Lawlessness | English Devotion | NHFCSG

Lawlessness

2 Thess 2:1-12

 

1. Outward Christians

Paul  to the Thessalonians mentions that Christians will be raptured before the tribulation, but he does so in a very guarded and hidden way.

Paul will go on to demonstrate that it also had not yet dawned, because the Thessalonians were afraid that they were in the Great Tribulation (the day of the Lord) and feared that they had missed the rapture. But Paul will demonstrate that they are not in the day of Christ; because if they were, then certain signs would be present.

Paul’s point is clear: You are worried that we are in the Great Tribulation and that you missed the rapture. But you can know that we are not in the Great Tribulation, because we have not yet seen the falling away that comes first.

He says that the Day of the Lord cannot come until the departure of the church has first taken place.

2.The Man of Lawlessness

According to the apostle, the Day of the Lord cannot come until the Man of lawlessness is revealed. man of sin or lawlessness is that an individual, but also a system or an office.

It is a kingdom that was to be seized by Satan for the purpose of setting up a seat of abomination in the midst of God’s temple.

Daniel described an individual person: The prince who is to come (Daniel 9:26), the king of fierce countenance (Daniel 8:23), the willful king (Daniel 11:36-45).

Jesus described an individual person: The one who comes in his own name (John 5:43).

 

In the letter to the Galatians, Paul teaches us that the desires of our flesh are opposed to the desires of the Spirit, and the Spirit's desires are opposed by the flesh, in order "to prevent you from doing what you would," (Galatians 5:17).

Christians had instead begun to live for themselves into a mode of lawlessness. 

3.Mighty Power at work

There is a mighty power at work that restrains evil in believers, and, through believers, it is at work restraining evil in the world. That is why Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth," (Matthew 5:13)

We are born again and you are going to be caught up before this happens, therefore it does not concern you, but remember that, in Verse 7, Paul says "the mystery of lawlessness is already at work.

These verses describe the way evil works in our world today; it will be made world-wide on that day.

Five things are stated here, its origin is Satan at work behind the scenes, he gains a following with counterfeit miracles, he employs various forms of deceptive evil, the approach makes its appeal to those who "refuse to love the truth and this opens the door for the ultimate delusion.

4. The Day of the Lord

The Day of the Lord has not yet come. It is, then, still the day of grace! People can still open their eyes, and yet believe the truth.

We can yet turn to Jesus, and be redeemed, not because of their own righteousness but because they have trusted in the righteousness of another, will be caught up to be with the Lord before the great day of trouble begins on earth.

So, where do you stand? That is where the apostle leaves us. Have you surrendered your life to Christ? Do you belong to him? Does he run your affairs? Do you listen to his words? Do you love him and follow him? If not, this is a moment when you can make that decision.

 

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we invite you to enter our life and to take over it. Help us to always follow you and walk in the ways of righteousness. We belong to you Lord, help us to fully surrender our life to you. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen