08-07-2022 // Doug Schorle - Certain Hope; Certain Judgment - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11

One of the themes throughout Paul's first letter to the church in Thessalonica is the imminent return of Jesus Christ.  As he continues this letter, he takes time to answer some concerns of the believers there.  Of great concern was the fate of loved ones in Christ who had died.  When Jesus returns, which they fervently believed would be at any time, what will happen to those who have died?  Will they share in the blessings of eternal life with Jesus?

Paul's answer to this question was likely a great comfort to the believers there, just as it is a great comfort to believers today.  There is good reason why this passage, particularly 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 is often read at funerals, because if we are honest with ourselves, we are concerned about the fate of our loved ones in Christ who have passed.

As we study this passage, we will focus on three main points:

1. The Certain Hope for the believer 
2. The Certain Judgment for the world
3. The Certain Foundation of the believer

Thank you for listening to today's lesson.  We pray you are blessed through the teaching of God's Holy Word.