1 Thess 4:13-18 Discussion Guide
January 21, 2024

Bible Reading:

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 (NKJV)
13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.

16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Corinthians 15:51–52 (NKJV)
51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed

52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Revelation 1:7 (NKJV)
7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

Observation Questions:

  1. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, what reasons does Paul give for why believers should not grieve like those who have no hope?

  2. What does 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 reveal about the nature of the transformation that will occur at the last trumpet?

  3. According to Revelation 1:7, how will the second coming of Christ differ from the rapture in terms of visibility?

Interpretation Questions:

  1. How does the promise of being reunited with those who have died in Christ offer comfort to believers, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4?

  2. What does the term “mystery” in 1 Corinthians 15 suggest about the understanding of the rapture and transformation among the early Christians?

  3. Considering the global visibility of Christ’s return mentioned in Revelation 1:7, what implications does this have for the accountability of all people to the reality of Christ’s lordship?

Application Questions:

  1. Reflect on a time when you experienced grief over the loss of a loved one. How does the assurance of reunion with believing loved ones at Christ’s return change your perspective on death and grief?

  2. In light of the sudden and transformative nature of the rapture, what is one area of your life that you feel needs to be aligned with God’s will, and what specific step can you take this week to address it?

  3. Who is one person in your life who may not have the hope of Christ’s return? What is a specific way you can share the comfort and hope found in 1 Thessalonians 4 with them this week?

  4. Given that the second coming of Christ will be visible to all, how can you live in such a way that demonstrates your readiness for His return? Can you identify one habit to develop or one to break as part of your preparation?

  5. Think about your daily interactions. What is a practical way you can encourage a fellow believer with the hope of Christ’s return, perhaps someone who is currently discouraged or facing trials?