Living the Faith: Season 5
Waiting with Hope
Christians live with confidence in God’s promises. As we look forward to Christ’s return, we are called to worship, serve, grow, and encourage one another in faith.
Lesson 5.5: Waiting with Hope
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 5:1–11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–13
Season 5: Living the Faith
Introduction
The early Christians lived with a deep sense of expectation.
They believed that Jesus Christ would one day return, fulfill God’s promises, and establish His kingdom completely.
Yet as time passed, questions began to arise.
What happens to believers who die before Christ returns?
How should Christians live while they wait?
Should believers simply stop working and wait for Jesus?
The apostles addressed these questions in the letters to the Thessalonians.
Their message was clear:
Followers of Christ are called to wait with hope, faithfulness, and purpose.
Christian hope is not passive.
It is active.
Believers are called to trust God’s promises while continuing to worship, serve, grow, and share the gospel.
This lesson explores how Christians can live faithfully while looking forward to Christ’s return.
Scripture References
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 (NASB)
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout… and so we shall always be with the Lord.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NASB)
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up…”
2 Thessalonians 3:13 (NASB)
“But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary of doing good.”
Historical Background
The church in Thessalonica was relatively young.
Many believers had questions about the future.
Some worried about loved ones who had died.
Others became so focused on Christ’s return that they neglected daily responsibilities.
Paul wrote to encourage and guide them.
He reminded believers that Christ would indeed return, but until then they were called to remain faithful, encourage one another, and continue living as disciples.
The focus was not on predicting dates.
The focus was on faithful living.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
The Promise of Christ’s Return
(1 Thessalonians 4:13–18)
Paul reassures believers that death does not have the final word.
Because Jesus rose from the dead, believers have hope beyond the grave.
Christ will return.
Those who belong to Him will be with Him forever.
This promise provides comfort during seasons of grief and loss.
Christian hope extends beyond this life.
Living Ready
(1 Thessalonians 5:1–11)
Paul encourages believers to remain spiritually alert and faithful.
Instead of fear or anxiety, Christians are called to live with confidence.
Followers of Christ are described as children of light.
Their lives should reflect God’s truth and character.
Waiting for Christ involves faithful living today.
Encouraging One Another
(1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Hope is not meant to be carried alone.
Paul encourages believers to strengthen and encourage one another.
The Church becomes a place where people find support, comfort, and hope.
Christian community helps believers remain faithful during difficult seasons.
Faithful Until He Comes
(2 Thessalonians 3:6–13)
Some believers stopped carrying out their daily responsibilities because they expected Christ’s return at any moment.
Paul reminded them that faithful disciples continue serving, working, and doing good.
Hope should inspire faithful living rather than passivity.
Followers of Christ are called to remain active in God’s mission.
Reasons We Believe
Christ Will Return
The New Testament consistently teaches that Jesus will come again.
This promise gives believers confidence and hope.
Death Is Not the End
Because of Christ’s resurrection, believers have eternal hope.
God’s story extends beyond this life.
Hope Produces Faithfulness
Christian hope encourages believers to continue serving, worshiping, and growing.
The Church Encourages One Another
God often strengthens His people through Christian community.
Believers are called to support one another while waiting for Christ’s return.
Obedience in Action
Waiting with Hope challenges believers to ask:
Am I living with confidence in God’s promises?
How do I respond to uncertainty about the future?
Am I encouraging others in their faith?
Am I faithfully serving Christ today?
How can I share the hope of Jesus with others?
Christian hope influences both present living and future expectations.
Walk It Out
Consider these questions:
Why was Paul’s message comforting to the Thessalonian believers?
How does Christ’s return influence Christian living?
What does it mean to live as a child of light?
How can believers encourage one another?
How does hope shape your daily life?
Possible Responses
You may find comfort in God’s promises about the future.
You may identify ways to encourage others.
You may feel challenged to live more intentionally as a follower of Christ.
Living the Message
Christians live between two important realities.
Jesus has already come.
Jesus will come again.
While we wait, we worship.
We pray.
We serve.
We learn.
We encourage others.
We share the gospel.
Hope is not merely about the future.
Hope transforms how we live today.
Looking Forward, Living Faithfully
The early Church looked forward to Christ’s return while continuing to serve faithfully.
The same calling remains for believers today.
We do not know when Christ will return.
We do know how we are called to live.
Faithfully.
Lovingly.
Hopefully.
Courageously.
The future belongs to God.
And because of that, believers can face every day with confidence and hope.
Related Pages
Prayer and Worship Preparation
Worship and Everyday Faith
