ASLEEP IN JESUS

1 THESSALONIANS 4:1

A. DEATH AS SEEN AND UNDERSTOOD BY MEN
  1. To some death is a transition from the physical world to that of "the spirit world":
  2. Others think of death as the gateway to heaven or hell, depending on the life one lives now:
  3. Webster defines death as "the suspension of consciousness."
  4. Paul speaks of death as "the last enemy": 1 Cor. 15:26
B. CHRIST AND THE BIBLE GIVE TO DEATH AN ADDED MEANING
  1. Our Lord speaks of death as a sleep: "Our friend Lazarus sleepeth" - John 11:11, 14
  2. Paul follows the Lord, by speaking of death as a sleep: 1 Thess. 4:13-17; 1 Cor. 15:51
  3. This added meaning of death is full of divine signification:
    1. It shows that the state of dissolution or suspension of consciousness is temporary.
    2. The dead will be raised again - Isa. 26:19; John 11:23
  4. But note, please, that Paul's statement about the dead is qualified:
    1. "Fallen asleep in Christ Jesus" - 1 Cor. 15:18
    2. To sleep in Jesus presupposes that we live in Jesus.
    3. But to live in Jesus presupposes that we have broken with the world and its sinful pleasures.
    4. No man can serve two masters - Matt. 6:24
    5. They are Christ's to begin with - Gal. 3:26-29
    6. "To me to live is Christ" - Phil. 1:21
    7. Asleep in Jesus is eternal security for all who live in Jesus; who have made Christ their hope of both life and the resurrection of life.
    8. They have set their hope in God, who raises the dead.
C. ASLEEP IN JESUS
  1. Asleep in Jesus Christ:
    1. Brings quiet repose to God's weary pilgrims - Rev. 14:13, 14
    2. Just as the hireling longs for the end of his toil and seeks rest in sleep - Job 7:1, 2
    3. So God's children seek rest in their bed-chambers - Isa. 26:20
  2. But this sleep means more than repose:
    1. It indicates that they have finished their course - 2 Tim. 4:6, 7
    2. It means that they lay down to sleep in full assurance that their labor has not been in vain, "their works do follow them" - Rev. 14:13
    3. They await the call of the lifegiver - Job 13:22; 14:15; John 5:28, 29
    4. They are free from the constant assault of Satan against them and their lives - Rom. 8:21-23
  3. What a blessed future for them that have fallen asleep in Jesus Christ:
    1. They are precious to the Lord - Ps. 116:15
    2. "Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing" - Ps. 126:2
    3. "Sorrow and sighing shall flee away" - Isa. 35:10
    4. The shout of eternal victory shall fill the air - 1 Thess. 4:16; Zeph. 3:14
  4. But, dear ones, to look forward with that hope:
    1. We must make sure that this hope lives in us while we are in this body, while we are yet living in this world.
    2. We must make sure -
      1. That our sins are washed away.
      2. That our names are written in the book of life.
      3. That our lives are under the full control of the Holy Spirit.
      4. That nothing shall come between us and the resurrection hope.


Design © John Bryant 2011