Funeral Sermon: WE SHALL MEET AGAIN

Funeral Sermon: WE SHALL MEET AGAIN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (KJV)
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye 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. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

INTRODUCTION:
Death is a universal reality that touches everyone at some point in life. However, for the Christian, death is not the end. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Thessalonians, offers comfort to believers grieving the loss of loved ones by reminding them of the glorious hope of Christ’s return. For Christians, the death of a believer is not a permanent separation but a temporary departure. The promise of God’s Word assures us that we will meet again in the presence of the Lord. This truth provides comfort, peace, and hope in the midst of our sorrow.

As we reflect on the passing of our loved one, we are reminded that our sorrow is not without hope. The assurance of eternal life through Jesus Christ gives us the confidence that one day, we will be reunited with those who have gone before us in the faith. This hope is not a mere wish but a firm promise grounded in the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of His return.

In the midst of our grief, we find solace in knowing that death is not the end, but a beginning of eternal fellowship with God. Let these words of comfort from the Apostle Paul guide our hearts today: "We shall meet again."

1. DEATH IS NOT THE END, BUT A TEMPORARY SEPARATION
For Christians, death is not an eternal separation, but a temporary parting until the glorious reunion at the return of Christ.

a) Believers do not face death with hopelessness. While we grieve, we do so with the hope of a future reunion (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

b) Death is a passage to eternal life with Christ. For those who die in Christ, it is simply the end of their earthly journey and the beginning of eternal fellowship (John 14:2-3).

c) Christ’s resurrection assures us of life after death. Just as Jesus was raised from the dead, so too will all believers be resurrected to eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

d) The temporary nature of death brings hope. The separation caused by death will one day be completely undone when we are reunited with our loved ones in the presence of God (Revelation 21:4).

Biblical Example: Jesus assured the thief on the cross, "Today you will be with Me in paradise" (Luke 23:43), highlighting that death for believers is a transition into God’s presence.

2. THE PROMISE OF THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
The return of Christ is the central event that gives Christians the hope of eternal life and a glorious reunion with loved ones.

a) Christ will return for His people. The second coming of Christ is a promise that all believers can look forward to (Acts 1:11).

b) The return of Christ will be accompanied by great events. The dead in Christ will rise first, and those who remain alive will meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

c) This event is a victory over death. Christ’s return will abolish death and bring eternal life to all believers (1 Corinthians 15:54-55).

d) The second coming is an event of great joy for believers. When Christ returns, it will be a moment of reunion and celebration in the presence of the Lord (Philippians 3:20-21).

Biblical Example: When Jesus promised that He would come back for His followers, He reassured them with words of comfort (John 14:3).

3. THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD IN CHRIST
At Christ’s return, the dead in Christ will be resurrected, receiving glorified bodies and eternal life.

a) The resurrection is a certainty for believers. Those who have died in Christ will not be left behind but will be raised to new life (1 Corinthians 15:52-53).

b) The resurrection is a victory over the grave. It signifies that death no longer has power over believers, as we are raised to eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

c) The resurrection will restore what was lost. Our loved ones who have passed will receive new, incorruptible bodies, free from pain and suffering (Philippians 3:21).

d) The resurrection is a sign of God’s faithfulness. It demonstrates that God keeps His promises, offering eternal life to all who trust in Him (Titus 1:2).

Biblical Example: When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He demonstrated the power of the resurrection and gave hope for all believers (John 11:43-44).

4. THE MEETING WITH THE LORD IN THE AIR
The reunion of believers with the Lord is an event that brings eternal joy and fellowship with God.

a) We will meet the Lord face to face. The reunion with Christ will be a moment of indescribable joy and worship (Revelation 22:4).

b) This meeting will take place in the air. Paul describes this event as believers being "caught up" to meet the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

c) The reunion will mark the end of all earthly sorrow. When we are with the Lord, all pain, grief, and suffering will be gone (Revelation 21:4).

d) We will be with the Lord forever. This meeting marks the beginning of eternal fellowship with Christ, free from the trials of this world (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

Biblical Example: When Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples were told that He would return in the same way, to take His people to be with Him (Acts 1:9-11).

5. COMFORT AND HOPE IN THE PROMISE OF REUNION
The Christian hope of meeting again with our loved ones in the presence of the Lord provides comfort and assurance in times of loss.

a) We are called to comfort one another with the hope of reunion. In times of sorrow, we encourage one another with the promise that we shall meet again (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

b) This hope helps us face death with confidence. The hope of Christ’s return and the resurrection of the dead gives believers strength to endure loss (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

c) Our hope in the future reunion brings peace in the present. The knowledge that death is not the end allows us to live without fear of separation (Romans 8:38-39).

d) This hope motivates us to live for Christ. Knowing that our lives have eternal significance encourages us to live with purpose and faith (2 Corinthians 5:9-10).

Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul’s confidence in the resurrection and the promise of reunion with loved ones gave him strength to endure suffering and loss (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

CONCLUSION:
Though we mourn the loss of our loved one, we do not mourn as those without hope. We have the confident assurance that one day, through the return of Christ, we will be reunited with our loved one and all those who have gone before us in the faith. In that moment, all sorrow will cease, and we will be in the eternal presence of our Lord. Until that day, let us hold onto this promise and comfort one another with the truth that we shall meet again.

PRAYER POINTS:

1.  Lord, thank You for the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

2.  Father, comfort our hearts with the assurance of the resurrection and reunion with our loved ones.

3.  We pray for strength and peace to endure the pain of loss, knowing that death is not the end.

4.  Help us to live in light of eternity, serving You with faith and hope.

5.  We ask for Your grace to continue to trust in Your promises as we await the glorious return of Christ.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1.  You will experience the comfort of the Holy Spirit, knowing that death is not the end but the beginning of eternal life.

2.  The peace of Christ will fill your heart as you hold onto the hope of reunion with your loved ones.

3.  Every sorrow you experience will be replaced with joy as you look forward to the return of the Lord.

4.  Your life will be filled with purpose as you live in anticipation of eternal fellowship with Christ.

5.  You will stand firm in your faith, knowing that the best is yet to come in the eternal presence of the Lord