Today we hear a lot about lawlessness. In other words, rebellion; a refusal to believe the Truth. Yet even when discussing this, there is hope and worship and faith to be found. So glad you’ve joined me for this study. Let’s pray:
Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing so much of the future in Your word. Thank You for guarding our hearts as we study, in such a way that even the in things of great power this lawless one is capable of we will remain in faith and close to You. Because You are Truth and Love and Peace and all our lives are meant to praise You.
2 Thessalonians 2 – Amplified Bible
Man of Lawlessness
Please read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4
1Now in regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our [a]gathering together to meet Him, we ask you, [b]brothers and sisters, 2 not to be quickly unsettled or alarmed either by a [so-called prophetic revelation of a] spirit or a message or a letter [alleged to be] from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has [already] come. 3 Let no one in any way deceive or entrap you, for that day will not come unless the [c]apostasy comes first [that is, the great rebellion, the abandonment of the faith by professed Christians], and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction [the Antichrist, the one who is destined to be destroyed], 4 who opposes and exalts himself [so proudly and so insolently] above [d]every so-called god or object of worship, so that he [actually enters and] takes his seat in the temple of God, publicly proclaiming that he himself is God.
Encourage one another with those words, that Day has not yet arrived. It will, that is sure, but it hasn’t yet. So let no one convince you that you’ve missed it. No-one will miss it. (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
Appointed Times
Please read 2 Thessalonians 2:5-7
5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I was telling you these things? 6 And you know what restrains him now [from being revealed]; it is so that he will be revealed at his own [appointed] time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness [rebellion against divine authority and the coming reign of lawlessness] is already at work; [but it is restrained] only until he who now restrains it is taken out of the way.
He is restrained at the moment. The appointed time has not yet arrived for the one who restrains him to be taken out of the way.
The Lawless one
Please read 2 Thessalonians 2:8-10
8 Then the lawless one [the Antichrist] will be revealed and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of His mouth and bring him to an end by the appearance of His coming. 9 The coming of the [Antichrist, the lawless] one is through the activity of Satan, [attended] with great power [all kinds of counterfeit miracles] and [deceptive] signs and false wonders [all of them lies], 10 and by unlimited seduction to evil and with all the deception of wickedness for those who are perishing, because they did not welcome the love of the truth [of the gospel] so as to be saved [they were spiritually blind, and rejected the truth that would have saved them].
Many will follow him. Many will reject the truth that would have saved them. But we will not. We will accept and believe and count on the truth that will save us.
Please read 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
11 Because of this God will send upon them a misleading influence, [an activity of error and deception] so they will believe the lie, 12 in order that all may be judged and condemned who did not believe the truth [about their sin, and the need for salvation through Christ], but instead took pleasure in unrighteousness.
Salvation through Christ is not a want or something you just wish for, it’s a need. He is the Only way to be saved. Every single one of us needs the saving. Because every single one of us has sinned. (Romans 3:23)
Please read 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15
13 But we should and are [morally] obligated [as debtors] always to give thanks to God for you, believers beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through the [e]sanctifying work of the Spirit [that sets you apart for God’s purpose] and by your faith in the truth [of God’s word that leads you to spiritual maturity]. 14 It was to this end that He called you through our gospel [the good news of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection], so that you may obtain and share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, [f]brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold [tightly] to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.
All we believers have been chosen from the beginning whether we have come to faith yet or not He has chosen us. And He is not wanting anyone to fail to find Him while there is still time to do so. Stand firm and Hold tightly to the faith. And the way taught to walk out this faith found in these letters and the gospels and even in the rest of the Bible.
Please read 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting comfort and encouragement and the good [well-founded] hope [of salvation] by His grace, 17comfort and encourage and strengthen your hearts [keeping them steadfast and on course] in every good work and word.
What a benediction. This hope is well-founded. This hope of salvation by Him. He will keep our hearts steadfast and on course in our every good work and word. Because it’s good work He has called us to and His Word will dwell within us. Blessed be His Name.
Footnotes
[a] 2 Thessalonians 2:1 -our [a]gathering together to meet Him- I.e. the rapture of believers.
[b] 2 Thessalonians 2:1 –[b]brothers and sisters- Lit brethren.
[c] 2 Thessalonians 2:3 -unless the [c]apostasy comes first- Paul is referring to a specific, future event.
[d] 2 Thessalonians 2:4 -above [d]every so-called god or object of worship- Or everyone who is called God.
[e] 2 Thessalonians 2:13 -the [e]sanctifying work of the Spirit- There are two kinds of sanctification: first, positional sanctification means set apart for God and in some instances set apart for God’s purpose; second, practical sanctification is a progressive process and means growing in righteous living. This is dependent on a person’s reliance on the Holy Spirit.
[f] 2 Thessalonians 2:15 –[f]brothers and sisters- Lit brethren.
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