LIVING WITH HOPE

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

UNDERSTAND the significance of the second coming of Jesus Christ; REJOICE in our salvation; and DETERMINE to be prepared for the return of our Lord.

FOCAL VERSES: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 & 5:1-11

KEEP IN MIND: "For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:9)

AT-A-GLANCE

1. Those Who Have Fallen Asleep. ( 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

2. The Day of the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3)

3. Children of Darkness vs. Children of Light (vv. 4-6)

4. Walking in Readiness (vv. 7-11)

IN FOCUS:

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson always insisted that the house's alarm system be turned on each night when the family went to bed. But one night, Brandon and Bree decided to stay up to watch a little TV after their parents had gone to bed, and Brandon forgot to turn on the alarm.

Later that night, Brandon was awakened by what he thought was a sound in the house. He climbed out of bed, tiptoed into his parents' room, woke his dad and whispered, "Dad, someone is in the house!"
Mr. Johnson pushed a near by panic button wired to the alarm system. A blaring alarm sounded throughout the house. The intruder ran out the back door and a car was heard screeching away. The policeman told Mr. Johnson that in his experience, thieves never showed up when people were looking for them; they always came when they were least expected.
In today's lesson, Paul explained to the Thessalonians Christians that because the Day of the Lord would come as a thief in the night, they were to live as though they expected Jesus to return at any moment.

BACKGROUND:

Paul rejoiced with great joy that the Thessalonians had received the Gospel as the truth of God through the power of the Holy Ghost (1 Thessalonians 1:5). He then showed how deeply the Gospel's power is tied to those who proclaim and receive it, exclaiming, "So being affectionately desirous of you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls" (2:8). With this unbreakable Gospel-bond in mind, Paul spoke at length in chapter 3 about his longing to be reunited with the Thessalonian Christians. Since such a reunion had proven impossible, Paul reminded his hearers, "We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God's service in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, to strengthen you and encourage you in your faith" (3:2, NIV).

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES:

1. What is the term Paul used to describe the period culminating in the return of Jesus to rule and reign on the earth (1 Thessalonians 5:2)?

2. When this terrible period came upon them, what would people be expecting for the world (v.2)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING:

1. Explain the difference between those who are asleep in 1 Thessalonians 5:4 and verse 11.

2. In the Focus story, the Johnson's put stock in their alarm. Given that the Day of the Lord will come as a thief, how do saints prepare for the Lord's return?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY:

People are worried about the economy, wars, terrorism, and the general state of the world. How would you comfort someone stressed over these issues? What Scriptures help?

MAKE IT HAPPEN:

This week, ask one or more unsaved people what they consider to be the biggest worries of the country. Then ask them how these issues affect them and their future. Use the response as a means of offering them the assurance of salvation.
(Excerpt from The Apostolic Light)

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From Acorns to Oak Trees: something for the youth!


David's Hope
David remembered Grand Ma'Dear's last words to him. "You keep playing the keyboard for God," she said, while tightly squeezing his hand as she lay in her hospital bed. "I won't be here much longer. Grand Ma'Dear is going home."
Tears began to well in David's eyes because he knew his grandmother wasn't talking about her big home on Evanston Avenue. In that home, he played video games with his cousins on holidays. In that home, he opened Christmas and birthday presents. In that home, he watched football and basketball games with his granddad. He had tons of memories in that home, but his fondest memory was getting his first keyboard on his seventh birthday. His grandparents were so happy to get David the keyboard. They also paid for his first piano lessons. Yes, David knew Grand Ma'Dear wasn't talking about that home; she was talking about her heavenly home.
"I love to hear her joyful sounds of God on that keyboard, "she said with a grin on her face. "You keep making God happy, and I will see you in heaven on day."
"Grand Ma'Dear, I love you so much," David said while wiping tears from his eyes. "I don't want to leave, but I know I will see you again."
That cool spring night, Grand Ma'Dear died with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren close by her side. Grand Ma'Dear oldest son, David's father, said to the family: "We all want to live for God so we can all see Ma'Dear again."

FINDING THE WORD: (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 & 5:1-11)

In My Heart: 

"For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:9)

SIDEBAR

Living with Hope:

The day of the Lord is described as the day when Christ returns to the earth to redeem His hopeful believers. Believers who have died in the Lord will meet Him in the air first. Next, believers who are alive will be caught up in the air. This gathering will be the start of being with the Lord forever. If you are not prepared for this day (nonbelievers), it will be a day of judgment, destruction, and terror. This day will come as a surprise to nonbelievers. Jesus is described as returning to earth "like a thief in the night," but for believers, it will not come as a surprise because believers will be prepared for this great day.

How to Rejoice Every Day:

R- ember you are safe in Christ at all times.

E- ternal life is your reward. 

J- oy and peace are your gifts.

O- bey the commands of the Lord. 

I- n Christ there is hope
C- hrist reigns over all.

E- ncourage one another with God's hope.

JAM SESSION

Great Expectations: 

People find themselves in situations that can be destabilizing, disheartening, and despairing. How do we find stability, courage, and hope? Paul assures us that promise of Christ's return provides us with comfort and hope. David experiences a destabilizing, disheartening, and despairing circumstance when his grandmother dies. David loves his Grand Ma'Dear and is sad to see her die. He can't imagine life without her, but he knows what the Word of God promises. He knows he will see her again on the Day of the Lord. He has hope! This hope comforts his grieving heart. 

JAM ON IT!

Get Ready:

David's father explained to his family that if they wanted to see Grand Ma'Dear again, they must continue to live for God. This week, meditate and write down things you are doing or need to do to prepare for Christ's return. Are you prepared? If not, will you be? What makes your preparation certain?

LAST JAM

Have Hope In God's Promises!

(Excerpt from The Apostolic Light)