1 Thess. 4:13 “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus (coming with thousands of the saints-Jude 14) those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming (parousia)(1) of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call (last trumpet- 1 Cor.15:52) of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up (harpazo) (2) together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.(3) 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
1 Thess.5:1 ” Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, (apparently he had taught them about this when he was there) 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief (4)in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. (5) 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober (self-controlled). 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober (self-controlled), putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath (6)but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), 1 Th 4:13–5:11.
1 Appearing, or Second coming of the Lord.
2 Snatched, often translated rapture.
3 From this time on always in His presence.
4 Only comes as a thief to those who do not know the Lord.
5 To the believers, He is not coming as a thief.
6 The believers are not or ever be appointed to receive the wrath of God because it has already been poured out on Jesus through the Cross. (Romans 8:1-2, John 3:17-18) But believers can be living during the time God’s wrath is poured out on the earth yet not be subject to it. Ex. Israelites in Egypt.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT. WILL WE BE SURPRISED OR WORKING AND WATCHING FOR HIS RETURN?