1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

INTRODUCTION: It is obvious that Paul wanted to address the question that many have. We accept Jesus and His forgiveness and we look to Him coming again but what if He does not return before we die? What if people we love die? And how is our hope different from those who do not know Jesus. How should this knowledge affect the way we live?

1. HOPE AND GRIEVING

A. A WORLD OF DISPAIR

a. There are those who know a judgment is coming yet fail to seek a relationship with Jesus. They have resolved themselves to suffer Gods’ wrath.

B. A WORLD OF DELUSION

a. Those who cannot or will not accept the idea of Gods’ judgment delude themselves in one of two ways.

b. They convince themselves there is nothing after death

c. They convince themselves that everyone is going to heaven

C. A WORLD OF HOPE

a. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection

b. Through our trust in Him

c. Acts 1:11

d. John 14:1-4

e. Matthew 24:36-41

2. THE RAPTURE

A. WHAT THE WORD MEANS

a. From the Latin word rapio which means caught up

B. WE ARE CHAGED (2 Cor 15:50)

a. BULLFROGS AND BUTTERFLIES

C. JOIN THE DEAD IN CHRIST WHO ARE RESURECTED

D. TO LIVE FOREVER WITH HIM

E. VISSIBLE TO ALL MAT 24:26&27

3. HOW DOE WE LIVE

A. DO WE REALIZE THE GIFT THIS IS TO US?

B. LIVE WITH HOPE NOT MORNING OR GRIEF

C. LIVE BRAVELY IN THE FACE OF OPPOSITION

D. CELIBRATE A LIFE AND NOT MORN A LOSS.

CONCLUSION: Where have you been living? Have you been living in a world of despair without hope? Perhaps you have never asked Jesus for forgiveness? Perhaps you find the whole Idea a little hard to wrap your head round. Maybe you’re thinking that God did not mean to include people like you. But this promise is for people like you, for people like me. Jesus is not for those who have it together but those of us who are falling apart. Ask Jesus for the forgiveness He offers and start living with hope. With that hope go out and live boldly and bravely for Jesus.