WEEKLY BIBLE PASSAGE

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

13 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For we say this to you by a word from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout,, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are still 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. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Bible study tips

PAN FOR GOLD - scoop up everything

  1. Start with prayer.

  2. Read through the passage several times.

  3. Consider who, what, when, where, why, and how.

  4. Who are the main characters?

  5. What does the text reveal about the character and nature of God?

  6. Is there an example to follow?

  7. Is there an example to avoid?

  8. Are there any exhortations, instructions, or commands given?

  9. Is there a promise or something encouraging to cling to?

SIFT FOR GOLD - look for what you want to keep

  1. How would you summarize what the passage is communicating?

  2. What are some things that stand out the most?

  3. How does the passage inform, correct, or affirm your view of God?

PUT ON THE GOLD - do something with it

  1. What is the real life application in a broad, general sense?

  2. What is the real life application to your life specifically?

  3. What is the real life application for us as a church community?