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 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.

We’ve all worried about our loved ones who have passed on, or perhaps we’ve thought “what’s going to happen to me when I die?” The answer Paul gives is “don’t worry.” God is going to take care of all of us. There will come a day when Jesus is going to return and do something different. Just as Jesus was raised from the dead, so to the dead in Christ will be raised imperishable (see 1Cor 15) and then Christians who are still alive will be immediately transformed (bypassing death altogether). Jesus’ resurrection is our model for what is to come for us, a glorified body with no sin, corruption, or decay. This is good news and we need to tell this to encourage people. “Jesus is coming back!” And when he does, we’ll be with Him forever!

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.

It is a good thing to want to be with brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul also expresses his hope and prayer that Christians not only love, but increase and abound in love for fellow Christians and for everyone. That is what keeps us holy before God, to love. Our goal is to love God with everything, and that means loving others. When Jesus returns, He wants to find us loving… love.

For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

Every Christian should walk in a manner worthy of God. Don’t swallow the lie that once you’ve prayed a prayer and gotten your “ticket” to heaven God does not care how you act. Don’t trust people who tell you that, as a Christian, there are no standards for your life now… everything is simply a matter of conscience. No. Paul exhorted and encouraged the Christians he knew to walk worthy of a holy God, who is a glorious and royal king. If there is any question as to our conduct, we should turn around and strive for holiness. Be holy, even as He is holy.

Wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

What does it mean to be saved? It means that Jesus delivers us from God’s wrath. God is just. He is not acting out of anger or ego, He is perfect in His Justice. It is difficult for us to comprehend. He will not violate His character, and that is a very good thing. That means, our sin deserves His wrath. Jesus bore that punishment for us so that we do not need to face the wrath to come. Praise God! Praise Jesus!

Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

Paul preached the gospel. He surely cared for people, but his occupation and his calling was the word. He went to his own people, national Jews. That’s who he knew and, obviously, he felt he’d be able to have the greatest influence with them… he was incorrect. They did not receive his word, and so he moved on. Sometimes you will have opposition, but your occupation is the word. If some will not receive the word of the Lord, at some point, you must move on to someone who will listen. Don’t put the people you are telling about Jesus ahead of the message of Jesus we’re called to share. Love them, pray for them, share with them… but don’t let them hold you back from sharing with others who will receive God’s word from you.