In his second letter to the Thessalonian church, Paul invited his readers to stand fast as they patiently await the Lord’s second coming, which no one knows the day nor the hour.
The apostle also empowered the new church members with the conviction that judgment is of the Lord’s, and that His wrath will find those who oppress and persecute believers.
Paul now addresses the forthcoming deception that will precede the triumphant return of our Lord.
“1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2)
Christians should not be deceived by any prophecy or announcement of the Lord’s second coming since no man will know the day or time when Christ returns. Because of this biblical truth, we should not concern ourselves with such blasphemy instead we should live each day as Christ did while in the world, loving our neighbors and witnessing on to the lost.
“3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)
By falling away Paul clearly refers to a believer who once walked the narrow path, possibly a wolf in sheep’s clothing, which would now reveal himself as deceiver bound for eternal punishment in hell.
The factors Paul describes point to either the Catholic church or, another deceiving race who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and savior, modern day Jews. Muslims are also plausible sons of perdition having taken over the Temple Mount and, endeavoring against both Christians and Jews, God’s chosen people.
“5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time.” (2 Thessalonians 2:5-6)
Paul reminds the Thessalonians they already knew of this truth about the apostasy since he had educated them of this occurrence, that the deceiver would be revealed before Christ’s return.
“7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.” (2 Thessalonians 2:7-8)
The lawless deceiver’s hidden plan would be revealed according to God’s perfect plan, coinciding with the Lord return and final judgment of all sinners, and outpouring of blessings upon believers to be ascended to heaven where all Christians will rejoice.
“9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)
Paul describes the apostate as one without law, which points to blasphemous disobedience of the word of God, which is at the root of the Lord’s judgment upon all unbelievers. The satanic deceiver will be convincing, telling lies and performing false miracles to be exposed by the magnificence of Christ himself. Those who allow themselves to be deceived will be cast into hell, led by Satan, their master.
“11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12)
Because they are predestined to burn in hell with the deceiving apostate, those who side with the enemy will be weakened by God almighty to indeed believe the lies of the deceiving power. this fulfillment of God’s perfect plan will precede the second coming of Christ by which true Christians will be saved from the lake of fire, where those who rejected Jesus will perish for all eternity. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
