2 Thessalonians chapter 2 reminds me of Timeshares. Years ago, most of us had never heard of the concept of owning a week at a resort. The sales tactics were brutally intimidating. Unsuspecting people were lured in with the promise of a fabulous prize. Once inside, it was very difficult to leave. Many hastily signed, only to discover later that they were permanently obligated. Today’s lesson is about recognizing a scam. Paul continues his letter to the church, “Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus”. Paul taught from a completely Hebrew perspective, that Jesus was Messiah; the fulfillment of God’s promise. He was born to atone for the sin of Man, He was crucified, He was resurrected, and He will return to reclaim His Beloved. There was much false teaching about the Day of the Lord. Some claimed Jesus had already come, but Paul was very clear. “Don’t let anyone deceive you… that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed”. The antichrist will deceive the world by claiming to be god. Paul says he will “oppose… everything that is called God”. The deceiver will imitate Messiah, ultimately demanding to be worshipped. The defining moment will happen when the antichrist sets “himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God”. This will be a worldwide event. Many will be deceived. What about the church? 1 Thessalonians 4:17 says those “in Christ” will be taken up when Jesus returns.
Paul reminds them, “when I was with you, I used to tell you these things”. Paul wants everyone to be aware that the “power of lawlessness is already at work”. We are now living in the Day of Man. Death, sickness and sorrow are part of life. Sin certainly abounds. but God’s hand of protection limits Satan. We all have free-will, but the Holy Spirit prevents total destruction. Paul adds, “the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till He is taken out of the way… then the lawless one will be revealed”. I believe the rapture will happen before tribulation. When God removes His church, all hell will break loose on Earth. The sales pitch will begin with “all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders”. The false promises of excitement will be a trap as “wickedness deceives those who are perishing”. Most deception begins with exuberant anticipation. Biblical truth will be rejected. “They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved”.
There is a recurring theme in human history. God eventually allows the unrepentant to suffer the consequences of our desires. Corruption is at first enticing, and then inescapable. Paul warns of the last days; “God sends them a powerful delusion so that” all who have delighted in wickedness, “will believe the lie”. I believe “the lie” is that there is no heaven, and there is no hell. Nihilism is contributing to the skyrocketing addiction and suicide rate today. People are dying without hope. The chapter ends with encouragement to the persecuted church. “God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit”. Here again, some blame God for not choosing them. Friend, salvation is a gift that is offered to all. It is received by faith. Everyone who asks will receive. He tells them, “stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you”. That is, do not be deceived. Paul prays, “May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us… encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word”. God loves us unconditionally. That is why believers should take the time to share forgiveness through Christ. He can redeem every single life and restore every broken spirit. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28). My friend, the purchase has already been completed. Salvation is the fabulous gift. Will you accept it?