SECTION OUTLINE FOUR (1 THESSALONIANS 4)
Paul discusses the glorious rapture of the church.


I. THE CHALLENGES IN VIEW OF THE RAPTURE (4:1–12)
A. What we are to do (4:1–2): Believers are to live their lives in a way that is pleasing to God.
B. How we are to do it (4:3–12)
1. Be holy and pure (4:3–5, 7–8).
2. Don’t defraud another believer (4:6).
3. Love all believers (4:9–10).
4. Take care of your own business (4:11).
5. Earn your own living (4:12).


II. THE CHRONOLOGY OF THE RAPTURE (4:13–18)
A. The purpose (4:13, 18): Paul explains the Rapture for two reasons:
1. To clarify (4:13): He does not want them to be ignorant of God’s prophetic plan.
2. To comfort (4:18): This glorious event may be used to encourage each other.
B. The particulars (4:14–17)
1. The return of the Lord (4:14, 16a-c)
a. The saints (4:14): All believers currently in heaven will accompany him.
b. The sound (4:16a-c)
(1) A loud command (4:16a)
(2) The voice of the archangel (4:16b)
(3) The trumpet call of God (4:16c)
2. The resurrection of the dead (4:16d): The bodies of dead believers will rise first.
3. The rapture of the living (4:15, 17): The believers on earth will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air.


Willmington, H. L. (1999). The Outline Bible (1 Th 4). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.