The Return Of The King (Part One) Series

The Return Of The King

1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11

Good morning Maple Grove!

NOW THIS MORNING – as we continue in our series, ‘Powerful Passages’ we are going to unpack 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11, in a conversation called, ‘The Return Of The King.’

Okay church, so are you ready!

Alright then – let’s do this.

NOW – I am going read the first half of this powerful passage and then pray us into our time in the Word. Sound like a plan?

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.

For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.

For 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.

After 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. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Prayer

UNDERSTAND – the return of the King, the second coming of Jesus (the first coming, being when He put on flesh 2000 years ago and walked on this planet, first as a baby and later on a cross)… IS A - major theme in the first letter that Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica.

IN FACT – Paul ended every chapter in this letter talking about the return of The King.

In Chapter One, Paul is telling these Jesus followers that their faith in God has become known everywhere, he says it literally rang out from them, and so Paul writes,

They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath. – 1 Thessalonians 1:9,10

In Chapter 2, Paul is telling them how hard it was when he was forced to leave them, though they never left his thoughts, and then he writes…

For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

– 1 Thessalonians 2:19,20

In Chapter 3, Paul encourages them with these words…

May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

– 1 Thessalonians 3:13

In Chapter 4, Paul writes about the return of the King and how those who fell asleep in death ‘with Him’ will rise first.

After 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.

– 1 Thessalonians 4:17

In Chapter 5, Paul wraps up these letter with these words.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

– 1 Thessalonians 5:23,24

UNDERSTAND MGCC – the Jesus followers in Thessalonica, were anxiously waiting for the return of Jesus.

AND LISTEN – (like most of the believers in the early church) they felt sure that He would return in their lifetime.

WHICH – resulted in them experiencing many different feelings in regards to His coming.

SOME - were anxious, because they had loved ones (fellow believers) who had already died, and they were concerned that they might miss out or be at a disadvantage when He returns.

OTHERS - were anxious, because they were worried about the same thing that many people are worried about today, "how can I be ‘sure,’ like ‘really sure,’ that I will be ready when Jesus Returns."

QUESTION……

DO YOU - have any concerns about ‘The Return Of The King,’ I MEAN …

• Do you feel ready? Like what if He were to return before lunch today?

• Are you concerned about what has happened to your loved ones who have died, AND what will happen to you, if you die before He returns?