Who has ever sang the song, “I am a C”? (I am a C. I am a CH. I am CHRISTIAN. And I have CHRIST in my HEART. And I will LIVE ETERNALLY.) Many of us grew up singing this song or have heard children sing it. It a great song to remind us that, if we know Christ, we are to live as  Christians and we have a future hope of eternal life with Him.  This song identifies what a Christian believes and how a believer should live. The Explore the Bible Study: Living, brings Paul's first letter to the Thessalonian believers to a close. Paul closes by reminding the believers of how they should live because they are Christians.

For Paul, the key to living out the Christian faith was to live with an eternal perspective. Earlier, the apostle assured his readers that Jesus would come back in an unmistakable way. When He returns, He will take all His people with Him—the living and the dead from every nation and every epoch. Paul noted that those who are not prepared for the Lord’s return will be surprised by His arrival and will face the consequences of rejecting Him. 

As he closed the letter, Paul challenged his readers to focus on the basic practices that lead to a strong faith. He told them several things to do—and a few to avoid. Spiritual maturity was Paul’s deepest desire for this young congregation.

Honor Those Who Serve – 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

Once Paul left Thessalonica, maturing believers within the church stepped up to serve the church. Paul told his brothers and sisters to support these leaders. In English, the wording sounds like a request: we ask you. However, the Greek language is much more direct, urging readers to obey Paul’s directions. They were to give recognition to their leaders, which means to acknowledge and show respect.

We have individuals, both paid staff and volunteers, who passionately serve us in our church. They sacrifice time, set aside their own personal agendas, and give unselfishly so we can grow in our faith. Sometimes their leadership includes admonishing us or correcting improper behavior. When that takes place, it means some won’t like it and might create division instead of promote peace. If we begin to criticize their actions and create division in the church, we do damage to the peace the church should experience.

What actions can you take to make sure you are pursuing peace with others?

These likely weren’t the only tasks leaders carried out, but Paul was not making an exhaustive list. Instead, he provided a broad overview to remind the Thessalonians of what their leaders were doing for them. Their sacrifice and faithfulness deserved honor and respect.

What are some practical ways you can support the leaders in your congregation? Which one will you do first?

Act Like a Believer - 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22

Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to observe a list of practical ways in which they should respond appropriately to people and to God.

• Warn the idle – The word "idle" conveys disorder, like a soldier straying from his ranks. Admonishing involves bringing spiritual stragglers back into line and providing a sense of order for their unruly thoughts and actions. How can you warn the idle?
• Comfort the discouraged – Refers to someone either living in fear or hopelessness. Paul urged his friends to comfort those who were experiencing discouragement. How can you comfort those who are discouraged?
• Help the weak – Paul was probably emphasizing spiritual frailty. It was the responsibility of stronger believers to embrace weaker Christians and to strengthen them through discipleship. How can you help the weak?
• Be patient with everyone – Christians are called to patience toward all people, whether in the church or in the world. Do you feel you are patient with others? If not, how can you become more patient?
• Don’t repay evil for evil – Paul made it clear that no Spirit-empowered believer repays evil for evil. How can you overcome the temptation to repay evil with evil?
• Pursue what is good for others – What does the word "pursue" communicate to you? How do we pursue what is good for others? Paul wanted them to stay the course, working hard to build others up and not tear them down.

Next Paul emphasizes some ways in which they should respond to God because of their relationship with Him. Each of the commands is present tense, which indicates a recurring action.

• Rejoice always – Does this mean we are always happy or cheerful? No. It’s an ability to see beyond oneself and to trust in God’s sovereignty, even while celebrating the victories of others. How can you learn to always have a rejoicing heart?
• Pray constantly – This does not imply that Christians must be on their knees all the time. But it does reflect a spirit that maintains a constant connection to the Father. What are some practical ways in which you can remain in a constant state of prayer? 
• Give thanks in everything – Gratitude should be an ongoing part of our spiritual walk. How can you nurture a constant heart of gratitude?

