Slices
Prepare
Ask yourself what difference it makes for a Christian to have hope in death because of Jesus’ death, resurrection and future return.
Bible passage
Believers who have died
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left 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 for ever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Explore
Paul teaches the Thessalonians about Christian hope in the face of death. Their cultural background believed that there was nothing beyond death, and so people grieved with no hope. However, the situation is different for Christians, who believe that Jesus’ resurrection has defeated death once and for all (v 13).
Paul describes death as ‘sleep’ (v 13). Why do you think he does this? Western culture is uncomfortable with death. Think of words you’ve heard people use instead. Rather than using ‘sleep’ as a way of avoiding death, Paul was following Jesus’ example in referring to death as ‘sleep’ (see Matthew 9:24 and the story of Jairus’ daughter).
Verse 15 suggests that the Thessalonians worried that those who died before Jesus came again would be separated from Jesus. Therefore, they grieved as people without hope. Paul says emphatically that Christians who have already died will be the first to rise from death when Jesus returns. How might Paul’s words in verse 14 have comforted the Thessalonians? How might they comfort you?
Look at the amazing description of Jesus’ return in verses 16 and 17. Paul wrote this description to encourage the Thessalonians. Think about how this description encourages you.
Respond
Thank the Lord for the hope we have as Christians (v 14). Pray for those who are grieving, that they will know Jesus’ comfort and hope.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Ezekiel 32,33; 2 Peter 1
Pray for Scripture Union
The SU Council exists to help the movement think through the pressures and opportunities created by the varied contexts in which we work. Its members come from a variety of backgrounds and locations and bring specialist expertise. Pray for clear thinking as they meet today.
