2 Thessalonians 2

What does it say?

What does it mean?

How does this apply to me?

• Paul pleads with the Thessalonians to not be made anxious about Christ’s return(1-2)

-Paul is reassuring and restating what he has already taught and said both in person and in the previous letter

-Paul’s exhortation is a reminder to stay grounded in the truth of God’s Word and not to allow the fears of the culture, their emotions, or difficult circumstances to influence them to not trust God

a.  We must place our confidence and hope the the truth of God’s Word and not allow our fears to keep us from stepping out in faith

• Paul says the apostasy, man of lawlessness, and the son of destruction will come before Christ returns(3-4)

-In addition to the things Paul’s already said to calm the Thessalonians fears he also shares some signs that will warn of the imminent return of Christ.

-The criteria Paul gives fit every generation and emphasize a need to always be ready for the return of Christ

-Anyone that places his priorities before God’s is in rebellion against God

-Everyone that claims glory or worship for himself is guilty of rebelling against God

a.  Be ready for the return of Christ cause he’s coming soon

b.  Watch yourself and keep God as your number one priority

• Paul reminds the Thessalonians not to forget his teaching about end times(5)

-The Thessalonians are allowing fear and doubt to replace the peace and confidence found in God’s Word

a.  We must continually preach the gospel to each other.

• Paul tells the Thessalonians that the man of lawlessness is here but his time hasn’t come (6-7)

-The wrath and judgment of God will be held back and the Spirit of God holds sin in check  to allow people to repent

a.  Take advantage of God’s patience and don’t stop sharing your faith

• Jesus will destroy the lawless one at the appropriate time(8)

-God’s judgment and wrath will come

a.  Don’t be distracted from God’s mission of redemption

• The lawless one will deceive many people about the truth of the gospel and lead many to destruction(8-12)

-The Enemy is at work to lead people to destruction

-The Enemy is working to keep people from hearing the gospel and turning to the truth

a.  Test everything with the truth of God’s Word

b.  Expose the lies that keep people from the truth

• God will allow the wicked to be hardened to the truth(11)

-Those that don’t obey God and indulge in  sin will be callous toward the gospel

a.  Don’t begin toward the path of destruction

b.  When you sin confess and repent immediately, don’t let sin have a foothold in your life

• Those that enjoy wickedness will be judged(12)

-People that don’t trust God’s Word and live in open rebellion to Him will be condemned

a.  Have compassion for the lost.

• Paul reminds the Thessalonians that their salvation is a gift given through the gospel and that their salvation is confirmed by the Spirit’s work of sanctification.  (13-14)

-We are only saved because God chose to extend grace to those that trust Him

-Development in holiness is an assurance of salvation

-People begin trust God after responding to what He reveals about Himself through HIs Word

-We share in Christ’s glory when we follow Him in being sanctified

a.  Start your day with thank you

b.  Tell other people about Jesus!

• Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to be diligent and on guard to follow the teachings and example of Paul and the apostles(15)

-Live out the gospel and stay centered in the truth of God’s Word

a.  Live a gospel centered life

• Paul reminds the Thessalonians that God we have a hope in God that rests in the grace given to us through Jesus and he prays that they be strengthened by observing the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.  (16-17)

-Take courage and comfort in the love God has expressed through Jesus

-Allow the gift of God’s grace to season your life

a.  Live as a child of the King