Preachers' Monthly 1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning them which are asleep, that you sorrow not… I. In RELATION TO THE DEAD IN CHRIST (ver. 13). 1. Intelligence concerning this relation important. (1) Because of its bearing upon the resurrection of believers. (2) Because ignorance on this subject cast the Thessalonians into deep sorrow in respect to their departed friends. 2. Intelligence concerning this relation an all-sufficient consolation (ver. 14). (1) Because Christ's resurrection ensures the resurrection of His saints. (2) Because of the inseparable relation between Christ and all His followers in His glory (ver. 14; Colossians 3:4). II. IN RELATION TO THE LIVING SAINTS (vers. 15, 17). 1. The living saints will be glorified, together with the resurrected ones (ver. 17; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52). 2. The change of the living saints into their glorified state shall not precede the resurrection of the dead in Christ (ver. 15). III. IN ITS ACCOMPANIMENTS (ver. 16; Acts 1:11). 1. Christ will come in person. 2. Christ will come in person and in great glory (Matthew 24:30; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-16). IV. IN THE ENCOURAGEMENT IT SHOULD AFFORD BELIEVERS (ver. 18). 1. In the case of the Thessalonians this was peculiarly necessary. 2. Is not this exhortation now timely? V. PRACTICAL LESSONS. 1. The importance and glory of the coming of the Lord demand more earnest study than is now generally given (Colossians 3:4). 2. Christians should so live that they may be ready at any time to enter, into the presence of the Lord. (Preachers' Monthly.) 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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