Thursday, August 5
Read I Thessalonians 4
Think About It:
We are called to live in such a way that pleases God, avoiding sin and especially sexual immorality. God teaches us to love one another and live holy lives. More and more we should live honorable lives before everyone, working, earning our own living, and not being dependent on others.
We have great hope for the future! Our loved ones who have died will rise again, just as Jesus did. When Jesus returns they will be with Him and we will rise to meet Him in the air too. The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a mighty command and the last trumpet will sound. What a wonderful and powerful time this will be! I’ve seen some people get saved, healed, and delivered (not as many as I would like to see) but think of the magnitude of this event! Millions (billions?) of people raised from the dead with new heavenly bodies. An eternal sorting will be done between those who are saved and those who are not – it will be an accurate sorting. You and I, everyone, will be part of this event. Our God does not miss any detail. He knows who are His. He wants us to be with Him forever. What a great hope we have!
- What should everyone know how to do? (verses 4-6)
- What has God called us unto? (verse 7)
- Who has taught us to love one another? (verse 9)
- What three things did Paul command the church to seek? (verse 11)
- What did Paul say regarding our behavior toward those outside the church? (verse 12)
- Why is the sorrow over the death of a Christian less that the death of one who is lost? (verse 13)
- What sounds will accompany the return of the Lord? (verse 16)
- What is the hope of Christians whether dead or alive? (verses 14-18)
Family Time:
Live to Please God!
- In chapter 4, Paul gets down to the business and purpose of his letter: urging these young Thessalonian Christians to live lives that please God. His instructions and examples are relevant for believers today! (Aren’t you glad God preserved these letters for us!)
- be sanctified
- avoid sexual immorality
- control body to be holy and honorable
- don’t wrong or take advantage of a brother
- live a holy, set apart for God, life
- love one another
- lead a quiet life
- mind your own business
- work with your hands
Why should believers live this way? (See verses 1 & 12) What do you need to change to live to please God?
The Coming of the Lord
- Paul wanted to ensure all believers of the events to come when Jesus returns. Here is the key verse: “We believe that Jesus died and rose again so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him”. Look at what will happen when Christ returns:
- Christ will return visibly with a loud command
- There will be an unmistakable cry from an angel
- There will be a fanfare such as has never been heard
- Believers in Christ who are dead will rise from their graves
- Believers who are alive with be caught up in the clouds to meet Christ *
Do NOT be mistaken or doubtful; this Will happen in God’s timing!
Picture this in your mind: picture yourself being caught up with Jesus in the clouds! What a joyous experience that will be. Now picture yourself watching from the ground, knowing it’s now too late. It’s too late to say yes to Jesus. It’s too late to make that decision to follow Jesus. No hope. Where do you want to be? Have you said “Yes” to Jesus? Do it now! Be ready! Best “Yes” you will ever say!
* Note: Chart is from Life Application Study Bible NIV
