Daily Encouragement Day 309: 1 Thessalonians 4

Paul’s practical exhortations begin with a reminder of his teaching on sexual purity, brotherly love, and personal responsibility (4:1-12).  In answer to their concern about the destiny of believers who have died in Christ, the apostle comforts them with the hope of resurrection and reunion in Christ at His coming (4:13-18).

Christ is seen in this epistle as the Lord who will return from heaven and rescue His people from the coming wrath (1:10; 5:4-11).  The certainty of His coming is a great source of hope for those who trust in Him, because both the dead in Christ and those who are alive when He comes will be resurrected and united in Him (4:13-18).  He will sanctify (3:13; 5:23) and reward (2:19-20) all who hope in Him.

Prayer:

Lord, I thank You for the blessed hope of being caught up to meet the Lord Jesus in the air when He descends from heaven to receive us to Himself.

Meditation passage for today: verses 13-18