• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"By the word of the Lord..."

Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:15

A GREAT SOURCE OF CONFIDENCE

What was Paul’s source of confidence even as he wrote these words to the Thessalonian Church? Paul was able to write as he did because the word he gave came from the Lord Himself.

“For this we say to you by the word of the Lord,
that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord
will by no means precede those who are asleep.”

1 Thessalonians 4:15

1. “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord”

a) The source of Paul’s knowledge is to be found in the Lord.

b) “By the word of the Lord”

i) Generally the Scriptures.

ii) By special revelation from the Lord.

iii) Biblical writers write from holy inspiration from God (2 Timothy 3:15-16; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

c) The words spoken and written by Paul came from the Lord Himself.

2. The context of the coming of the Lord

a) This is a reference to the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

b) He will one day return to set up His millennia Kingdom on earth.

c) The Second Coming of Christ was a fundamental teaching that Paul taught.

3. “The dead in Christ”

a) They are called “those who are asleep”.

b) Their spirits will be with Christ in heaven.

c) God will bring them back with Christ when He returns to earth.

4. “That we who are alive and remain… will by no means precede those who are asleep”

a) The first phrase is a reference to those who are alive when Jesus returns for us.

b) The second phrase is explained in the following verses (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

LAYING A FIRM FOUNDATION

The problem that arose in the Thessalonian Church highlights the importance of having a firm foundation for our faith in the Lord.

1. Let us seek to understand our faith better through deeper knowledge of the Word of God.

2. Let us cultivate our faith so that we can find comfort in times of sorrow.

3. Let us ever seek to bring comfort to people who sorrow because they have experienced bereavement.