WHAT IS OUR HOPE AS A CHRISTIAN?

IOI CHRISTIAN MEAL. Saturday September 28/2013

WE HAVE THE HOPE OF A RESURRECTION

Text: thessalonians 4:13-17

The Thessalonians had heard about the coming of the Lord. But, they thought that believers had to be alive until the coming of the Lord or they would somehow miss the resurrection and the rapture. They thought their departed loved ones, who had died and been buried, were gone forever. Paul writes to them to let them know there is hope for those who have gone on to be with Jesus.

         In these verses, Paul speaks about the saints who have gone on before. He lets us know what their situation is right now. In telling us about those who have left earth for Heaven, he gives us all hope.)

A.  The Departed And Their Condition.

“asleep and sleep” Not soul sleep. A euphemism for death. Their bodies are asleep, but their spirits live on! Ill. “sleep” implies rest. That much is true, the redeemed are resting from the burdens and trials of this life, Rev. 14:13; Rev. 21:4.

B.  The Departed And Their Location –

         In verse 14 Paul tells us that God will bring the dead in Christ with Him when He comes. If He is going to bring them with Him, then they must be with Him ahead of time. Ill. 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:20-24; 2 Pet. 1:14. Don’t worry about those who have gone on before! They are with the Lord but they will be back. They are coming with Him!

C.  The Departed And Their Inclusion –

The fear of the Thessalonians. Paul tells them not to worry. When Jesus comes, the dead in Christ will be raised fist. “Will not prevent” in verse 15 means that we will “not precede them”. We are all going in the first resurrection, but they will be raised and translated first! A cemetery would be a great place to be at the resurrection.)

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