the effects of lack of physical sleep and find many interesting parallels to spiritual drowsiness:
- Reduced cognitive function and alertness
- Impaired judgement making one vulnerable to poor decisions
- Moodiness, apathy, and lack of energy
- Lower motivation, productivity, and creativity
- Inability to focus and maintain attention
- Compromised immune function and overall health
Just as physical fatigue dulls our body and mind, so spiritual fatigue weakens our Christian walk. But we can overcome by God’s grace and power!
Other Important Bible Passages About Spiritual Alertness
Here are some additional verses from Scripture that relate to waking up spiritually and staying alert:
- “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2)
- “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
- “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.” (Luke 21:34)
- “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15)
May we all keep watch for Christ’s return with holy anticipation!
Summary of the Meaning of 1 Thessalonians 5:6
In summary, 1 Thessalonians 5:6 is an urgent call from Paul for believers to avoid spiritual apathy and instead stay alert and self-controlled as we eagerly await Jesus’ return, which could happen at any moment.
Maintaining spiritual vigilance requires intentional, active obedience empowered by the Holy Spirit. But it allows us to walk closely with Jesus, effectively reach others with the Good News, and live purposefully in these last days.
May we live with eternity stamped on our eyes so we do not slumber as the world sleeps in darkness. Let’s faithfully occupy until Christ comes!
I hope this detailed examination of 1 Thessalonians 5:6 has helped somebody. Stay Blessed
