2 Thessalonians 2:1-17
Introduction
The Christians were shaken instead of “established” (see 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 13). They were told falsely that the Day of the Lord was already happening. Paul explains what has to occur BEFORE this day of wrath comes to the world.
The Apostasy Must Take Place, vv. 1-3, cf 1 Timothy 4:1-16
A. Apostasy = falling away, a defection from the truth.
B. The context of Paul’s letters suggest the apostasy is rejecting / defecting from the truth of God’s Word–>1 Timothy 4:1-16.
C. Until recently, the church was united in the truth of God’s Word: The Bible is God’s Word, affirming the Deity of Christ, His virgin birth, His bodily resurrection, etc.
The Man of Sin Must Be Revealed, vv. 4-5
A. The Man of Sin is a World Dictator
- He is energized by Satan
- He unites the world nations
- He cooperates with the apostate church in his rise to power, and then destroys the religious system because he no longer needs it.
B. The Man of Sin Declares himself to be god.
The Restrainer Must Be Removed, vv. 6-12
A. The Restrainer is “He,” the Holy Spirit, working through the Church.
B. Once the Church is raptured, the hindering work of the Holy Spirit ends.
C. The Holy Spirit will still work on earth because people will be saved.
D. Satan will work miracles through the Man of Sin.
- He will imitate Christ’s powers.
- People will believe the Man of Sin and end up in hell. They will believe the lie and worship the creature instead of the Creator.
The Church Must Be Completed, vv. 13-17
A. “Stand fast”
B. “Hold the traditions”–>the Teachings of the Word of God.