2 Thessalonians 2
-Paul answers questions about the return, or coming (parousia, presence) of Jesus Christ,
again here in chapter 2. We will be gathered together with Him, so do not be
shaken in mind or alarmed either by a spirit (demonic), a spoken word, or any
letter concerning a false proclamation of the Lord’s return. The rebellion will
come first, and the man of lawlessness will be revealed, the son of
destruction, who opposes God and exalts himself against every so-called god or
object of worship. This anti-christ will take his seat in the temple of God and
make himself out to be God, and his spirit is already at work (2 Thessalonians
2:1-7). The restrainer (the Holy Spirit) will at some time be taken out of the
way (this may indicate a gathering of the saints in what theologically has
become labeled “the rapture” of the church). The lawless one will be fully
revealed at that point and then shortly after destroyed by the breath (pnuema, same word as Spirit) of Jesus
Christ at His coming bringing the anti-christ to nothing (2 Thessalonians 2:8).
The lawless one’s “coming is by the activity of Satan with all power and false
signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing
because they refused to love THE TRUTH and so be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10).”
God sends a strong delusion at this point so that these unbelievers only
gravitate towards what is false in order that all of them may be condemned who
did not believe THE TRUTH, but had pleasure in unrighteousness (2 Thessalonians
2:11-12). *Application* Notice that THE TRUTH is what God is after here. Will
you hold on to the truth of Scripture in the evil days that we are living in,
or will you fall for the spirit of the anti-christ that pervades the landscape
before the return (coming) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Don’t be
deluded or deceived. Stay rooted and grounded in the Word of God so that you
will not be shaken or alarmed. Stay cool under pressure, His Spirit reigns in
the true believer!
-The firm stand is expounded upon in the last few verses of
this chapter as Paul gave thanks to God for the Thessalonian believers in the
truth who are beloved by the Lord as firstfruits to be saved through the
sanctification (setting apart, growing) by the Holy Spirit. These steadfast
brothers and sisters in Christ hold to the teachings given them by the apostles
spoken to them either by word or by letter with all faith and perseverance to
obtain the inheritance. Paul blesses them with the loving kindness of their God
and pronounces eternal comfort and good hope through grace to the establishment
of every good word and work (2 Thessalonians 2:13-17). *Application* What
stands out to me here is the abiding relationship these believers enjoyed with
both their Lord and with their teachers. There was complete and utter trust,
which benefited these true worshipers of God in troubling times. We also live
in desperate times and must stay true in our faith unto the Lord, listening and
obeying good-biblical teaching from His true prophets and denouncing any false
way. Be of good courage!
Verse to Memorize- 2
Thessalonians 2:7
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