Lesson Summary:

Paul teaches the Thessalonians about the Second Coming of Christ and how believers should respond to its certainty.

Focus Passage: I Thessalonians 4:13-5:11

The Second Coming

Two Stages of the Second Coming

Timeline for the Second Coming

Note: The chart is based on the Dispensational Premillennialism view of eschatology:

This is the belief that Israel and the Church are two separate entities;
the Rapture of the Church before the Great Tribulation;
and God fulfilling His promises to Israel through the thousand year earthly reign of Christ.

Source: Beth Moore’s Study on “Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy”

Outline and Lesson Goal

Principles and Applications

I. Expect a Great Reunion (4:13-18)

Principle: The Second Coming of Christ Demands Our Trust in Him.
Application: How are you comforted right now knowing the certainty of the Lord’s return for you? Do you believe Him?
Scripture Reference

¹“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.
² In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.
³ If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.
John 14:1-3 (NASB)

II. Expect a Great Return (5:1-5)

Principle: The Second Coming of Christ Demands Our Readiness to Meet Him.
Application: How much do you know about what the Bible says about the Second Coming of Christ? What are you doing to stand ready? What are you doing to warn others?
Scripture Reference

Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.
Matthew 24:42 (NASB)

III. Exhibit a Great Response (5:6-11)

Principle: The Second Coming of Christ Demands a Great Response for Him.
Application: How are you responding in your life to what you know about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ? Are you living faithfully for Him and with great hope in Him?
Scripture Reference

¹¹ For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
¹² instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,
¹³ looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,
Titus 2:11-13 (NASB)