The Coming of the Lord - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11
Understand It
- What concern was Paul addressing? (4:13-14)
- How is a Christian’s grief over the loss of a loved one different from a non-Christian’s grief? (4:13-14)
- What was the source of Paul’s teaching about what happens to those who die? (4:15)
- What sequence of events will signal the Lord’s return? (4:16-17)
- What effect did Paul believe this teaching about the Lord’s return would have on his listeners? (4:18)
- When will the Lord return? (5:1-2)
- How will the Lord return? (5:1-3)
- What contrast is there between believers and non-believers? (5:4-8)
- What should we do to get ready for the Lord’s return? (5:6-8)
- What roles should faith, hope, and love play in our lives? (5:8)
- To what does God appoint believers? (5:9-10)
- For what reason can we be assured of our salvation? (5:9-10)
- How should a believer use this information to help others? (5:11)
Apply It
- What can you do to make sure you are ready for Christ’s return each day?
- What hope can you share with someone who is convinced that death is the end of our existence?
Final Instructions - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Understand It
- How does God want us to regard church elders? (5:12-13)
- How does God want us to treat each other? (5:13-15)
- What attitudes represent God’s will for us? (5:16-18)
- How should we pray? (5:17)
- When should we give thanks? (5:18)
- What is God’s will for us? (5:16-18)
- How should we show respect for the Holy Spirit’s presence in us? (5:19-22)
- What does God want to happen inside us? (5:23)
- For what reason can we depend on God? (5:24)
- What kind of affection did Paul have for the Thessalonian Christians? (5:26)
- Who was to hear the contents of this letter? (5:27)
Apply It
- Which of Paul’s short, direct commands in this passage do you most need to remember this week?
- With whom do you need to make peace? How can you start?
