Scripture: II Thessalonians 2:1-17

Aim: To encourage the pupil to trust in the Lord and be faithful in serving Him because He will bless, keep, and in His timing, bring to a climax all the affairs of men and this world.

Golden Text: “But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth” (II Thessalonians 2:13).

The Christian brethren at Thessalonica sent word to Paul that they were confused about the events of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Timothy came back to visit the saints in answer to questions sent to Paul concerning the return of Christ. In First Thessalonians, Paul wrote that Christ was coming back for His saints. Since there was some confusion in the minds of the Christians at Thessalonica, Paul sent Timothy to visit them. When Timothy returned to Paul he brought more questions. Chapter two addresses these questions concerning the Day of the Lord.

I. Encouragement to be at peace within (vs. 1-2). Paul recognized the Christians at Thessalonica were confused concerning the return of Christ. He encouraged them to rest in peace regarding Christ’s coming. Christ is coming and all His people will be called to him (vs. 1).

That will be in the future. They must not be shaken in their thinking (vs. 2): Not by false teaching by a spirit; Not by supposed message from someone; Not by a false letter from Paul. They must not think that the Day of the Lord was coming soon.

II. Paul gave the order of the events associated with the Second Coming of Christ (vs. 3-12). First, there is to be a great “apostasy.” This is an acceptation of leaders who are deceptive false teachers.

Second, the “man of sin” will be revealed. He is the Anti-Christ, the son of perdition (vs. 3). He elevates himself as god, seeking to usurp God’s place. He even calls himself “god.” He will sit in the temple in Jerusalem and proclaim himself to be “god” (vs. 4).

Third, the mystery of lawlessness is already at work in Paul’s time (vs. 5).

Fourth, the Holy Spirit, He who restrains, will be removed from the earth (vs. 6-7).

Fifth, the “lawless one,” the Anti-Christ will begin working in great power through the workings and power of Satan (vs. 7-9). He will perform miracles with great power. Many will follow him. They do not love truth. They follow lies with gusto. They follow the lie that Anti-Christ is god, and they will be damned in eternity with him (vs. 10-12).

III. The Apostle encourages the believers to be faithful in their relationship with the Lord (vs. 13-17). First, believers are chosen to salvation and sanctified by the Holy Spirit (vs. 13) and the belief of the truth in Jesus Christ. Second, believers follow in the glory of Christ (vs. 14).

Paul encouraged them to stand fast in the truth as it is in Christ (vs. 15). Do not follow popular ideas and philosophies. He further encouraged that they should faithfully follow the Heaven Father and Jesus Christ (vs. 16).

The Father and the Son loves the believer, gives each believer consolation and a good hope through His grace (vs. 16). God gives “comfort” for the heart, and security, establishment, in doing the good works of salvation.

The believers are to trust and follow God faithfully. He will take care of Christ’s return and the consummation of all things. All is in His faithful hands.