I Thessalonians 4:13-18
Our ignorance about these matters would do nothing except breed hopelessness.
2. Word of Instruction (14-17)
a. Reality of the gospel (14)
This only makes sense if you believe Jesus died for our sins.
b. Return of Jesus with the saints (14)
He is going to be accompanied by all those people who died believing in Him.
c. Resurrection of the bodies of departed saints (16)
(I Cor. 15:12-23)
d. Rapture of living believers (17)
(Matthew 24:40, Romans 14:8, Psalm 116:15, I Cor. 15:53)
e. Reunion of believers (17)
We will get to see our departed loved ones again.
3. Word of Comfort (18)
“These words” change our attitudes about the difficulties of this life.
Christian hope has immediate, practical benefit.