2Thessalonians Reminders to the Church

Recap Written by Paul, probably in response to something that happened to lead the congregation astray 2 nd letter repeats many of the same themes, but with further explanation… Different outcomes for believers and non-believers Praise for perseverance through troubles Warnings not to be idle or lazy in spreading the gospel and working in general Requesting prayers on his own behalf Day of the Lord is immanent

Assurance Paul points out that the Thessalonians need not be worried about their spiritual condition…which of the two results awaits them. End of verse 10 He wants them to rest assured so that instead of being worried about it, they will continue on with their business of doing the Lord’s work and growing in relationship to Him.

A different view on the Day of the Lord 1 st Thessalonians focuses on the nearness of the coming of the Lord In order to encourage in the face of adversity In order to spur on action in light of the time being short In order to highlight the importance of spreading the Gospel while it is still possible Chapter 5 of 1 Thessalonians involves being alert and hardworking because the Day of the Lord could come at any moment

Different outlook on that day Apparently, the Thessalonians seemed to think that they had missed it already. This may have been the nature of the forgery mentioned in Chapter 2 The Eschatology focus in 2 Thessalonians involves proof that they did not miss it, and a slightly different focus… Paul is not necessarily saying that the church is definitely going to miss the tribulation, or a portion of it. Instead, he seems to be saying, “look…if you had missed it, you would be seeing all these other things, and you aren’t…so you didn’t miss it.” Keep working at it…don’t let anyone discourage you…it is not so near that your work is done!

Chapter 2 2 Thessalonians Chapter 2 Day of the Lord a little more in depth The Man of Lawlessness What Paul says will come prior to the Day of the Lord

Chapter 2 Verses 1-2 Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.

Chapter 2 Verses 1-2 Don’t be alarmed or come unglued or let your faith be shaken by: A sense or spirit of worry over missing it The persuasive words of others A letter or forgery that implies Paul thinks it is so Instead, hold onto what I already told you! Verse 5 For us, it is already written for us in Scripture, so that is what we must hold to It may seem like a no brainer…but if we hold onto the truth of Scripture, we couldn’t have missed Christ’s return, because He would have come for us…

Chapter 2 So is Paul’s focus even on the specific events that will unfold during those times…or simply on the assurance of salvation?

Chapter 2 In between the “don’t listen to nonsense” and “don’t you remember what I told you” verses of 1-2, and 5…there is quite a bit of stuff to work through. Verse 3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed…

Before the Day of the Lord Apostasy “falling away” from the faith takes place first Perhaps referring to a massive rebellion inside the church Possibly a worldwide rebellion against God Man of Lawlessness Involved and included in this apostasy…not a completely different thing He is the son of destruction Exalts himself above every named god In opposition to every god or object of worship Places himself upon the throne where only God Himself belongs Receives worship that is due to God alone

Man of Lawlessness cont. Man of Lawlessness His coming is empowered by Satan Power Signs False Wonders Deception and wickedness for the unbeliever Already somehow at work Verse 6-7 Something is opposing this power so that it is not completely unchecked and in charge until God’s appointed time

God will send… A spirit of delusion upon the unbeliever Not so that they could have never believed Because they already chose not to believe the light of truth They chose pleasure in wickedness over delight in the truth

Chain of events Falling away from the faith Antichrist revealed Whatever restraint is going on in verse 7 is removed Antichrist destroyed by the coming of the Lord, on the Day of the Lord