Sorrowing Not as the World - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
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INTRODUCTION
Death is a sorrowful thing, but much more so for the lost. Believers understand that the separation of death is only temporary. In this understanding, believers find great hope. Losing a loved one who knew the Lord only gives a believer another reason to look forward to the joys that await in heaven. The scenario is much different for the lost. When a lost person loses a loved one, there is no reason for hope. If the departed loved one was saved, there is no hope of reunion; if the loved one was lost, it must be understood that hell is no place of joyous reunions. What a horrible sight to witness those who have lost loved ones to death and are without the wonderful hope given by God!
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
- (For smaller children) Read Proverbs 14:32The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
See All...b. Martha knew of that hope when her brother Lazarus died (John 11:23-27 [23] Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. [24] Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. [25] Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: [26] And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? [27] She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
See All...). 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 [51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, [52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
See All..., 57 also describes the hope we have. - Why do believers have hope in the loss of a saved friend or family member? Where do they go when they die? How do their circumstances compare with those that are left behind?
- Have you ever been to a funeral for someone who did not know the Lord? Have you ever witnessed lost people as they mourn the passing of a loved one? Did it make you thankful for hope?
PRAYER NEEDS
- Thank God for the hope He has given to us in death.
- Ask God to help you witness to the lost concerning death.
HYMN
‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
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