GSCC Young Adult small group
Intro: Last week, we talked about how Paul urged Thessalonians to live a life to please God, for He has loved us. This week, we move on to the next issue that Paul answered a question raised by the Thessalonians: Death and returning of Christ.
Q: What are the three things you would do if you have three months to live?
Read Bible verses: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11
13Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For 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. 17After 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. 18Therefore encourage each other with these words.
1Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
It appeared that one of the members in Thessalonica church died, and Thessalonians were sad and confused. Would he miss out the return of Christ? Is God pleased with him? When will Christ actually return? Paul addressed this important issue in this passage.
Q: In what way is a Christian grief different from a nonbeliever’s? (4:13)
Paul does not want Thessalonians not to mourn, but he does not want them to mourn without hope.
Q: What sequence of event will occur when Jesus returns according to 4:16-17?
When we die, our spirits join Jesus in heaven (Luke 23:43). When Jesus returns, our bodies resurrect and reunited with our spirits.
Q: How would the message of Christ’s return encourage the Thessalonians? How does it encourage you?
Encourage group to share the joy of being with Jesus and with each other in heaven forever.
Q: How do we live a life that is not asleep?
Note: the sleep in 15:7 is talking about spiritual asleep, not physical death as in 14:13
Give examples of how faith, love, and hope (15:8) can affect our lives.
Q: What are your priorities in life knowing we can die and Jesus can return any time?