Three Facts That Bring Comfort In Times Of Grief

ETS: Paul comforted the Thessalonica and believers concerning those who had died in Christ.

ESS: Believers will be reunited with those who have died in Christ.

OSS: Christian family members and friends can find comfort in the assurance of being reunited with their dead loved ones.

PQ: Will I ever see my loved one again?

UW: facts

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 (NLT)

13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. 15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.

Introduction:

I. There is reassurance in the midst of grief (1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 14 a).

1 Thessalonians 4:13–14a (NLT)

13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.

A. There is reassurance through knowing the truth about deceased loved ones who knew Christ.

1- They have been ushered into a new life. (2 Corinthians 5:6,8)

2 Corinthians 5:6 (NLT)

6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:8 (NLT)

8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.

Jesus told of the home-going of the beggar Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)

2- They are in an eternal place of joy. (Revelation 21:1–5)

Revelation 21:1–5 (NLT)

1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” 5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”

3- They have been rewarded for a life of faithfulness. (Matthew 25:21)

Matthew 25:21 (NLT)

21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

B. There is reassurance through knowing truth about the future of living Christians.

1. Eternal life is ours through Christ. (vs. 14a) For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.

(John 11:26)

John 11:26 (NLT)

26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

II. There is a reunion to which we can look forward (1 Thessalonians 14b–17).

A. Loved ones who have died in Christ will return with him. (1 Thessalonians 4:14b).

1 Thessalonians 4:14b (NLT)

14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.

1. Jesus is going to bring them with him.

2. Their return is as sure as Christ’s return.

B. Believers who are alive at Christ’s return will be reunited with those who return with Christ. (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17)

1 Thessalonians 4:15–17 (NLT)

15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.

1. It is a reunion that is promised by Christ. (John 14:1-3)

John 14:1–3 (NLT)

1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.

2. It is a reunion that will be permanent. (vs. 17b) Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.

III. There are specific requirements for that participate in that reunion.

A. You must be a part of God’s family. (1 Thessalonians 4:13a)

1 Thessalonians 4:13a (NLT)

13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.

1. Notice to whom the Apostle Paul addresses these words of comfort:

a. People who are part of God’s family in the church of Thessalonica.

2. Being a part of God’s family occurs through the new birth.

(John 3:3)

John 3:3 (NLT)

3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

3. Jesus stressed the importance of having this personal relationship with God. (Matthew 7:23)

Matthew 7:23 (NLT)

23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’

a. The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25: 1-13)

Matthew 25:1–13 (NLT)

1 “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, 4 but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. 5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ 7 “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8 Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ 9 “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. 11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ 12 “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ 13 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.

B. God has made the way for you to become a part of His family.

1. You must recognize your need of Christ.

a. You have this need because you have a sin problem. (Romans 3:23)

Romans 3:23 (NLT)

23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

b. You have this need because your sin carries an automatic penalty.

(Romans 5:12)

Romans 5:12 (NLT)

12 When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.

(Romans 6:23)

Romans 6:23 (NLT)

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

2. You must repent of your sin and receive Christ as your Lord and Savior.

(Luke 13:3)

Luke 13:3 (NLT)

3 Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God.

(John 1:12)

John 1:12 (NLT)

12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

(Romans 10:9-13)

Romans 10:9–13 (NLT)

9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” 12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

a. You must confess your rebellion against God and forsake it.

b. You must believe and confess your belief in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the payment for your sin.

c. You must choose to become a follower and disciple of Jesus Christ, obeying the things he has said to do in His Word (the Bible).

CONCLUSION:

A- Invitation to receive Christ.

B. Encouragement to family.