Prepare for Christ's Return

Every Christian should be actively watching for Christ’s return

1 Thessalonians 4:16 “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.”

INTRO: A quote often attributed to Ben Franklin, “Nothing is certain except death and taxes” while this is certainly true for the non-believer, but not for the Believers in Jesus Christ because our ultimate hope is not in this world but in the glorious return of our Lord.

“...waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”(Titus 2:13)

Sorrow Mixed With Hope

1 Thessalonians 4:13 NKJV

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.

Grief is a deeply human experience, and even faithful believers are not exempt from its weight. The loss of a loved one brings a sorrow that reaches the soul—but for the Christian, that sorrow is not without hope. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Thessalonian church, addresses a grieving congregation with a profound truth: “I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.”

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)

In this single verse, Paul acknowledges the reality of sorrow while distinguishing the Christian’s grief from the hopeless despair of the world. Yes, we mourn, but we mourn with eyes lifted toward a promised resurrection. This “sorrow mixed with hope” is anchored in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the assurance that those who die in Christ will rise again. In times of loss, this hope is not wishful thinking it is a confident expectation rooted in the unchanging Word of God.

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”(Hebrews 10:23)

“He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”(1 Peter 1:3)

Encouraging Words

1 Thessalonians 4:14–18 NKJV

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. 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.

If we have believed in Jesus, we know that those who have died in Christ have eternal life and that they are with Him. Let us be reminded that “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. (2 Cor 5:6–8)

But Paul reveals something awesome to the Believers, those who are alive and remain when He returns will not rise before those who have died in Christ (1 Thess 4:15). Paul explains what will happen: “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” (1 Thess 4:16,).

We often refer to this event as the rapture (after the Latin word for “caught up”).The certainty of this resurrection and the reality of eternal life is what gives us hope even in the midst of grief. That the dead in Christ shall rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16) it shows how important those who have died in Christ are to Him. But the greatest joy and hope of the 2 coming of Christ is not simply that loved ones will be reunited, but that we shall all be together with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:17)!

Because of the great joy and hope these words provided, Paul exhorts the church to encourage one another with these words. God will resolve the problem of death and separation. Because of His work, even when we are grieving, we have hope. Jesus being the “first fruits” of the resurrection of those who died in Christ. After the cross, Jesus resurrection was the first and now we know not the last resurrection from the dead.

LIVE IN THE LIGHT

1 Thessalonians 5:1–8 NKJV

But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

Unprepared for Christ’s Coming

1 Thessalonians 5:1–3 NKJV

But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.

Here Paul is encouraging the “Believers” to be Ready, not to be getting Ready, but to be Ready!

The return of Christ will be an unexpected and yes, an unwelcomed event for those who are not spiritually prepared for it.

Paul said some might have thought they were in a place of security, a place of peace and did not need to ready themselves for the Lord’s return. These would be unfaithful followers of Christ.

For those who have not submitted their lives to Christ as Savior and Lord. His return will come upon them suddenly “as labor pains upon a pregnant woman”.

The Apostle Paul warns that the Day of the Lord, Christ’s return, will come suddenly and unexpectedly, “like a thief in the night.” While the world proclaims “peace and safety,” destruction will come upon the unprepared with inescapable swiftness, like labor pains on a pregnant woman.

This passage underscores the danger of spiritual complacency. Those who live without faith in Christ or ignore His return will be caught off guard, unready to stand before a holy God. This is a sober reminder that false security in worldly systems or human comfort cannot protect from divine judgment.

Christ's return will not be delayed to accommodate the unprepared. Therefore, Paul urges believers not to be lulled into apathy but to remain awake, watchful, and spiritually alert.

Being Prepared for Christ’s Coming

1 Thessalonians 5:4–8 NKJV

But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

Paul reminded the Thessalonian church they were “not in darkness” that that day of the return of Christ should not overtake them as a thief.

They were, are “children of the light”, and “of the day”. Notice how Paul equates “drunk” and “sleep” with those who are unaware and unprepared for the return of Christ.

Why unprepared, they have not experienced salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

To be prepared for Christ’s return is to live awake, sober, and alert, clothed in the armor of faith, love, and the hope of salvation. Paul uses the imagery of a soldier, emphasizing vigilance, purity, and perseverance in the face of growing darkness.

This passage assures believers that, through Christ, we are not destined for wrath but for salvation. Therefore, preparation is not driven by fear, but by faith, love, and hope. The call is clear: live ready, walk in the light, and stand firm until the return of the Lord.

ENCOURAGE ONR ANOTHER

Appointed to Receive Salvation

1 Thessalonians 5:9–11 NKJV

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 “But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.”

Paul uses the image of a helmet to describe “the hope of salvation”. A helmet protects the head, the center of thought, perception, and decision-making. In spiritual terms, it represents the mind—and hope guards our minds from fear, doubt, and spiritual attack.

Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God... shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Hope of salvation keeps our minds anchored in eternity, especially when facing trials, temptation, or discouragement.

1 Thessalonians 5:9–10 “For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.”

Salvation through Christ                                                                                    For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.”

Key Point: Believers are destined for salvation, not God’s wrath. This salvation comes through Jesus Christ, who died so that whether alive ("wake") or dead ("sleep"), we live eternally with Him.

Mutual Encouragement                                                                           vs 11 Therefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Extend Brotherly Love

1 Thessalonians 5:12–14 NKJV

And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.

Verses 12–13: Respect for Church Leaders

“...know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”

Key Point: Paul encourages respect for spiritual leaders and promotes unity and peace in the church body.

Verse 14: Pastoral Care for All                                                                    “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.”

Key Point: Believers are called to admonish the disorderly, encourage the discouraged, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. This is a picture of a mature, caring Christian community.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 NKJV

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.

“Warn them that are unruly”                                                                 (Unruly = undisciplined, idle, disruptive)

2 Thess 3:6 – “...withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly...”

Proverbs 27:5-6 – “Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend...”

Gal 6:1 – “...restore such an one in the spirit of meekness...”

Application: Loving correction is necessary when someone steps out of line—especially when their behavior threatens the unity or testimony of the church.

2.“Comfort the feeble minded”                                                              (Feeble minded = discouraged, fainthearted, anxious)

Is 35:3-4 – “Strengthen ye the weak hands... say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not...”

John 14:1 – “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God...”

Ro 15:1 – “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak...”

Application: Some don’t need rebuke—they need encouragement, hope, and someone to walk with them through fear or discouragement.

3.”Support the weak”                                                                               (Weak = morally, spiritually, emotionally, or physically weak)

Acts 20:35 – “...ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus... It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Ro 14:1 – “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.”

1 Cor 8:9-13 – Be careful not to cause weaker believers to stumble.

Application: Strength isn’t just for personal benefit—it’s meant to uplift others, especially those struggling to stand.