The Coming of the Lawless One

Text: 2 Thes. 2
9 April 2011

THE MYSTERY OF LAWLESSNESS

For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work;…
2 Thes. 2:7

1. A mystery is a hidden truth

2. The mystery of lawlessness is already working in the world

a. In contrast to the mystery of the Church organisation

b. The spirit of lawlessness is already at work

i. To hate truth

ii. To love unrighteousness

iii. To do whatever they want even in the Church

c. The fullness of this lawlessness will be revealed when the lawless one comes

d. Those who practise lawlessness will not enter the kingdom of God.          (Matt. 7:23)

THE DESCRIPTION OF THE COMING OF THE LAWLESS ONE

“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan…
2 Tiles. 2:9

1. According to the empowering of Satan

a. With all power

i. Signs Lying wonders

b. With all unrighteous deception

2. Many will be deceived          (2 Thes. 2:10, 12)

a. They have not receive the love for the truth

b. They do not believe the truth

c. They have pleasure in unrighteousness

3. God will send strong delusions          (2 Thes. 2:11)

a. As part of His punitive judgement

b. So that the people may continue to believe the lie

c. So that they may be condemned and will perish

THE CHALLENGE TO NOT CONFORM TO THE SPIRIT OF LAWLESSNESS

1. Being grateful to God for our salvation

But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thes. 2:13-14

a. Beloved by the Lord b. Chosen by God for salvation

i. Through sanctification of the Spirit

ii. Through belief in the truth

c. Called by God through the gospel

d. Obtaining the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ

2. Commitment to stand against lawlessness “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or by epistle.”          2 Thes. 2:15

a. To stand fast

b. To hold fast the traditions