Paul emphasized the importance of all these actions by stating that this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. These actions are not just something good to add to our lives, but they are actions which God expects us to take as believers. It is God’s will that you learn how to live in this manner.

Let God Do His Perfect Work in You - 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Paul opened this letter with a word about his prayers for the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3). Now, in closing, he offered a prayer on their behalf. He prayed that the God of peace himself would sanctify them. At the moment of salvation, one is sanctified or set apart as holy. It’s not because of own personal works or goodness, but it is a work of God through the salvation given to us through Jesus Christ.

Yet, sanctification is also a process. As we move toward the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are constantly in the process of being sanctified or being set apart – spirit, soul, and body – for His holy purposes. Paul noted that God’s work would be done completely. The Greek compound word here can mean “through and through” and describes the ideas of lacking nothing and working until the task is finished in eternity. 

How do you feel about the fact that God is not finished with you yet? How should you respond based upon Paul's instructions in this passage?

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

This week, the national news featured the homecoming of a soldier who surprised her daughter as she was teaching school. The mom showed up at her daughter’s school and surprised her by walking into her classroom. The daughter knew her mom would return but didn’t know when. When she least expected it, her mom showed up unannounced! Jesus Christ will return one day as well and it will be when we least expect it. The Explore the Bible Study: Returning focuses on how people will respond when Jesus returns and how believers should prepare.

Paul desired for the Thessalonians to live with an eye toward the future—specifically the day Jesus would come back (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). He emphasized three truths: (1) Christ would come back as promised; (2) those who have died will meet Him first; and (3) those who are alive will unite with them in the air. 

Paul also knew that there was another side of the coin in regard to the second coming. What brought joy and hope to Christians would also bring judgment on unbelievers (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11). Instead of being lulled into a false complacency, he challenged the Thessalonians to stay alert for the return of Jesus and to work as if He could come back at any moment—which He could.

Jesus’ Return Will Be a Surprise - 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

Most of us do everything possible to make our homes secure. Obviously, a thief doesn’t give you a date or a time when he is going to break in. He just shows up, usually when we least expect it. 

As Paul noted, those most caught by surprise won’t be looking for Him. Many will be lulled into a sense of complacency. Paul wrote that these individuals will accept claims of peace and security, believing that all is well. For them, Christ’s return will be a shock. 

He also compared it to labor pains. Labor pains are expected to a degree, but they can come on suddenly and be more severe than expected. Paul summarized the surety of this judgment: they will not escape. They will be separated from Christ completely—physically, and spiritually. They will realize that they have no hope because their opportunities to accept His offer of salvation will be gone. Their eternal destiny will be sealed. 

When we consider Paul’s descriptions of those who don’t believe, what we be motivated to do? What should be our attitude toward those who don’t know Christ?

We Should Remain Alert – 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8

Notice Paul tells them they are “children of light” not THE light. He also says they are “children of the day.” During His time on earth, Jesus called Himself the light of the world (John 8:12). In his Gospel, John referred to Christ as the light that shined in the darkness—though the darkness could not comprehend Him (John 1:4-5). His followers also serve as the light of Christ in a dark world (Matthew 5:14-16). 

Believers belong to Jesus, not to the night or the darkness. Darkness and light are mutually exclusive, and darkness cannot exist in the presence of light. Spiritually, God has moved us from darkness into His light (1 Peter 2:9), and that transformation alters our lives. Living in God’s light helps us see things differently, including the truth about Christ’s return.

So then indicates a transition for Paul in verses 6-7. He had drawn a sharp distinction between light and darkness. Now he was ready to provide the practical application by sharing how that difference should affect their everyday lives. 

Instead of dropping our guard like the rest, believers are called to a different standard. The best way to prepare for the second coming is not to worry about the details or to create timelines about what He did not reveal. Instead, Christ’s people should be alert and live in readiness.

What practical steps can you take to be more spiritually vigilant? What obstacles will you need to overcome?

