Session 6 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

RETURN (1 THESS. 4:15-16)

identify the events for Christ’s return.

15 For we say this to you by a word from the Lord:
We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming
will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.

16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

name the events

and, as a group, list them in order as presented by Paul on a board or sheet of paper.

EXAMINE:

Distribute Pack Item 9 (Handout: The Return of Christ).
Guide the group to use the handout to gain further insight
into the events of Christ’s return.

Invite volunteers to share what they learned.
During the discussion, avoid speculation on timing.

Emphasize the reality and certainty of the return of Jesus
and the resurrection of all believers.

DISCUSS:

• What does the inclusion of those believers who have died
  and those who are living at Christ’s return tell us about His power and glory? (p. 55)

TRANSITION:

Paul concluded 1 Thessalonians 4 with a command
to encourage one another.