2 Questions Everyone Asks About Life and Death

“Everyone wants to know: What’s my purpose? What happens when I die?”

You’ve probably asked those questions, even if you’ve never opened a Bible. In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul cuts through the noise with straight answers.

Your purpose isn’t about chasing the perfect job, relationship, or paycheck, it’s about the kind of person you’re becoming. And death? It’s not the end of the story.

This week, Pastor Stu Hodges unpacks how the Bible’s most practical chapter answers life’s biggest questions, simply, directly, and with hope you can actually hold onto.

Action Steps

Read it for yourself. - Open 1 Thessalonians 4 this week and write down one thing that challenges or encourages you.

Ask the hard question. - Instead of “What job should I take?” or “What car should I buy?”, ask: Who am I becoming? Am I living set apart?

Talk about death with hope. - Share 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 with someone who’s grieving. Let them know death isn’t the end of the story.

Choose one change. - Pick one area—your work, relationships, or habits—and practice holiness there this week.

Encourage someone. - Text a friend or family member with 1 Thessalonians 4:18: “Encourage each other with these words. Jesus is coming back.”

Verse References

1 Thessalonians 4:1–3a, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 7, 1 Thessalonians 4:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14, 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18, 2 Corinthians 5:8