1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

The Church in Elk Rapia
The Rapture

13) But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

15) For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

18) Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

service_4.23.17.mp3
File Size:	55863 kb
File Type:	mp3

Download File

---

Click Read More for Outline

Outline

In this, one of the earliest of books in the New Testament Canon we find questions, discussion, and explanation of what is yet to come. What Paul writes is not to establish time tables in eschatology, but to bring comfort. How does Paul bring comfort to these early Christians?

Pre; A; Post Millennial - Return of Christ, Second Coming - Rev. 20

Pre; Mid (Pre Wrath); Post Tribulation - rapture of the Church
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Historical Grammatical Interpretation - literal sense of the author

Doctrine of Imminency - the Lord can return at any moment

Details of the Rapture

1) Condition of the departed vs. 13a
2) Categories of the remaining vs. 13b
3) Certainty of the remaining vs. 14, 15
4) Chronology of all vs. 16, 17
           A) The Lord
           B) The Sleeping
           C) The Remaining
           D) All

5)  Comfort of the Remaining vs. 18

Big Idea:
It's all About
Jesus