Deception is Creeping Into the Church {Reading the Book of 2 Thessalonians~Week 6}

To_____________________Church: Grace and Peace to You!

I left the title blank so that you can mentally add the name of your own church. In my case, the title would read as follows: To Covenant Grace Bible Church: Grace to You and Peace from God our Father nd the Lord Jesus Christ. The book or letter 2 Thessalonians we believe was written 4-6 months after Paul penned his first letter to the church in Thessalonica. The message that he was writing is just as timely for the church today as it was when he penned it all those years ago.

When Paul wrote this second letter to the church in Thessalonica he was still  full of joy and praising God for their perseverance and faith in the midst of persecutions and affliction. In the midst of their suffering their faith was growing and also their love for the brethren.  Paul spoke proudly of the believers among the other churches. As the churches persecution and suffering increase in our day, I pray that we  exhibit the same love and faith that this church did!

Even though Paul spoke with great joy in his heart concerning the church there were still some things that concerned him. I am so thankful that God corrects! As a believer, we should come to the word of God with an attitude of humility. None of us are perfect and we all need correcting. Each of us is an individual part that makes up the body of Christ. We are not our own we have been bought with a price. Let’s look at the concerns Paul had for the church and ask God to correct what may need to be corrected in us.

Pauls FIRST Concern 

Paul’s first concern was the deception that was creeping into the church concerning “The day of the Lord.” He says to them do not be deceived, do not be quickly shaken or disturbed by a spirit or a messenger or a letter as if it were from him. His directive is to stand firm and hold to the traditions which they were taught, whether by word of mouth or a letter. Then  Paul says to them, ” Do you not remember that while  I was still with you I was telling you these things?” Are you forgetful? Me too!

There are two things I see here:

1. Test the spirits to see if they are from God. {1 John 4:1}
2. Be in the word of God so that you have something to test them against.

The word of God is much more than thou shall not.  In this context, we are to be looking for signs of Christ second coming. I will the first to admit I do not understand all the ends and outs about the end times but I do know I am to be aware and try to understand as much as I can from the word of God! 

What is being reminded and taught about the second coming of Christ in this chapter?

1. It will not come until the apostasy comes first.{Chapter 2 verse 3}
2. It will not come until the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction. {Chapter 2 verse 3}

What do we learn about  the man of lawlessness?

1. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship. {Chapter 2 verse 4}
2. He will take his seat in the temple of God. {Chapter 2 verse 4}
3. He will display himself as God. {When Paul says, “The day of the Lord will not come until the apostasy comes first, this is the apostasy, the man of lawlessness setting himself up as God}
4. He comes with power. {Chapter 2 verse 9}
5. He comes with signs and wonders. { Chapter 2 verse 9}
6. He comes with deception of wickedness FOR THOSE WHO ARE PERISHING!. {Chapter 2 verse 10}

Notice the man of lawlessness comes in accordance with the activity of satan. He is sent by God to those who did not receive the love of the truth, who did not believe the truth but took pleasure in wickedness. God is going to send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they may be judged because they did not believe. Read the words of Christ in Matthew 24:24-25-

“For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Behold, I have told you these things.”

Giving Thanks to God For Your Salvation

Thanks be to God for you brethren beloved of the Lord, God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation! He has done this through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit! The believer has been called by God through the gospel to gain the glory of Christ Jesus. If we are in Christ Jesus we will not be deceived but protected through the power of God.

Paul’s Second Concern

Paul begins chapter 3 with a request for prayer. He asks that the brethren pray for two specific things.

1. That the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified.
2. That we will  be rescued from perverse and evil men.

He asks for prayer then immediately turns his attention to the fact that the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect us from the evil one. Remember what Christ said, ” I have told you in advance?” Be aware, be on the lookout  for the perverse and evil men but also remember you are in Me and I am in you,and  I have overcome the world!

Paul always had confidence in the Lord no matter the situation he found himself in. He also has confidence that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. {Philippians 1:4}

Now paul turns to His second concern. He gives it as a command! This is not a suggestion but a command! What is Paul commanding? He commands those that are living a disciplined life to keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life. What does an unruly life look like?

1. One that is undisciplined
2. One that is not willing to work
3. One that is acting like busybodies

Paul uses his authority from Christ and exhorts, urges the brother that is acting in an undisciplined way to work in a quiet fashion and to eat their own bread. Then he turns his attention to the brethren who are acting according to the scriptures and says to them if anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame.

• Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
• Do not become weary in doing good.

Prayers for us to pray as we end the book of 2 Thessalonians:

1. Discernment from the word of God concerning  the signs of Christ return?
2. Placing  all confidence  in the Lord?
3. Pray that the word of the Lord will spread quickly?

Now may the Lord of peace himself continually grant to you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!

This message from Paul is so timely. It is so vitally important for the believer to be in the word of God renewing their minds and learning what the will of God is.

That is what we have been doing at Conforming To The Truth. We read  17 New Testament books in 17 Weeks. Although the online group for this study has closed,  I would like to continue to offer my FREE 17 Week Reading Plan Workbook to you! All you have to do is subscribe!!!

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