1 Thessalonians 4:13 (NIV) Brothers, we do 
not want you to be ignorant about those who fall 
asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have 
no hope.  

1 Thessalonians 4:13 (NLT) And now, dear 
brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will 
happen to the believers who have died so you will 
not grieve like people who have no hope.  

INTRODUCTION

The Thessalonians were wondering why many of 
their fellow believers had died and what would 
happen to them when Christ returned. Paul wanted 
the Thessalonians to understand that death is 
not the end of the story. The great hope for all 
believers is in the Resurrection. Because Jesus Christ 
came back to life, so will all believers, 
including those who have already died. Therefore, we 
need not despair when loved ones die or world 
events take a tragic turn. God will turn tragedy to 
triumph, poverty to riches, pain to glory, and defeat 
to victory. All believers throughout history 
will stand reunited in God's very presence, safe 
and secure. As Paul comforted the Thessalonians 
with the promise of the Resurrection, so we 
should comfort and reassure each other with this 
great hope. [Life Application SB] 

COMMENTARY PEARL

   I rummaged through my box of handmade 
greeting cards. A friend's parent had died, and I 
wanted to send a note of sympathy. I still had 
plenty of birthday, get-well, and thank-you cards 
but had used up all my condolence cards. 
   Too many funerals had filled my calendar 
in the past year - a stark reminder that all of 
us have a limited time on this earth. That 
reality stares me in the face more frequently the 
older I get. I wanted to comfort my friend, and I 
wished I had more to offer than a card, hug, or 
casserole. 
   Jesus invites me to view death in a new 
way. When I'm hurting, Jesus does provide more. 
Instead of sending a sympathy card or a bouquet of 
flowers, He renews my hope through Scripture. Because 
of Him, I don't have to grieve in emptiness. He 
holds me when I weep, but He also whispers His 
promise that death is not the end. 
   When I come across a photo of a friend 
who is no longer with us in body, the pang of 
loss transforms into gratitude for the time we 
spent together on earth. Because of Jesus, I look 
forward to seeing my loved ones again for a joyful 
reunion in eternity. Sharon Hinck 
   Faith Step: Think of loved ones who have 
died. As Jesus consoles you, ask Him to full you 
with joyful anticipation of your reunion with 
them one day. [Mornings With Jesus 2023 
Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] 

CLOSING THOUGHT

   We have hope in the knowledge that 
nothing, not even death, can separate us from Gods 
love (Ro 8:38"39). We have hope because Jesus 
will bring us to join Him in heaven so that we 
might enjoy eternity in unhindered fellowship with 
Him (John 14:3). 
   Even though you are a Christian, you 
cannot escape lifes sorrows. But you can temper 
your grief with the hope that Christ is risen, 
for He is your hope and your comfort. 
[Experiencing God Day by Day by Henry and Richard Blackaby 
re 1Th. 4:13] 

PASSAGE FOR FURTHER STUDY

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NKJV) For the Lord 
Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with 
the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet 
of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 
17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be 
caught up together with them in the clouds to meet 
the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be 
with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another 
with these words. 

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

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