8/14/2010 1st and 2nd Thessalonians Lesson Thes Thes. 4:13. 4: Review Review When, Where? When, Where? 1

Transcription

1 1 st st and 2 nd Thessalonians Lesson 6 1 Thes. 4:13- Review When, Where? 1

2 Review - Themes What are some major themes of the letters? Their faith appreciation and concern The Day of the Lord Sanctification exhortations unto holiness Guidance for a young church Review Some Lessons So Far Paul begins the letter boosting their spirit and instilling confidence. Do we do this with one another? Do we have faith, love, and hope that are active? Paul was a model of boldness. Are we bold in our approach with the gospel today? We should walk worthy of our calling. Live in a way that gives honor to our God. Let us be constant in prayer and thanksgiving to God. 2

3 Review Some Lessons So Far Are we living lives of holiness? We have been separated unto God and should live like it. We should be excelling (abounding) in our walk with God. Don t be satisfied with where you are. Grow! Strive to do more to please God. Key Lessons There will only be one more coming of Christ and all the living and dead will witness it. Whether we die before He returns or are living at the time, all who believe have a wonderful hope of life eternal with our Lord. Let us speak more of this hope and draw strength and comfort from it. 3

4 Introduction Before Jesus death and resurrection Jn. 14:1-3 Jesus promised to come again. The angels at His ascension promised the same Acts 1: 9-11 Thessalonians were anticipating this Had questions about it; affecting their behavior and emotions; confused about some things Paul now addresses these concerns 4

5 Overview Contemplate this passage. What thoughts and emotions came to mind? Brightness; beauty; weightlessness; glory; wonder; warmth; joy; newness; awe; happiness; love Indescribable Phil. 4:6-7 1 Cor. 15: Discussion: Vv. 13- Definition of ignorant. Should the Thessalonians be offended? Ignorant agnoeo not to know (through lack of information); not know, not understand Clear up some misunderstanding Lack sufficient information Some may be trying to shake their faith Wants to allay their fears Also often started a new point with the phrase: Rom. 1:13; 11:25; 1 Cor. 10:1; 12; 1; 2 Cor. 1:8 5

6 Discussion: Vv. 13- those who have fallen asleep. Who are these? Why is this metaphor used by Paul? These are the dead in Christ. They are in a way sleeping. They have not ceased to exist. Their bodies have been laid down (laid to rest). But their spirits are very much alive in another realm. Discussion: Vv. 13- Some similarities between sleep and death: Are not annihilated; they are only at rest; simply in a separate place from their bodies One is not unconscious in death (Rev. 6:9-11; Lk. 16:20-22) 22) The sleep of death is temporary One awakens from sleep and so the body will be awakened by the resurrection The body will awake with rejuvenation and strength; changed into a glorified, immortal body 6

7 Discussion: Vv. 13- What is the foundation of Christian hope? The fact that Christ died and rose again, and we will be raised as well Order of events: The Lord will descend from Heaven With a shout, voice of an archangel, trumpet The dead in Christ will rise first Christians living at the time will be caught up The resurrected dead and the living will be together in the clouds We will meet the Lord in the air We will spend an eternity with the Lord Discussion: Vv. 13- Can this be discussing more than one resurrection? A simple reading of this passage will tell us that there is only one resurrection The faithful who have died and the faithful who are living will be caught up together together means close association at the same time Would give the Thessalonians comfort regarding their departed faithful in Christ 7

8 Discussion: Vv. 13- What does this passage say about the unrighteous dead or living? Nothing. Paul was writing to the Thessalonians about their condition and that of the Christians who have passed away. Passages that do address this: Acts 24:15; Jn. 5: Discussion: Vv. 13- Will the events noted here be done quietly and in secret? Contrast with the rapture There will be this shout or command (Jn. 5:28) Voice of an archangel will also be heard The trumpet of God will sound It will not be a secret! Everyone will hear it and be aware of what is happening (Rom. 14:10-12) 12) This contrasts with the idea of the rapture 8

9 Discussion: Vv. 13- Do we comfort one another with these words today? Do we speak enough about heaven? Funerals? Other times? Let s speak more about Christ s coming and an eternity with Him Can be a source of tremendous comfort in this life full of difficulties Key Lessons There will only be one more coming of Christ and all the living and dead will witness it. Whether we die before He returns or are living at the time, all who believe have a wonderful hope of life eternal with our Lord. Let us speak more of this hope and draw strength and comfort from it. 9

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