Study 7: Christ’s return

1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11

Big Idea: Christ’s return changes what we believe and therefore how we feel about death and life.

Aim: to encourage one another through a reminder of the hope that Jesus’ return brings.

1. When was the last time you thought about Jesus coming back? Is it something that feels far off or imminent?

Story So Far:

The young church has experienced some opposition and persecution. In his letter Paul has reminded them of the genuineness of their faith, and encouraged them to keep going.

Since Paul had left, some of the church members have died… possibly martyred for their faith. Paul writes to answer questions they have about Christ’s second coming and what happens to believers who die before he returns.

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 (NIV)

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 forever. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage one another with these words.

5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, ² for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. ³ While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

⁴ But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. ⁵ You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. ⁶ So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. ⁷ For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. ⁸ But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. ⁹ For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁰ He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. ¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

First impressions

What do you notice about the tone of these passages?

Digging in

4:13-17

2. How were the believers feeling at the start of this passage and why?
3. What does Paul remind them of in order to restore their hope? (Past and future)

5:1-11

4. When and how will Jesus return according to v 1-3?
5. How are we to live in light of this v4-10?
6. How do both sections of this passage finish (4:18 and 5:11)? Why is this a vital part of helping one another as we wait for Christ’s return?

Talk:

Living it out:

1. Often discussions about end times don’t feel very encouraging. What are the unquestionable truths we can hold onto and use to encourage one another, whatever our view on how Jesus will return?
2. How can we speak these truths sensitively to encourage those who have lost a loved one?
3. How do we feel about Jesus’ return? How do the truths we know impact our feelings about it?
4. What challenges you most about how we live in the meantime?

Pray

Take time to thank God for salvation and for the hope of the second coming.

Pray for those who are grieving and for one another as you live in light of the coming of Christ.

Who can you pray for who doesn’t know the Lord?

Going further

What questions do you have about the return of Christ?

Why not get together with someone to chat about these. Perhaps you could look in Scripture for the answers. If the answers aren’t clear, pray for one another to trust that God will bring about his good plans and purposes in His time, and for His glory and our good.

Encourage one another that we have an incredible hope that far outweighs any earthly hope.   

Read John 14:1-7 NIV

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

• What does this passage say?
• What timeless principle does it teach?
• How do I apply this to my life?