“Comfort One Another” (1 Thess 4:13-18)

“Wherefore, comfort one another with these words” (vs18)

We comfort each other with the truth of the gospel, and there is no other comfort from God.  For the BELIEVER, there is hope in Christ, and for the unbeliever, there is no hope after death, and there is no real comfort in this life. We don’t speak idle words like, “It’ll work out”, but we know our Father works all things after the counsel of His will.

If you’re in Christ, then you’ll die well, and we ENVY those who’ve gone before us. They are WITH Christ, which is far better.

If you’re an unbeliever, then you die like a beast only to be punished eternally, and there is NO hope for you - “Man that is in honor, and understands not, is like the beasts that perish” (Ps 49:20).  All of your good things have been received in this life, and in the world to come, nothing but torment shall afflict you forever (Rev 14:11).

If a believer dies, then we’ll meet again in heaven, when Christ comes in glory - “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.  For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thess 4:15-17).  It is not the end of the believer, and God’s goodness will only begin in its perfect enjoyment.  You are with the Lord, and He’s faithful to repay you for all that He and you suffered.

The comfort of the believer is Christ Himself and the truth of His word, no matter the circumstance.  Paul said “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord”, and, “comfort one another with these words” (vs15, 18). When we suffer, it is the Father who loves us.  When disappointment happens, it is God who gives obedient strength to love Him in the moment (1 Sam 3:18).  When hardships are endured, it is God - who only does good and wisely - that comforts our heart, in knowing what the bible teaches.

Therefore, child of God, if you want comfort, then find it in the truth of the gospel. Don’t go to drunkenness, the psychiatrist (except for meds), the unbelieving friend, or to “mind over matter”. Go to the written revelation of God and believe what He says to meet your condition. He has good news for you, where you are.

If you’re in bondage, be comforted that He sent you to Babylon for your good, and He’ll bring you out for His glory and your joy, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an hoped for end” (Jer 29:10).  If you suffer from failures, be comforted by the forgiveness of sins.  If someone comes to Christ and then falls away, be comforted that the sheep will hear His voice and follow Him (John 6:37-39). 

In everything, don’t be like those who have no hope, who see circumstances, but they can’t see God’s gospel - “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that you sorrow not, even as others, which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him” (1 Thess 4:13).  Be knowledgeable of God’s goodness and use this ointment in every situation, until you leave this world, to be eternally comforted without pain or fear.