Session 9: The Hope of Christ’s return (1Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Hey my dearest ROR..
sorry for my lateness.. yup this is the notes for Session 9.. thousand apologies!! -- (Rachel)
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Set down individual short term (ST) goal and long term (LT) goal before the start of discussion.


1) What is our perception of death before receiving Christ:
- Influenced by Taoist beliefs:
o People go to hell after death
o the concept of reincarnation
o spiritual bondages
- influenced by other false teaching
- current system: to earn their way towards good life (heaven) after death (similar to the Jewish Sadducees)

2) Then how Christianity differs from the current world system in viewing death?
- There is hope after death ( eternity)
- And this hope is assured in Christ

3) How can we then share this assurance and hope with non Christians?
- Take the initiative to share and invite them to find out about God (to have the personal experience with God)

4) How do you live a life that is in the hope of Christ return daily?
- It’s always a struggle; we must set our vision on God daily
- Is’t necessary must be in the circumstances of suffering?
- To die to ourselves daily – to be still and to be in His presence; it does not need to be a session of conversation but rather we can always be quiet in His presence.
- If we know Jesus is coming in a later time we will plan life according to our way, seeking earthly treasures before His coming.

We should look back at Jesus’ life, his close intimacy with God allows Him to have the hope and drives him in his ministry. He sets His vision on things that are eternal not that of temporal.
2 Cor 5:1
2 Cor 5:9-10

The true reward of heaven itself is the true intimate relationship with God, the restored kingship and worshipper relationship.

Philippians 3: 13
We may be crippled in the past or let things cloud our vision towards God’s true calling. We need to have an upward perspective in our life. So we then should set our goal in perspective of Christ return.

5) Look back at the ST and LT goals we set ; how then should the hope of Christ’s return affect the way we measure opportunities, set priorities and use our resources?

For example: to bless children that are suffering
Realign our goal from God's perspective.

6) Reflection: Is our goal more self centered rather than God-centered?

There could be increased ‘worldly appetite’ in people, especially Christians and it has become a distraction to live a life for God. It is then only through God can He reveal to us how we can realign back to Him.

We agreed that material things cannot satisfy our heart desire. If we used the resources that God bless us with for God’s glory and ministry, then the void in our heart can only be fulfilled by God.

7)Reflection: Is it wrong to have worldly craving? Or should we ask rather what is the intention behind these craving?

We should then come in humility to lift our goals into God’s hands and ask Him to help us re-align ourselves to His purpose.