What does 1 Thessalonians 5:7 mean?

Paul has discussed the abrupt nature of the rapture (1 Thessalonians 5:2–3) and begun to explain how Christians should live differently from the unbelieving world (1 Thessalonians 5:4–6).

In this verse Paul makes a general observation that sleeping and getting drunk are actions associated with nighttime and darkness. So unbelievers—the children of darkness—are not conscious of their lost condition. They are neither alert to spiritual truth nor in control of their emotions and actions. In contrast, Christians should not sleep on the job, but should avoid laziness, lethargy, and apathy (Proverbs 6:10–11).

In Romans 13:11 Paul summons his readers to awake from sluggishness because "… salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed." In his letter to the lethargic Laodicean church, Jesus offered this reprimand: "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth" (Revelation 3:15–16).

Also, the children of light should not be controlled by any earthly thing which can enslave or affect their minds; alcohol is the clearest example of this danger. Rather, believers should be under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 commands: "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit."