“2 Thessalonians 2”

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

In view of their preoccupation with Christ’s second coming, Paul reveals some things that would happen before the Lord’s return. He predicts a great apostasy, a major rebellion against God. Since the first century, there have been many spiritual rebellions against the Creator.

Even in the first century, there were “many antichrists” already in the world (1 John 2:18). 1 John 4:3 speaks of “the spirit of the antichrist” (NASV) and reminds God’s people that “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (4:4).

In the course of human history, there are many people, both individuals and groups, who could be described by the language Paul uses in this chapter to describe “the man of sin.” They oppose the Lord and all that is good and right. They promote themselves and elevate themselves, sometimes even to the point of expecting the worship of their followers.

Deception is one of Satan’s favorite schemes. But those who take “pleasure in unrighteousness” are often easily deceived. Paul says that the false teachers/prophets would come with “all power, signs, and lying wonders” and with “all unrighteous deception.” Their followers’ reaction to error shows where their hearts really are. God has often used evil people to accomplish His will.

Paul encourages them to hold fast to the apostolic teaching (he calls them “the traditions,” something handed down). It is only when we remain faithful to inspired truth that God will be pleased with us. Truth will always prevail over error, in the long run.

There are three important lessons we can learn from this chapter.

First, there is evil in the world.

Second, God is still in control.

And, third, God will ultimately win.

So don’t give up. Be faithful to the Lord, no matter what.

--Roger Hillis

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