SORROW NOT AS OTHERS

1 THESS. 4:13-18

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Facing life is sometimes harder than personally facing death. I have heard many say they were ready to face death but had a hard time when someone else died. For the Christian, that is normal. How do we face life when someone we love has faced death? Let me give you three Bible examples.

 

 I. DAVID’S WAY FOR THE “SAFE” [2 Sam. 12:15-23]

1. Take Care of Your Appearance [v. 20a]

helps psychologically if nothing else

2. Take Care of Your Spiritual Needs [v. 20b, 1 Th. 5:18]

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

3. Take Care of Your Physical Needs [v. 20c-23]

By the way- after David was comforted he was able to comfort others [like his wife in the next verse]

 

 II. PAUL’S WAY FOR THE SAVED [1 Th. 4:13-18]

1. Be Knowledgeable [v. 13] at least 9 times

2. Be Different [v. 13b, Eph. 2]

3. Be Expectant [v. 14-18] also expect to comfort others

 

III. JESUS’ WAY FOR THE LIVING [John 11:11-33]

1. We Can Learn From Him [v. 11-22, Jn. 14:1-6]

2. We Can Listen to Him [v. 23-26, Rm. 10:17]

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

3. We Can Live for Him [v. 27-45, Phil. 1:20-21]

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.