At the heart of this epistle is Paul’s unpacking of the return of Christ. More than almost any other letter of Paul, 1 Thessalonians reveals what our future hope is all about.
(1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11)
SERMON OUTLINE
“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
Grieving, but with Future Hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
- The Thessalonian believers’ grief
- The rest of humankind grieves without hope because without Christ
- The importance of grieving – even Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus
God’s Truth About Future Hope (1 Thessalonians 4:14-18)
- What we believe about Christ and ourselves (4:14)
- The teaching of Jesus on this, summarized by Paul (4:15-17)
- Encourage one another with this future hope (4:18)
Living Now with Future Hope (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)
- The reality of the “day of the Lord” (5:1-3)
- The contrast of night and day, darkness and light (5:4-8)
- The truth on which we build our hope for the future (5:9-10)
- Encourage one another and build each other up with this future hope (5:11)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What do you find most confusing about the return of Christ and what that means for us as followers of Jesus?
- This weekend we continue our series, “Hope Rising,” from 1 Thessalonians by turning to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then, whether you’re on your own or with a group, read that text aloud.
- Halfway through chapter 4, the Apostle Paul changes topics. Based on what you read in 4:13, how would you describe his main point in this next section?
- What do you think it means to grieve with hope as opposed to grieving without hope?
- With verses 14-17 Paul outlines some basic truths about the return of Christ and what that means for the resurrection of believers. How would you summarize those truths in your own words?
- Chapter 5 begins a new, but related section from Paul on “the day of the Lord.” How does Paul describe this day in 5:1-3?
- Throughout 5:4-8, Paul contrasts light and darkness, day and night. What would you say the significance of these contrasts are all about?
- With verse 8, Paul uses the imagery of armor to describe the way of life we take on as followers of Jesus. What do you think this means practically?
- In 5:9-10, like 4:14, Paul offers another summary of Christian belief. Why might this be important?
- Paul asks the Thessalonians to encourage one another with these words in both 4:18 and 5:11. How do these words encourage you today? Who do you know who might need such encouragement today?
- What is one thing God is revealing to you through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize 1 Thessalonians 4:14-15 or 5:9-10
- For further study on the resurrection of the body, read 1 Corinthians. Underline or write down what you notice about what the future resurrection will be like. Discuss or share your thoughts/questions with a friend.
- Watch the Bible Project video, “The Day of the Lord”
- Consider reading:
- N. T. Wright, Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church
- C. S. Lewis, The Great Divorce