All believers, dead (asleep) and alive will live together with Christ - 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

In chapter 4, Paul wrote that all believers—living and dead—will participate in Christ’s return. Since Christ died for us, He will return for us. Those who are awake in Christ will be alive at His coming, while those who have fallen asleep will have died before that day. Regardless, both groups will live together with Christ. This promise would be fulfilled at His return, and every believer will experience eternity with the Savior. 

THEREFORE - What do we do?

"Therefore" again provides a transition in Paul’s writing. He urged his readers to move beyond simply knowing the truth to living out the truth. Once again, the apostle urged the Thessalonians to encourage one another (see also 4:18) and build each other up. 

These final words from Paul emphasized the importance of relationships. We can’t encourage one another or build each other up when we place our own opinions, ambitions, or agendas above the relationships to which Christ has called us to have within His church. Christ is returning one day; until that day we should be looking toward helping fellow believers prepare for that day and telling those who don’t know Christ that they can’t depend on their own safety and security for their future eternity. It can only be found in a personal relationship with Christ.

In what ways can you encourage one another? How can we build each other up?

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

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The chapters leading up to Matthew 28 provide a bleak picture for Christ and His followers. Jesus is betrayed by Judas even though he had witnessed untold miracles and heard the powerful teachings of Christ. Then Jesus is rejected and condemned. Even his closest disciple, Peter, denies him before a watching crowd. Jesus is mocked by heartless Roman soldiers, paraded through the streets, and then taken to the place called Golgotha where He is crucified like a common thief. Finally, He dies.

Most assumed this great movement led by Jesus died with Him, but it didn’t.

The empty tomb attests to Jesus’ resurrection – Matthew 28:1-4

When Jesus died on Friday, His followers acted quickly to prepare His body for burial. Joseph of Arimathea, who owned the tomb, and Nicodemus had done what they could before the Sabbath (Matthew 27:57-60; John 19:38-42). Both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary had been with them and knew the way back to the tomb (Matthew 27:56,61). 

Early Sunday morning, these women left to complete the burial process. Matthew recorded a violent earthquake on Sunday morning. Earlier in his Gospel, he described a powerful quake associated with Jesus’ death, the tearing of the temple veil, and the resurrection of saints in the area (Matthew 27:50-53). This was a different earthquake, caused by an angel of the Lord. In his Gospel, Mark noted that the women were not sure how they would remove the stone without help (Mark 16:3). The angel’s action made their concerns a moot point; in a sign of triumph, the angel was sitting on the stone he had just moved.

The angel’s action allowed Christ’s followers to enter the tomb and understand that God had raised Him from the dead.

The angel declared Jesus’ resurrection – Matthew 28:5-7

The angel told them to go and tell. "Go" indicates an ongoing action as opposed to a one-time event. He also wanted them to go quickly. Finally, he told them the message they needed to proclaim. In addition to the news of the resurrection, the disciples needed to know that Jesus was going ahead of them to Galilee. During Passover, Jesus had said He would meet them in Galilee (Matthew 26:32). He wanted the women to remind them of this. They would see Jesus there and would receive His marching orders.

What options did the women have when they saw the empty tomb and were given these instructions by the angel? How will their response either confirm or leave doubt regarding Christ’s resurrection? How does this relate to how we respond to telling others about Jesus today?

Eyewitness accounts affirm the resurrection of Jesus – Matthew 28:8-10

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary followed the angel's instructions, and they didn’t just walk, but they ran to tell the others. Yet as they ran, they were experiencing fear and joy. Then Jesus met them! The result was a moment of worship because their faith had become real. Their encounter with the risen Lord changed everything, but it took place AFTER they were already running to tell the others with fear and great joy.

The women’s encounter with the resurrected Christ is not the only eyewitness testimony that was given of His resurrection. Christ appeared to the disciples by the Sea of Galilee, to more than 500 at one time, to James, at a meal before Pentecost and the Ascension. They were varied, physical, undramatic, and unprecedented. These were not collective hallucinations, or mass visions, nor were they ghost appearances. They all encountered the Christ, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:16).

