Thriving in Chaotic Times: The Great Resurrection: I Thess. 4:13-18

I. Our Hope is in Jesus vs. 13-14

A. The believers at Thessalonica were served about a misunderstanding of the resurrection and death. They thought that a believer who died would miss the rapture. The reason is because even Judaism offers little to no hope of an after life. They will basically say “I don’t know”.

B. Paul says that the resurrection was clearly taught in the Old Testament, and the Sadducees/liberals denied it. The resurrection offers believers hope, not only of Heaven, but being reunited with loved ones, and being in the presence of Jesus, who is no longer hidden.

C. Christians should grieve. However, we should grieve differently from the lost who have no hope.

D. The religions of their day, just like in ours, offer no hope. “Hopes are for the living; the dead have no hope.”- Theocritus

E. Our hope is that when we die. We will be with Jesus. Our resurrection is linked with Jesus’.

2 Corinthians 4:14 NASB95

knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you.

II. Our Future is in Jesus vs. 15-17

A. Paul tells us, that our future is secure, no matter what. If we die, we go to be with Jesus and are reunited with our bodies, but is now a resurrected body and living loved ones at the rapture. (The importance of the bodily resurrection ex).

B. If we are alive, then we are reunited with those who have gone on before, given a resurrected body, and get to be with Jesus.

C. This is described in detail, so we would not be confused.

III. Our Comfort is in Jesus vs. 18

A. This should comfort our hearts.

B. Instead of using the rapture as scare tactics, we should use it for comfort instead.