Sunday 08:19:12

1 Thessalonians was written soon after Paul’s visit to Thessalonica, about 51 A.D. Paul and Silas had visited in early summer of 50 A.D., but had to leave in a hurry when the Jewish leaders stirred up a mob. The mob, looking for Paul and Silas, stormed a believer’s house named Jason. He was arrested. (Acts 17:1-10) It looked like the Jews had successfully squashed Christianity in the city. Paul and Silas’ visit to Thessalonica looked like a failure. But, the power of the Holy Spirit and the message of the Gospel had taken hold. The gospel changes everything for those who would believe in its message. Paul writes this letter soon after he left to encourage the believers there and to clear up some confusion about the second coming of Christ. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 v. 13 – Thessalonians thought Christ would return immediately. They were concerned that some brothers were dying and did not understand what was happening. Paul writes to tell give them hope that the dead in Christ are not lost. We have hope of eternal life, even after the death of this body. v. 14 – Probably the key verse of the letter. Jesus died and rose again, so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep. Jesus’ death and resurrection changes everything. Death is not the end for us. Death was conquered by Jesus. We believe since he died and rose again that those who have died will rise again. Paul lays out three things about Christ’s death that should affect your life right now: 1. Christ’s return gives us hope for those who have fallen asleep. v. 17 – we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 2. Christ’s return encourages us that our salvation is near. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 vv. 1-3 – No one knows when Christ will return. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. v. 4 – This day should not surprise you. You know it’s coming. 3. Christ’s return urges us to be ready. He’s coming back. Be self controlled – don’t give in to laziness or apathy, be faithful to the Lord’s calling on your life. He’s coming back. Put on faith and love – live in them like clothes, let them cover you, your attitude toward others. He’s coming back. Put on the hope of salvation as a helmet – live like you have hope like no one else – b/c you do. v. 10 – He died for us so that, whether dead or alive, we may live together with him. – THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING. Are you living ready? Are you self controlled, ready for Christ’s return? Are you living faithfully and lovingly? Hopefully?