IF JESUS IS RISEN, . . .
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Funerals–this week we’ve been present at the funerals of two godly people from Pleasant View who, after years of walking with God, and years of physical suffering, have gone home to be with their Lord.
As we have talked to families that have lost loved ones, time after time they have agreed that, while we miss those we love when they go home, we wouldn’t want to cling to them.
It’s always a special moment to be present at the bedside of a godly person, who goes home!
It’s a time of peace-often even a time of joy–when they KNOW where they’re going.
When my dad was about to go home to be with the Lord, he was ready to go.
He just wanted God to take him.
People often say, “I don’t know why the Lord leaves me here. Why doesn’t He take me?!!”
Paul writes about the certainty of our hope in 1 Thessalonians 4.
The church at Thessalonica was one of the first churches in Macedonia which Paul started on his second missionary journey. Acts 16-17
His ministry there was fruitful.
People responded positively to the gospel. 1 Thess. 1:3-10
The testimony of their changed lives leads to Jewish opposition and persecution. 1:3
Result of their suffering
They feel alone and discouraged.
They think Paul hasn't come because he doesn't care about them.
He’s looking out for himself.
Paul's concern for them
He tries to visit them, but isn”t able to go 2:17-18
Satan thwarts him from getting there 2:18
One of Paul’s main purposes in writing this letter to struggling, confused saints:
To answer their question about those who die before the Lord's return.
INSTRUCTION CONCERNING ESCHATOLOGY 4:13-5:11
They’re suffering for their faith and need assurance concerning the things they’re going through and what they can expect in the future.
This isn't just curiosity about the future.
It is NOT a prophecy conference to find out interesting things about the future.
They’re facing hard times and need security.
They’re seeking answers.
1st problem concerns Christians who die before the Lord's return.
CONCERNING THE DEAD IN CHRIST 4:13-18
The problem 4:13
They’ve been well-taught by Paul,
in spite of his brief time among them.
* They believe the Lord's return is imminent.
Christ is going to come soon, perhaps “any day now.”
He could come at any time!
Paul assumes he and they will be among those still alive when He comes. 4:15
They seem to have the same assumption!
* However, before the Lord comes back, some die.
They will no longer be present when Christ returns.
* What will happen to them?!!
They need an answer from God to deal with questions they’re asking –to know how to face the days they’re living in. 4:13
The solution 4:14-17
Paul assures us that we need not be concerned about those who die.
Resurrection 4:14
Paul's response: Jesus’ resurrection assures our resurrection!
That’s one of the key lessons Easter teaches us.
As we remember our Lord’s resurrection, it reminds us:
If death can’t stop Jesus’ resurrection,
it can't stop ours either.
That IS our hope!
If we believe Jesus was raised from the dead,
we know that God will bring back those who have died with Him also!
As we bury our loved ones, we say goodby
–but it’s an “hasta luego;” NOT an “Adios!”
It’s a “see you later!” NOT a “Goodby!”
It’s the farewell of the airport, knowing we’ll see each other again!
Rapture together 4:15-17
Those affected are the "dead in Christ"
-description of N.T. believers, NOT O.T. saints (Dan. 12).
Those who die in Christ will be resurrected
before those who remain alive.
First-God will raise the dead in Christ.
Then -God will raise the living who trust in Him.
The living don’t beat the dead!
The command: Given-shout issued-command with authority
Carried-voice of the archangel
Angels are charged with carrying out God's will.
God's messengers, the archangels,
carry the command to the other angels.
Fulfilled-Trumpet of God-military signal to the troops.
The trumpet-"the last trumpet" of 1 Cor. 15:52.
Compare Rev. 11-the 7th trumpet = 2nd Coming
These are two different programs.
It's possible to have a final trumpet in one program, distinct from a final trumpet in a different program.
The two groups meet in the air. ALL will be glorified (1 Cor. 15)
Both groups meet the Lord.
Both groups remain with Him forever.
Those who die ahead of time don’t miss out on anything!
He doesn't give any indication of when this takes place.
But it does express our hope.
We don’t mourn as those who have no hope!
He focuses on what takes place; NOT when.
• Refers to the relationship between the dead and the living.
• The argument presupposes the imminence of our Lord's coming.
He could come at anytime!
This is the next great event in God’s revealed timetable for His church.
• Second Coming of Christ can't be imminent
Other specific events must take place first. (Matt. 24 & 1 Thess. 5).
Paul assumes this could happen any day now!
He expects to be there when it happens.
The Result 4:18
This assurance should encourage those who suffer for their faith.
We’re to encourage one another with this truth.
We will all enjoy eternity together in the Lord’s presence.
The celebration begins with the rapture, when the trumpet sounds,
and the Lord descends,
to gather His people from the grave, as well as from every corner of the earth.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR OUR LIFE TODAY:
1. When faced with the death of those we love,
we COMFORT ONE ANOTHER.
1 Thess. 4:13, 18 “Don’t grieve as those who have no hope . . .
Encourage one another with these words.”
Jn. 14:1-3 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled! Trust God; trust also in Me!”
“I’m going to prepare a place for you, and I’ll come back to get you!”
Comfort = come alongside to help => “Encourage each other!”
It was an exciting time in the room, at the hospital when Betty went to be with the Lord, and at the funeral home with Lucille’s family.
We had plenty of reason to comfort one another with our hope.
One of Betty’s daughters said to me Friday, “I can’t be sad. There’s too much to be happy about. We’re having a great time remembering our life together and celebrating mom’s presence with the Lord.... I can’t be sad!”
We encourage one another by reminding one another of that reality!
2. We stand firm and keep working. 1 Cor. 15:58 (51-57)
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immoveable, always giving yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
Knowing what’s going to happen, as revealed in Rev. 4,
the churches in Rev. 2-3 are exhorted to remain faithful.
3. We purify ourselves. 1 John 3:2-3
“Beloved, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. Everyone who has this hope in Him, purifies himself, just as He is pure.”
What does the future hold? We don't know.
There are evidences that the Lord may return soon.
Therefore, we comfort one another.
We hang in there, stand firm, and keep serving the Lord.
We keep ourselves pure.
What will we dedicate our lives to?
If we dedicate our life to serving the Lord, we can't lose!
If we have another 100 years,
we will have the best possible life during that time.
We will enjoy the privilege and blessing serving Him.
If we die next week, or if Christ comes today,
we will be with Him and achieve our heart's desire-to see Him.
"For me to live is Christ and to die is gain!" Phil. 1:21
Living is all about Him.
Therefore, it’s even better to die and be in presence. No barriers!
We want to be sure we’re ready when He comes!
Are YOU ready?
The promise of this passage is given for those who “die in Christ.”
It’s for those who trust HIM.
Are YOU trusting Him?
Or, are you still trying to do it yourself–to make it on your own?
John 11:25-26Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who trusts in me will live, even though he dies, and He who lives and trusts in me will never die.”