Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:
(PRT) 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
v. 13 Brothers and sisters, I don’t want you to be uninstructed regarding those who have died, for this very reason: you should not be sorrowful as everyone else who have no hope.
v. 14 For indeed, since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that because of Jesus, God will lead and come with those who have already died.
v. 15 Indeed, this we firmly teach you in line with the Lord’s Word: we who are alive and remain until the Presence of the Lord fully comes, will in no way have a head start on those who have died.
v. 16 Because the Lord, Himself, with a signal command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God will come down from heaven; and then the dead in Christ will rise first.
v. 17 Only then, we who are alive and remain at the same time with them will be taken away in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; then, afterwards, will be with the Lord forever.
v. 18 Therefore, strengthen one another with these words.
Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:
v. 13 Brothers and sisters, I don’t want you to be uninstructed regarding those who have died, for this very reason: you should not be sorrowful as everyone else who have no hope.
This verse and v. 18 are connected. We have hope because we are in Jesus. And, even if we are the ones who are here when He returns in full Presence as King and Conqueror, we will not be apart from those who have gone before us. He will gather them; then us. That is a comfort we can’t yet imagine.
They are concerned because they look to the Parousia; they are overly concerned because of insufficient teaching. Paul comes in this letter to bring clarity in line with the truth of Jesus.
“Sorrowful” in v. 13 and “strengthen” in v. 18 are paired. This is his purpose in writing.
We grieve, yes, we grieve; but we don’t grieve from the place of despair and hopelessness. We have eternity and life in Jesus. Eph 2:12 says, without Christ, one is without hope and without God.
v. 14 For indeed, since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that because of Jesus, God will lead and come with those who have already died.
“Because of Jesus” is “through” Jesus. What He accomplished and who we trust in are both wrapped up in “because of Jesus.” He has fully pleased the Father by conquering death; and now He presents the trophy, those whom He has redeemed.
This verse brings together the hope that Good News of the Kingdom fills us with. We are forgiven and redeemed at the Cross, established and restored from death, take part in the resurrection, and now come with the Lord to share in His Kingdom.
v. 15 Indeed, this we firmly teach you in line with the Lord’s Word: we who are alive and remain until the Presence of the Lord fully comes, will in no way have a head start on those who have died.
“in line” or according to the Word of the Lord would indicate this is a universal doctrinal point, even though there are dozens of variations on how he will return. As this is not a quote or referred to specifically in the Gospels, we can assume that the Spirit revealed this to Paul for this very purpose. The big point: the Parousia. The little point: His reward comes with him, first to the faithful who sleep, then for those alive at his appearing. They were concerned that those who had died had somehow dropped in priority in the Father’s plans, or worse, had lost their place.
“Presence of the Lord” comes fully can also be translated more simply Appearing or Return; but the word has such a Kingdom note from the Gospels that suggests all He is and brings comes in His Presence.
v. 16 Because the Lord, Himself, with a signal command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God will come down from heaven; and then the dead in Christ will rise first.
This verse doesn’t chronologically follow the previous verses; these two verses summarize them in a new way. 1) Those who have died are with Christ already resurrected from the dead and will be with Him. This could refer to the joining of body with spirit. 2) Those remaining will be “collected” into the throng of heaven’s beauty. We know in part.
Romans 8:28 – nothing can part us from the Savior who loves us.
v. 17 Only then, we who are alive and remain at the same time with them will be taken away in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; then, afterwards, will be with the Lord forever.
This is the great “Rapture” verse. It indicates a snatching or catching away from what did occupy or threaten those believers alive into the most secure place: surrounded by God’s army.
v. 18 Therefore, strengthen one another with these words.
Again, instead of being uninformed or confused about what happens to those who have died, be strengthened with the truth.
Small Group Questions:
- What (or Who) has brought extra hope into your life this week?
- Read through 4:13-15. What are the worries or concerns the church in Thessalonica had that these verses answer?
- What does it mean to have hope for eternity? What does it mean to have no hope (and have you ever felt this)?
- This passage talks about Jesus returning for those who choose to trust and follow Him. What words come to mind when you think about Jesus coming back for you personally?
- How can pray for you?
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