1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Helpful Background Information:

• Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians to a young church that was confused and concerned about believers who had already died. Some feared that those Christians would miss out when Jesus returned. Paul reassures them that death does not separate a believer from Christ or exclude anyone from His future kingdom. When Jesus returns, those who have died in Christ will be raised first, and believers who are still alive will be gathered together with them to meet the Lord.

• Because of this promise, Christians do not grieve “as others do who have no hope.” Paul does not tell believers that grief is wrong or that death should not hurt. Jesus Himself wept at Lazarus’s tomb in John 11. Death is still an enemy, and losing someone we love brings real sorrow. However, Christian grief is shaped by the certain hope of the resurrection. We grieve with the confidence that those who die in Christ are not lost forever. Jesus will raise them, gather His people together, and keep them with Himself forever. Our hope is not that we will avoid the pain that comes with parting for a season, but that death will not have the final word.
  

Reflection Questions: 

• According to verse 13, what does Paul want believers to understand about Christians who have died?

• What is the difference between grieving without hope and grieving with hope? Why is it important that Paul does not tell Christians to avoid grief altogether?

• Verse 18 tells believers to “comfort one another with these words.” Who in your life may need to hear this hope, and how can you do that well?