Daily Devotions

2 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians 
Day 
Day 14

"And now you know what is restraining..."

Text: 2 Thessalonians 2:6

THE ONE WHO RESTRAINS

In the complex doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ, the apostle mentioned the appearance of the man of sin (2 Thessalonians 2:3). What is stopping the Antichrist from coming into the world? Paul offers an important insight in the following text.

“And now you know what is restraining,
that he may be revealed in his own time.”

2 Thessalonians 2:6

1. “And now you know”

a) This is a reference to what Paul had already taught.
b) Knowledge is key.

2. “What is restraining”

a) There is much debate as to the identity of “the restrainer”.
b) The following facts must be borne in mind:-
i) The restrainer must be powerful enough to hold back the Antichrist.

ii) There is only One Person who has this power.

iii) This would be a reference to the Holy Spirit.

iv) He has taken the role that Jesus vacated for Him to fill (John 14-16).

v) His Presence and activity in the world today has effectively checked the appearance and entrance of the Antichrist.

3. “That he may be revealed in his own time”

a) The man of sin will be revealed.
b) It is only a question of when and not if.
c) He will usher in great lawlessness.
d) He will be the Antichrist.
e) He will be Evil Incarnate.

IN ACCORDANCE TO GOD’S PLAN

The Evil One has his own set of plans as to when he will send the man of sin who will represent him. However everything is still subject to God’s sovereignty.

1. God’s will has already been determined.

2. The man of sin will be revealed one day.

3. The Holy Spirit’s Presence and Ministry must first be taken away.