July 2, 2023

Irresistible Hope - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

The Thessalonians were living with an “irresistible hope” in Christ’s second coming. 

Link to Daniel sermon about living in the season of the second coming: 

Daniel 12 (Part 4) | Recent Biblical Prophecies Fulfilled - Abundant Life (livingproof.co)

What happens to Christians when they die?

1 Thessalonians 4:13-16, But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

Today when a Christian dies, their body goes into the grave, but their soul goes immediately to heaven in God’s presence. (See 2 Corinthians 5:4-8)

2 Corinthians 5:4-8, For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

When Jesus returns, the bodies of those who have died in Christ will rise from the grave to be reunited with their souls. (See 1 Corinthians 15:35-58, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 

What is the rapture?

The rapture is where Christ returns FOR His bride. The Second Coming is when Christ returns WITH His bride. (See 2 Corinthians 11:1-2)

2 Corinthians 11:1-2, Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly—and indeed you do bear with me. For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 

We should be preparing to see Jesus by pursuing a life that is holy and living for the things of eternity.

1 Thessalonians 4:17-18, Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Why is this comforting?

Very soon, there will be no more sin. Sickness. Sadness. Death. Destruction. Darkness. Depression. 1 Corinthians 2:9, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Life is a “vapor.” Are you ready for when you close your eyes in time and open them up in eternity?