Can You See the Comfort in These Words?

Introduction

To appreciate what is being said here one must understand the setting for our Thessalonian brethren.

The country was prosperous but the Christians were persecuted Acts 17:6-8; 1 Thess 2:14; 2 Thes 1:4

Every religious group had a voice except theirs Acts 17:7

Sometimes it gets weary in the midst of “well doing”. Sometimes you’re going but not sure where, or how.

Death may have come to their brethren. Acts 17:6-7, They dragged Jason and others before the authorities.

Political stability was at stake. Economical gains were at stake. It was the fault of the christian.

Paul has to encourage this group. He addresses their immediate situation and their concerns, but encouragement is interwoven.

Paul answers a question regarding those who died in Christ. He is not just theological in his response but exhorts them to “comfort one another with these words”.

Somewhere in “these words” lie comfort.

“comfort” defined

A term expressing [God’s] aid

OT shows no other source of comfort compares to God

“turns desolation to consolation” Ps 23:4; Is 54:11-14

Where is the comfort in these words? Can You See It?

A Look at the Text

vs. 13-14 “not as the rest who have no HOPE”. Only Christ fulfills promises beyond the grave. HOPE: 1 Pet 1:3-4; 1 Jn 3:2-3

vs. 15 “we and those”. He says you will be reunited. This is how I respond until Christ or death comes

vs. 16-17 “For the Lord Himself”. This day will be unmistakable. This is an assurance.

“and so shall we always be with the Lord”

A Look at the Thessalonians (APPLICATION)

These are some situations where you will see the comfort in these words. Even in the midst of persecution they did this.

Working for God 1 Thes 1:6-8

Commitment to Purity 1 Thes 1:9; 4:3

Love for each other 1 Thes 4:9-10

The opposite is also true, can I see comfort in “these words”

Do these words comfort you or scare you? vs. 18

Twice Paul uses the phrase in Christ/Jesus 1 Thes 4:14; 16. Are you in Jesus?