The spread of the gospel demonstrates the truth of the resurrection of Jesus – Matthew 28:16-20

This was only the beginning. Had this only been a brief movement that died when the leader died, then we would not be talking about Jesus’ resurrection today. The gospel message would have never spread beyond the city limits of Jerusalem. Without the resurrection there would be no need to share and show the good news of Jesus.  We are evidence, and the collective history of the church and every believer is evidence that the resurrection is real.

Jesus opened the commission with a promise of His power (v. 18) and concluded it with a promise of His presence. His presence is eternal, taking believers to the end of the age. Christ offered His personal presence while ministering on earth, and He assures His followers that His spiritual presence will remain until He returns to earth. 

Still Have Doubts?

There is one phrase that reminds us that the struggle to believe in His resurrection is not unusual. Matthew 28:17 tells us that some doubted. This Greek word refers to wavering or having a divided mind. The idea is more like hesitation or confusion than skepticism. Some of those present responded more slowly, while others quickly believed.  

If you still struggle with a belief in the resurrection, consider this: Do you believe Jesus died on the cross? Why? 

Some who struggle with believing in the resurrection have sought to even cast doubt on His death! One must understand that, in order to believe in the resurrection, one must believe that Jesus died. His death was confirmed by his enemies and His friends.

• John 19:32-33 tells us that the Roman soldiers knew that Jesus was dead: “So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other one who had been crucified with him. When they came to Jesus, they did not break his legs since they saw that he was already dead.”
• Matthew 27:62-64 tells us that the chief priests, Pharisees, and Pilate knew Jesus was dead. Ironically they also knew of the prophecy regarding His resurrection: “the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember that while this deceiver was still alive he said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ So give orders that the tomb be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come, steal him, and tell the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.”
• A member of the Sanhedrin knew Jesus had died because he took Jesus’ body down from the cross and placed it in the tomb: "There was a good and righteous man named Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin, who had not agreed with their plan and action. He was from Arimathea, a Judean town, and was looking forward to the kingdom of God. He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Taking it down, he wrapped it in fine linen and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had ever been placed." (Luke 23:50-52)

1 Corinthians 15:17-19 emphatically states that, “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men."

The Lifeway research referenced at the beginning came to this important conclusion that we should all consider as we celebrate Easter today, "If we’re not living as if Jesus is truly Lord, our unbelieving friends won’t have any motivation to wish the resurrection was true—which is often the first step to believe that it is."

You are the most important evidence of the resurrection! Do you really believe in Christ’s resurrection? If you do, then you prove the power and the reality of the resurrection every day by how you share and show the love of Jesus with others!

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

Paul began 1 Thessalonians 4 by commending the Thessalonian believers for their faith but encouraged them to grow even more, especially in their faith, love, and hope. 

When it came to hope, Paul was concerned about how the Thessalonian believers were responding to death. They had either heard teachers question what happens when someone dies, or they did not have a clear understanding of death because of past teachings. Because of this, Paul encourages them, in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, regarding how their faith in Christ gives them hope in the face of death, especially as it relates to the return of Christ.

Believers can/should grieve with hope! – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

God did not desire for these believers or any believers to be uninformed about death.  Paul wanted them to see that Christ had defeated death, and thus He would not abandon their loved ones to an eternal death if they died believing in Jesus Christ.

We clearly see in this passage that we are not to grieve like those who are without hope. This passage, however, does not say believers should not grieve. Grief is a normal, natural response to the loss we experience when someone dies—even Jesus grieved when He saw the pain associated with Lazarus’ death (John 11:35).  We can grieve with hope because we know that those who have died in Christ have eternal life and that they are with Him; for to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6–8), and that He will bring them with Him when He returns. When we have to say goodbye to a loved one who has a relationship with Jesus, it is perfectly normal and natural to feel grief. 

How does knowing that someone you loved had placed their faith in Christ before their death, give you hope?

Can you imagine grieving without any hope in the future? What do you think people who grieve in this manner are thinking and feeling?

How does knowing you believe in Christ give you hope while realizing you will die one day?

