Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Comfort in Jesus' Return

Bryan Schneider · June 19, 2021

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

sharonrpc.org/sermons/comfort-in-jesus-return

Summary

Christians genuinely grieve death, an enemy and consequence of sin, but they do not grieve without hope.
The souls of believers immediately enter Christ's presence at death while their bodies rest in the grave awaiting resurrection.
The historical death and bodily resurrection of Jesus guarantee that those united to him will also rise.
Christ's return will be public and unmistakable: the dead in Christ rise first, and living believers are gathered with them to meet the Lord.
The heart of Christian comfort is not speculation about a rapture sequence but the promise that all Christ's people will be with him forever.

Do I allow myself and others to grieve honestly without treating sorrow as unbelief?
Is my hope for someone who died grounded in union with Christ or in vague wishes that everyone reaches a better place?
Why does Jesus' historical resurrection guarantee bodily hope rather than merely spiritual comfort?
Is my deepest hope about eternity being with Jesus, or only escaping pain and receiving heaven's gifts?
How can I offer the promise of resurrection sensitively without rushing a grieving person?

Grief with hope: Honest sorrow over death joined to confidence in Christ's resurrection and promised return.
Intermediate state: The condition between death and resurrection, when a believer's soul is with Christ while the body rests in the grave.
Resurrection: God's future raising of the dead, guaranteed for believers by Jesus' own bodily resurrection.
Coming of the Lord: Jesus' visible, public return with a shout, the archangel's voice, and God's trumpet to gather his people.