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Teachings for
the Troubled
2 Thessalonians 2:1-17
Something To Think About
Just as Paul had done in 1 Thessalonians he entered into the
reason for his writing in chapter 2. This is a difficult
chapter to interpret, especially in light of the differing
ideas many good Christians have about end-time events.
The basic tension is between varying views of the
millennium. The eschatological perspective of the
interpreter will understandably tint his view of this
chapter. Beyond the question of the millennium,
premillennial interpreters will be divided at certain points
depending upon their view of the tribulation. Still, this
difficulty need not stop us from diligent study. In fact, the
acceptance of the truth we can glean concerning the end
times seems to be a paramount concern of Paul in this
chapter.
KEY VERSE
2 Thessalonians 2:15
“Therefore, brethren, stand
fast, and hold the traditions
which ye have been taught,
whether by word, or our
epistle”
Lesson Objectives
To warn against
misconceptions about the
Lord’s return
To watch with longing hearts
for the Lord’s return
To work with all our might
until the Lord returns
CORRECTION OF AN
ERROR
2 Thessalonians 2:1-2
Paul’s Reasonable Appeal (1)
Hebrews 10:25 1 Thessalonians 4:15
Paul’s Rebuttal (2)
Joel 2:1-3
The great warning of this chapter is the
terrible danger of rejecting truth (verse 10).
This sin ends in the complete delusion and
utter damnation of the truth-rejecters (verses
11-12). Beyond the prophetic theme of this
chapter, there are other lessons as well.
Foremost among these is Paul’s exhortation
to be stable in our spiritual life. He
mentioned this in verses 2, 15, and 17. The
church today desperately needs to hear this
message of commitment and perseverance.
CORRUPTION OF THE
MAN OF SIN
2 Thessalonians 2:3-10
The Revealing of the Man of Sin (3-6)
Acts 21:21 John 17:12 Acts 1:25
1 John 2:18 Revelation 17:12-13
Revelation 13:7-8 Daniel 9:27 Matthew 24:15
The Restraining of the Man of Sin (7-10)
1 Timothy 3:16 Revelation 19:20
In Matthew 24:5, 24-27, Jesus warned that the last days would bring with
them many false christs and claims concerning His return. We
occasionally hear of some cult in which the leader claims to be the
returned Lord. We sometimes hear of those who claim to know the date
of Christ’s return. The Thessalonians evidently faced a similar
situation, and so Paul wrote to more fully define and detail his brief
teaching on the Second Coming in the first epistle. He told them that
the return of Jesus would be preceded by two major events: a falling
away and the revelation of the man of sin. While eschatological views of
the “man of sin” may differ rather widely, almost all Bible scholars see
the time immediately preceding Christ’s return as one of great apostasy.
Modern believers have a better picture of global happenings than any
previous generation, and what we see is a growing tide of evil. Although
there is evidence of revival in various parts of the world, the over169 all
trend seems to be toward greater wickedness, increased oppression,
growing tension between world powers, and perhaps most tellingly, an
intensifying persecution of the Christian faith.
CONSEQUENCES OF
PERVERSION
2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
The Delusion (11)
Exodus 7:3
The Damned (12)
A most obvious characteristic of the time preceding Christ’s return is that
of deception. Contributing to this “falling away” will be the great
deception triggered by a refusal to believe the truth. It is significant
that this deception is a result of rejecting the truth because it is only
after they have refused the truth that they are deceived into believing a
lie. There is a tremendous attack being launched upon the historical
truths of Christianity today. Sources from within the organization of
the church are denying biblical inerrancy, rationalizing sins like
homosexuality, questioning biblical authority and authenticity, rejecting
the doctrines of sin and depravity, and all the while substituting secular,
worldly philosophies for the longheld doctrines of the faith. The apostle
Paul warned us in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 that the messengers of Satan
can appear to be ministers of Christ. We are inundated with pseudoChristian cults in the United States who have adopted some of the
doctrines of the true faith, but refused to believe the whole truth. We
desperately need to sound the alarm and stand for the historical
doctrines that have sustained the church.
COMPONENTS OF
SALVATION
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
The Choosing (13)
The Calling (14)
The Consolation (15-16)
The Comforting (17)
The danger of deception can be frightening. When we
see all the false doctrine being taught around us, we
can become fearful of falling prey to it. Certainly, it is
good that we have a healthy fear of false teaching and
a hesitancy to accept what sounds questionable.
However, this fear should not turn into a terror that
doubts the validity of our relationship with God. Paul
pointed out that the Thessalonians and we have
believed the truth and as a result have been sanctified
or set apart unto God by the indwelling of the Spirit.
We need never doubt that even in difficult and
confusing times such as these the same God who saved
us is able to keep us (Jude 24).
QUESTIONS FOR STUDY AND
DISCUSSION
1. What should be the response toward those who set a specific time
for Christ’s return?
2. How had the Thessalonians misunderstood the doctrine of the
Second Coming? How can we avoid the same error?
3. What was the source(s) of the false teaching in the Thessalonian
church (verse 2)? Who is most likely to be deceived by such false
doctrine?
4. Why will people reject the truth and receive Satan’s lies? Use
Scripture to support your answer.
5. For what did Paul pray concerning the Thessalonians? In what two
ways are spiritual stability and strength to be
demonstrated according to Paul’s prayer in this lesson?
6. What should our attitude be toward brethren who hold different
millennial views than we do?
May God Bless You For
Coming To Sunday
School This Morning!
Bring Someone With You To Bible
Study On Wednesday Night!
Acknowledgements
Applications taken from Bible Teacher Bible
Studies for Adults—Fall Edition (2011)
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Presentation Compiled For Randall House By Earl Scroggins