Jesus’s Death: the Death to All Deaths

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

In this week's passage, Paul addresses one of the primary concerns of the Thessalonians. The Thessalonians were grieving because they were unsure of what happened to those who passed away. Will they somehow be neglected when Jesus returns?

Paul addresses this concern by emphasizing two things. First, no matter what happens in life, there is a future hope. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ have not only brought death to all deaths (v. 14), but his return guarantees us that all of us will experience the final resurrection (v. 17). Moreover, it is at his return where we experience the final victory over sin (v. 16).

Second, no matter what happens in life, there is present encouragement. No matter what the situation is, all those who submit to the gospel of Jesus Christ have now been united with Christ (vv. 16-17)! One of the blessings of our union with Christ is that our destiny has been guaranteed, which, through the power of the Holy Spirit, should enable us to put our everyday struggles into their proper perspective.

Certainly death causes all of us to mourn. This is appropriate. However, unlike the Thessalonians, many of us, especially those who grew up in the church, already know that our hope is secure even after death. Thus, the sermon will focus more on the everyday implications of the title of the sermon: Jesus's death has now brought death to all deaths! How should an eternal perspective change the way we live today?

Questions:

1. Any open reactions to the sermon?

2. What happens to Christians the moment after they die? How has this sermon helped clarify this based on 1 Thess 4.13-18?

3. Paul emphasizes three reasons why we are guaranteed to have future hope:
The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ has brought death to all deaths (v. 14)
The return of Jesus guarantees that we will all experience the final resurrection (v. 17)
The return of Jesus means that we will experience the final victory over sin (v. 16)

Which one of these reasons resonates with you right now and why?

4. Paul mentions that no matter what our circumstances are, we all share the same hope because we are now united with Christ, which guarantees our destiny. In the sermon, we read an example of how this union with Christ and having an eternal perspective can impact us today, even if we feel overwhelmed with stress. Share with one another how your union with Christ and your future destiny should be impacting you in your situation.