Tag: 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11
The man of lawlessness arises
Scripture reading for December 4: 2nd Thessalonians 1-3
Because of Christ’s love He has warned the Church about one man who will come that will be known for terrible evil and lawlessness. This person will be called the ‘man of lawlessness’. We should know about him to motivate us to tell as many people as possible about the Lord and warn others.
“Concerning the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to Him, we ask you brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.” (2nd Thessalonians 2:1-3)
The coming of Jesus Christ will happen suddenly. (1st Thessalonians 5:2-3) According to Paul, this day will not come until this lawless man is revealed. Some in Paul’s day were saying that the day of the Lord had already come. He wrote this to address the concern that some had missed the rapture. We are still watching for this to happen today.
Paul goes on to describe the man of lawlessness as one who will opposes truth and set himself up as god. He will do this through Satan by counterfeit signs and wonders. (2nd Thessalonians 2:9-10) These signs will deceive people who have refused to know and love truth. They will be deluded and go to their destruction. (2nd Thessalonians 2:11)
We have a choice each day to read and believe God and His word. If we reject the truth, we have nothing left but a lie. Lies may sound good, but they lead to destruction. God chose us to be saved by the sanctifying work of the Spirit and belief of the truth. This is all a gift of God’s grace. Because of this grace we will share in the Lord’s glory when He comes.
Take time today to share Jesus Christ with someone who does not know Him. Ask them if you can share this passage about the coming man of lawlessness. Let the Holy Spirit lead both of you to discover truth and to love it!
Sunday rest and reflection: wise living!
Dear Friends, Greetings in the Wonderful Name of Jesus Christ, the only wise God! What a day to be alive and learning to know and love God! The signs are everywhere of the last days and God’s Word tells us to live wisely and make the most of our time as we see the Day of Christ approaching. (Ephesians 5:15-16) Those who are righteous will become more righteous and live by the Spirit, following Christ more closely. Those who are wicked will become more wicked, following their own flesh and the evil spirits of this world more closely. (Revelation 22:10-11)
As we read Proverbs, we are exposed to wisdom for successful daily living. The proverbs were wise sayings and nuggets of God’s truth that would help to discern the right path. These truths were particularly helpful to youth and children who were beginning their walk through life. Parents were to teach their children wise living. They taught by impressing truth on the hearts of the young during daily meals, Sabbath day church gatherings, work, and sharing at bedtime around the fire.
According to God’s Word, wise living always centered on loving God and obeying His commandments. This wisdom has it’s beginning in a deep respect for God as Creator and giver of life! The term used in Scripture is the ‘fear of the Lord’. Parents teach the ‘fear of the Lord’ by their attitude towards God and God’s house. Regular church attendance and worship is a good indication of a desire to live wisely. Daily study of the Word of God and prayer are spiritual disciplines that indicate a desire to know God’s will in order to submit to it and obey it. Wise living honors God’s Word as the rule of faith and practice. We treat it with respect and believe it is truth–all of it! When we cut out parts of the Bible because it doesn’t line up with what ‘science’ teaches or with what we want to believe, then we have lost our fear of the Lord and our ability to know truth. This is a dangerous place to be!
In the last days, men will refuse a love of the truth, believe a lie, and end up in damnation. (2nd Thessalonians 2:9-12) When we have no fear of God or His Word, a delusion of deception blinds us even further. We lose our ability to discern right from wrong. We end up delighting in wickedness and going to our destruction. Now is the time to press on to know the Lord and live wisely in obedience and faith. Jesus is coming soon! (Revelation 22:20)