Living in Hope: Embracing Christ's Return and Love
Summary
The Scriptures remind us that Jesus is coming back, and this truth is not just a distant theological idea but a living reality that shapes every part of our lives. As we journey through 1 Thessalonians, we are called to let the Word of God read us, to slow down and allow its questions to penetrate our hearts. The promise of Christ’s return is not meant to fill us with fear, but with assurance and hope, because Jesus has already delivered us from wrath through His sacrifice on the cross. We are invited to live in the freedom and peace that comes from knowing our sins are forgiven and our future is secure in Him.
This reality prompts us to examine our lives for idols—those things, even good things, that we allow to take the place of God in our hearts. Whether it’s sports, money, relationships, health, or entertainment, anything that becomes our source of value or peace apart from Jesus is an idol that robs us of the fullness He offers. We are called to seek Him first, trusting that only He can truly satisfy.
With the certainty of Christ’s return, we are also compelled to invite others into this hope. The invitation to God’s kingdom is unlimited, and we are called to be “fishers of men,” reaching out to those who may not know they are welcome at the celebration. Our lives should be marked by an increasing love for others, seeing every relationship and opportunity as an altar where we can lay down our lives in service and grace, just as Christ has done for us.
The vision of heaven is meant to stir our hearts, not just for the future, but to inspire us to bring glimpses of heaven to earth now. We grieve with hope, knowing that we will be reunited with those who have gone before us, and that the trumpet of God will one day sound, ushering us into the fullness of His presence. Until that day, we are called to keep our fire burning, to live as children of light, awake and ready, encouraging and building one another up as we await His return.
Key Takeaways
- Idols are not always obvious; they are often good things that have taken the place of God in our hearts. When our peace, value, or sense of purpose is tied to anything other than Jesus—be it sports, money, relationships, or health—we are being robbed of the life He intends for us. True freedom comes from continually surrendering these idols and seeking Christ first in all things. [06:30]
- The invitation to God’s kingdom is limitless, and we are called to actively invite others into the hope we have. Many people feel disqualified or left out, but our role is to extend the invitation, making it clear that all are welcome. Evangelism is not about exclusivity, but about sharing the joy and assurance we have found in Christ. [12:45]
- Love is not static; it is meant to increase and abound in every area of our lives. Every relationship and responsibility is an altar where we can lay down our lives for others, reflecting the sacrificial love of Jesus. Growth in love means more patience, kindness, forgiveness, and a refusal to keep a record of wrongs, as we prepare to meet Christ face to face. [16:52]
- Our vision of heaven shapes how we live today. The hope of reunion, the end of suffering, and the promise of God’s presence should fill us with anticipation and motivate us to bring glimpses of heaven to earth. Even as we long for that day, we are called to live fully now, encouraging one another with the assurance of what is to come. [20:47]
- Keeping our spiritual fire burning requires intentionality. We are children of light, called to be awake, sober, and equipped with faith, hope, and love. This means not hiding our light, but living openly and generously, building others up and letting the reality of Christ’s return fuel our perseverance and witness. [24:52]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:24] - Jesus Is Coming Back: The Heart of 1 Thessalonians
[05:24] - Delivered from Wrath: Living in Assurance
[06:30] - Turning from Idols: What Robs Us of Jesus
[09:33] - Idols in Everyday Life: Sports, Money, Relationships
[11:49] - More Idols: Health and Entertainment
[12:45] - Who Are You Inviting? The Unlimited Invitation
[13:54] - Fishing for People: Extending the Invitation
[15:27] - Increasing in Love: Every Relationship an Altar
[16:52] - Laying Down Your Life: Practical Love
[20:47] - Vision of Heaven: Hope That Transforms
[22:11] - Children of Light: Staying Awake and Ready
[24:52] - Keeping the Fire Burning: Living as Light
[25:58] - Shine Your Light: Generosity and Witness
[26:39] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Jesus Is Coming Back (1 Thessalonians)
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### Bible Reading
1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 (ESV)
> For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (ESV)
> But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 5:4-11 (ESV)
> But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10, what did the Thessalonians turn away from, and what did they turn toward?
2. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, what hope does Paul give to those who are grieving the loss of loved ones?
