There is still hope

Preaching Outline on 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest who have no hope.”

Introduction to 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Today I want to speak directly to you who sometimes feel heavy-hearted, who carry sadness or discouragement. Perhaps you are going through a difficult situation, facing loss or dealing with uncertainty about the future. But I have a word of comfort for you tonight: there is still hope!

The text of 1 Thessalonians 4:13 is a powerful reminder that we are different from the world. Paul wrote it to encourage Christians who were saddened by the departure of their loved ones. He said: “I don’t want you to remain in ignorance, not understanding what happens after death. Don’t live like those who have no hope!”

And do you know why? Because we, as believers, have something the world doesn’t: an eternal hope. This hope is not based on passing things, but on the promise of the return of Jesus Christ. When he returns, we will be caught up and we will be with him forever and with those who have gone before us.

This hope is not just a nice idea; it is real! It will be blown by God’s trumpet, announced with a great shout and glory. And death? Ah, death will be swallowed up forever! The Bible says that “death has been conquered” (1 Corinthians 15:54). It will no longer have power over us.

So today I invite you to look up, to that heavenly hope. Because while the world weeps and mourns, we can sing and praise. Our joy comes not from circumstances, but from a hope that never fails.

Development

1. The world lives without hope

Let’s look at the world around us. How many people are stuck only in the now? They chase after material goods, momentary pleasures and temporary achievements. They think that happiness lies in the next car, the next promotion or the next vacation. But when those things come to an end, what’s left? A huge void.

This is exactly what Paul warns us about in 1 Corinthians 15:19: “If we hope in Christ only in this life, we are the most miserable of all men.” If our faith ends here, then we are wasting our time. Because earthly life is short, fragile and full of suffering. Without a greater hope, everything seems meaningless.

But that’s not all. Many people live with a human hope, one that depends on themselves. It’s a hope for better days, for luck in the future, that things will work out because they’ll make an effort. And look, there’s nothing wrong with dreaming or planning, but this human hope is limited. It doesn’t solve the problem of sin, death and eternity.

How many people do you know who are living only in this earthly dimension? They are looking for solutions to the problems of this life, but have no answer for what comes after.

2. The Church’s hope is different

When we talk about the hope of the Church, we’re talking about something that the world doesn’t understand. It’s a hope that goes beyond what the eye can see. The world may even look at us and say: “These Christians are strange. They keep waiting for someone to come back from heaven.” But we know that this hope is no illusion; it is based on the Word of God and the finished work of Jesus Christ.

What is the basis of this hope? It’s simple: Jesus died and rose again! Paul makes this clear in 1 Corinthians 15:13-14: “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith is also in vain.”

If we take away Jesus’ resurrection, Christianity falls apart. But thank God, Jesus not only rose from the dead, he also guaranteed our victory over death! He himself said: “If a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24).

However, many people don’t understand this. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the people were focused on a political Messiah, someone who would solve their earthly problems. They wanted comfort, prosperity and ease. But Jesus came for something much greater: to free humanity from sin, from the power of the enemy and from eternal death.

3. God’s eternal plan

This liberation is not something small or restricted to this life. It transcends time and space. God had a plan from eternity: to save humanity through Jesus. John 12:32 says: “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

It was through Jesus’ death and resurrection that this plan was fulfilled. He didn’t just come to improve our lives here on earth, but to give us eternal life! He freed us from the power of sin, the world and death. We now have direct access to the Father through the Holy Spirit.

This hope is not something we invented. It was generated in us when we accepted Jesus as our Savior. It is a hope that comes from eternity, planted in our hearts by God himself.

Conclusion of 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Beloved, our hope is not like that of the world. While the world seeks temporary solutions, we have the certainty of eternal life. While the world weeps because of death, we celebrate because death has been defeated!

So don’t be sad like those who have no hope. Remember that Jesus is coming back! Our cry should be: “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!”

May we live each day with this hope burning in our hearts. May we share this hope with others, showing that there is still hope for those who are lost, tired or discouraged.

God has a glorious future prepared for us. So hold your head high, keep your eyes up and say: “There is still hope!”

Preaching Outline on 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest who have no hope.”

There is still hope – 1 Thessalonians 4:13