Small Group Discussion Guide
Sermon Series: Unshaken
Sermon Title: Rapture
BREAK THE ICE:
Unshaken is important in the midst of suffering and trials. Paul wrote Thessalonians
to encourage the 1st century believers who were suffering and shaken
Today we continue the Unshaken series and we will look at “the catching up”, the rapture !
Transition: Remember the purpose is to encourage, not discourage!
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Why does Paul write and explain these six verses in v. 13?
What does grieving with no hope mean?
DIG IN:
Let’s look at some promises in these verses . . .
How does Paul describe a person that dies physically in verse 13?
In v. 14, who will Jesus bring with Him from heaven, “ those who _____________”
More clarification is given in verses 16-17, let’s read it . .
What’s the order we see here of the “catching up” rapture?
1. The Lord himself will _________ from heaven.
2. The dead (those asleep in Christ) will _____ first.
3. We who are ______, who are left, will be ______ up together with them in the
clouds.
4. We all (the dead in Christ and those alive) will meet the Lord in the ______.
5. So will we (all) be always __________ the Lord.
Who will always be with the Lord Jesus in verse 17?
What does Paul enjoin us to do with this knowledge in verse 18?
Transition:
So when does this happen? It (the rapture) occurs before Jesus’ second coming in Revelation 1:7-8
However let’s look at a few more verse for clarification . . .
Read Matthew 24:36 and Acts 1:6-7
Jesus reply in verse 7 is what?
Who is the one “only that knows” the time?
Transition: So as the world continues to spin out of control politically, spiritually, how we are to live?
Well we continue to “encourage one another”, as 1 Thessalonians 4:18 commands us.
BRING IT HOME:
Personal Application:
Also we are to live until the catching up event, by . . .
A. Being Watchful read Mathew 24:3-8
B. Being Prepared. read Matthew 24:32-44
C. Being Faithful. read Matthew 24:45-51
- Remember the Christian has an end-time worldview.
- Your and my understanding of the end, affects our behavior in the now!
What was your one compelling take-a-way this week?
Let’s Pray