The comforting truth of Christ’s return

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Sermon notes 

Living in the light of Christ’s return, Pt 23

The Apostle Paul is dealing in these verses with the comfort that God’s people may enjoy as they grasp the truth taught by the Scriptures about Christ’s return.

I  IGNORANCE OF THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST’S RETURN CAUSES UNNECESSARY SORROW AND UNCERTAINTY.

1. The presence of ignorance. God’s people must confront the reality of ignorance on this subject. Cp 5:1-2. Yet, further instruction was necessary to ward off ignorance. Paul’s desire was that they would not be ignorant. The family of God ought not to be ignorant of this matter. Cp Matt 24:4, 1 Cor 15:33-34, 2 Thess 2:2-3. No preacher should desire to perpetuate that ignorance. He must do everything in his power to remove it by applying the doctrine of Scripture.
2. Ignorance on a specific topic. The state of believers who had died is under review here. It was a matter of deep concern to these saints, perhaps on account of the persecution they were facing.
3. The sorrow caused by ignorance. The Apostle parallels sorrow with no hope. These saints were in danger of sinking into hopeless misery with regard to their departed loved ones.

II  THE DOCTRINE OF EVENTS AT CHRIST’S RETURN IS A PART OF THE GOSPEL REVELATION.

1. Built on the death and resurrection of Christ. All that will occur at that time is a superstructure that is built on the foundation of Christ’s saving work. The same faith that grasps the doctrine of Christ’s death and resurrection also grasps these eschatological truths. Cp 1 Cor 15:12-20, Romans 8:23.
2. Gospel blessings secured by the death and resurrection of the Saviour:
3. Death is a sleep. Cp v13, 15, Is 57:2. The implication is that the dead saints are with Christ and will return with Him, v14. Certainly this is the plain teaching of Scripture as a whole, Phil 1:23, Heb 12:23. The sting of death has been removed by the work of Christ, 1 Cor 15:55-57.
4. We will rise again. Is 26:19, Dan 12:2-3, 1Cor 15:23-24.
5. Come with Him, v14. The spirits of the dead saints will accompany Christ from glory as He returns to be reunited with their resurrected bodies.
6. The word of the Lord, v15. This is not mere speculation. It is based on the solid foundation of Divine truth.