1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning them which are asleep, that you sorrow not… I. THERE ARE SOME WHO HAVE NO HOPE IN THEIR SORROW. 1. As far as we can, we should see that no relative passed away out of our home and left us in unmixed grief. 2. Are there any who would so treat a relative as to leave him in doubt as to their salvation? II. THERE ARE THOSE WHO HAVE GOOD HOPE MIXED WITH THEIR GRIEF. 1. Even when there is the strongest hope of salvation, there will be sorrow. 2. Sorrow mixed with hope is full of comfort. 3. This comfort depends upon acquiescence in the will of God disposing us as His own. 4. This hope draws its consolations amidst sorrow mainly because it is "full of immortality." III. THE GROUNDS OF THIS CONSOLATION AS HERE LAID DOWN. Death is compared to a sleep as indicating — 1. The calm repose of a dying believer. 2. The security of the saints in Christ's hand. 3. The certainty of the resurrection. 4. The beauty and glory of the redeemed Church. 5. Recognition of the saints in heaven. (J. Walker.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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