Bible Study

Bible Study

September 23, 2025 (

1 Thessalonians 4:13 –  (CSB)

“Death To the Believer is a Good Night’s Sleep”

“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For we say this to you by a word from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.”

When Timothy returned from visiting the church in Thessalonica he reported many people were confused about their loved ones when the rapture comes.

There has been much speculation about the rapture of the church in the recent days. Many things are pointing to the return of Jesus and the rapture of the church. The rapture or “taking up” of the Christ Followers from all ages to meet Jesus in the sky. I believe it will happen I have no doubt but I can also say with great certainty I have no idea when it will occur.

Paul wants us to know as much as he knew about the return of Jesus. He refers to those who are “asleep.” A person who has accepted the offer of forgiveness from Jesus will like all people suffer death once. Paul taught we are “asleep.” The non-believer will face a second death that being a spiritual death and eternal punishment away from God in the fiery pit where Satan will be cast into along with the demons that work to destroy you today. They will be joined by all non-believers.

Paul says those who have fallen asleep or passed from their earthly life will arise first can you imagine that? Then those still living will follow. As the old song goes “What a day that will be.”

As we see the day approaching what can we do?

1. Pray – make a list of your family members that you can pray for. You do not need to pray for each on everyday unless you feel  led to do. But we do need to pray.
2. Seek out opportunities to share what Jesus has done in your life to show you love and forgiveness.
3. Live in grace toward all people.
4. Live a life acceptable to God before all men.
5. Pray.

God Bless.