June 10, 2014
O, VICTORY IN JESUS!
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Bethany Phillip
Central Truth
We are dead to sin, but made alive in Christ now and forevermore!
Key Verse | 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
The Coming of the Lord
13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, 1 4:15 Or by the word of the Lord that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Dive Deeper | 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
I'll never forget sitting in the pew at View Baptist Church next to my parents each Sunday morning as a little girl. Usually, I was chewing bubble gum or coloring while listening to the congregation sing hymns of praise. One summer day while attending our church's Vacation Bible School, I made the decision to follow Christ. I was seven then.
Fast forward twenty years. By the grace of God, I have not wavered in the faith I gained as a girl. But there have been times my faith has been challenged by conflict, difficulties, and unexpected loss. Many of those experiences have left me on my knees with no words to say. It's in the midst of these trials that my dependence and hope is completely in Him. Even in my doubts, He is faithful and will guide me in my journey. I just have to listen to His voice, "Bethany, trust in ME at all times, and do not lean on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5, paraphrased)
In this passage, the Thessalonians are experiencing incredible grief and were being persecuted for their faith. Many members of their community had died. As a result, Paul writes to inform them of the hope that the gospel gives us. Just as Christ was raised, so those who have died in Christ will also be raised -- both the living and the dead will be able to participate in the final victory! Paul instructs them in verse 18 to "encourage one another with these words."
In 1 Corinthians, Paul talks further about our hope that is in Christ alone. We, who were once perishable because of sin, are imperishable because of the gift of our salvation. "Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting?" (1 Corinthians 15:54-55)
Praise God for this gift of Hope through Salvation. Whatever trial you are experiencing today, be reminded that your Victory is in Jesus!
Discussion Questions
1. What conflict, difficulty, or trial is going on in your life right now? Are you placing your hope in Christ or in fleeting things?
2. In what ways, big and small, has God been faithful to you?
3. What would you change if you knew Jesus was coming back today?
4. Think of someone you know who is going through a trial. How can you encourage them with Truth today?