3. What does Paul call believers in 1 Thessalonians 5:5, and how does he contrast them with others?
4. The sermon mentioned that idols are often good things that take the place of God in our hearts. What examples were given? ([09:33])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes that Jesus has delivered us from the coming wrath? How does this change the way we view Christ’s return? ([05:24])
2. The sermon says the invitation to God’s kingdom is unlimited. What does this mean for how we view people who feel disqualified or left out? ([12:45])
3. The idea of “every relationship and responsibility as an altar” was mentioned. What does it mean to lay down your life for others in practical terms? ([16:52])
4. Paul calls believers “children of light.” What does it look like to live as children of light in a world that often feels dark? ([22:11])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to examine our lives for idols—good things that have taken God’s place. Is there something in your life right now (sports, money, relationships, health, entertainment, etc.) that you tend to look to for peace or value more than Jesus? What would it look like to surrender that to Him this week? ([09:33])
2. Who in your life might feel like they’re not invited to God’s party? What is one step you can take this week to extend an invitation or share the hope you have in Christ with them? ([12:45])
3. Think about your closest relationships (family, friends, coworkers). Where is God calling you to increase in love—maybe through more patience, kindness, or forgiveness? What is one specific action you can take to lay down your life for someone this week? ([16:52])
4. When you picture heaven, what stirs in your heart? How does your vision of heaven affect the way you handle grief, suffering, or daily life right now? ([20:47])
5. The sermon talked about keeping your spiritual fire burning and not hiding your light. What are some practical ways you can keep your faith vibrant and visible this week? Is there a habit or practice you want to start or return to? ([24:52])
6. Encouragement was a big theme—encouraging and building one another up as we wait for Jesus’ return. Who is someone in your life who needs encouragement right now, and how can you reach out to them this week? ([22:11])
7. The pastor shared about letting the Word of God “read us.” What is one way you can slow down and let God’s Word ask you questions or shape your heart this week? ([02:24])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Pray together, thanking Jesus for the hope of His return, for freedom from idols, and for the assurance of forgiveness. Ask God to help you live as children of light, to love others more, and to keep your spiritual fire burning as you wait for Him.
Devotional
Day 1: Turning from Idols to Serve the Living God
Idols are anything that we look to for fulfillment, peace, or value instead of Jesus, and even good things—like sports, money, relationships, health, or entertainment—can become idols if they take the place of God in our hearts. When we let these things dictate our emotions or sense of worth, we miss out on the true life and peace that only Jesus offers. The call is to examine our hearts honestly and ask: what are we depending on for our sense of well-being? Jesus has delivered us from wrath and given us assurance, so we are free to let go of anything that competes for His place in our lives. Let the Spirit reveal what you might be holding above Him, and trust that only Jesus can truly satisfy. [06:30]
1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 (ESV)
"For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come."
Reflection: What is one thing—good or bad—that you tend to look to for your sense of value or peace, and how can you intentionally place Jesus above it today?
Day 2: Inviting Others to the Celebration
The promise of Jesus’ return is not just for us to hold onto, but to share with others—God’s invitation to His kingdom is unlimited, and He calls us to invite as many as possible to the celebration. Many people around us may not know they’re invited, or may even feel disqualified, but we are called to be “fishers of men,” reaching out to family, friends, neighbors, and beyond. Consider who in your life needs to hear about the hope and assurance found in Jesus, and ask God to open your eyes to new opportunities to extend His invitation. [13:54]
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 (ESV)
"For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy."
Reflection: Who is one person God is putting on your heart to invite into His family or to share the hope of Jesus with this week?
Day 3: Increasing in Love Until He Comes
As we await Jesus’ return, God’s desire is that we continually grow in love for one another and for all people, laying down our lives in practical ways in every area—marriage, parenting, work, and even our hobbies. Every part of life can become an altar where we offer ourselves in love, choosing patience, kindness, forgiveness, and grace. Ask God to show you where He is calling you to increase in love, and consider how you can lay down your life for someone today, reflecting the love that Christ has shown you. [16:52]
1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 (ESV)
"Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints."
Reflection: In what relationship or situation is God calling you to lay down your life and increase in love today, and what would that look like in action?
Day 4: Holding a Hopeful Vision of Heaven
Having a vision of heaven—of Jesus’ return, the resurrection, and the reunion with those who have gone before—fills us with hope even as we grieve and face pain in this world. This vision is meant to stir our hearts, encourage us, and remind us that the story ends with joy, restoration, and eternal life with Christ. Let your heart be moved by the promise of heaven, and let that hope shape how you live today, bringing a taste of heaven to earth as you wait for the fullness to come. [20:47]
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (ESV)
"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words."
Reflection: When you picture the moment of Jesus’ return and the hope of heaven, what stirs in your heart, and how can you let that hope encourage you and others today?
Day 5: Keeping Your Fire Burning Bright
We are called to live as children of light, staying awake and ready for Jesus’ return by keeping our faith, hope, and love alive and active. This means not hiding our light or letting it be snuffed out by complacency, but shining brightly in our neighborhoods and communities, encouraging and building one another up. Ask God to show you how to keep your spiritual fire burning—through worship, prayer, community, and acts of love—and look for ways to let your light shine for others to see. [24:52]
1 Thessalonians 5:4-11 (ESV)
"But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can keep your spiritual fire burning and let your light shine in your home, workplace, or neighborhood this week?
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