We have hope because God has a Plan! – 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

Paul describes the state of those who are dead in Christ in several ways throughout this passage and the preceding verses. First, in verse 14, Paul states that Christ will return WITH those who have fallen asleep. Again, we understand that to be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6–8). Now, in verse 16, Paul tells us that the dead in Christ will rise first, and then in verse 17, he tells us that, we who are still alive at Christ’s return, will join those who are dead in Christ, and are already in the air with Christ at His return.

The following from GotQuestions provides some very good insight into what Paul is stating:

The spirits of those who have died in Christ would return with Him and their bodies would be resurrected and rise to be reunited with their spirits. Paul discusses this in simple terms in 1 Corinthians 15:52 when he says, “The dead will be raised imperishable and we [who are not yet dead when the event takes place] will be changed” (NASB).This event is often called the rapture (after the Latin word for “caught up”), and it is a grand event that reunites loved ones. The certainty of this resurrection and the reality of eternal life is what gives us hope even in the midst of grief. That the dead in Christ shall rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16) is simply one important chronological aspect of that event, and it shows how important those who have died in Christ are to Him. But the greatest joy and hope of the event is not simply that loved ones will be reunited, but that we shall all be together with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:17)! Because of the great joy and hope these words provide, Paul exhorts his readers to encourage one another with these words. - Source: GotQuestions.org

The Thessalonians could know without a doubt that the dead in Christ will participate in the second coming. The next piece of hopeful information is that all will know when Christ returns. When Jesus returns, no one will have to wonder if it happened or not.

The promise of resurrection and the details of the rapture matter, as they are expressions of exactly how God will resolve the problem of death and the separation that it brings. Because of His work, even when we are grieving, we have hope. Paul left no doubt—he emphatically stated that Jesus is coming back. The apostle explained how it will happen: 

• The Lord himself will descend from heaven. This phrase is important in that it shows Christ’s present location. Christ resides in glory and is sitting at the right hand of the Father in power (Ephesians 1:20-23). 
• The event will not be a secret event: Paul noted that three loud sounds will accompany Christ’s return. First, He will come with a shout. The Greek word here is a military term relating to a loud command. The next two noises mentioned—the archangel’s voice and the trumpet of God—are closely associated with the shout. While this could be describing one event, the Greek wording also allows for three separate events taking place at roughly the same time.
• Paul revealed that when He returns, those who have fallen asleep in Christ will be raised first, and those who are alive will then join Him.
• V.17 - Christ is coming back for His entire church. All who are truly in Christ will participate in this experience. The apostle did not distinguish between rich and poor, powerful and weak, white collar and blue collar. He simply stated that those who are in Christ will be caught up together with them in the clouds. 
• The reunion that Paul described is permanent and without end: we will always be with the Lord. 

We Should Encourage Others Because We Have Hope – 1 Thessalonians 4:18

“Encourage” in the original language means to come alongside another—to develop a bond or partnership with another. The passing of a close loved one, whether a spouse, parent, or child, changes us. Others grieve with us in the moment, but they return to their normal lives in a few days. The one who remains, however, is faced with a new normal. It is this grieving person who needs encouragement. It is this grieving person who needs an encourager to walk with them and uphold them when the pain seems unbearable.  Paul did not call the church at Thessalonica to be there merely in the moment, but rather to engage in an extended partnership with the grieving. (ETB Daily Discipleship Guide)

How can you encourage those who are grieving, when they feel as if all hope is gone? 

How can you encourage those who are grieving and who have a hope in the future return of Christ?

The return of Jesus gives believers hope when grieving the death of another believer. Jesus will return in His full glory gathering all believers through the ages for eternity. The certainty of Christ’s return should encourage believers when grieving.

Who do you know who is not a believer in Jesus? Commit to pray daily that they will come into a relationship with Him.

Do you have a burden for someone who doesn’t have hope for a future with Christ after death? What actions can you take to help them?

How can you demonstrate hope when you face the death of a loved one or when you are facing death?