Bible Survey: 2 Thessalonians
The theme of 2 Thessalonians is the second coming of Christ, when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (2 Thessalonians 1:10). The church at Thessalonica was suffering real persecution, and someone, apparently with a forged letter, had convinced them that the day of Christ had come and they were already in the tribulation. So Paul wrote, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled (2 Thessalonians 2:2).
He had been with them less than a month, and yet he had already taught them Bible prophecy: Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? (2 Thessalonians 2:5). Prophecy is not too deep for a young church.
That day, Paul says, shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed (2 Thessalonians 2:3). There has always been apostasy, but it will grow worse as the Lord's coming draws near, and deception is at the heart of it. Churches now tolerate error that no one would have accepted a few years ago. The man of sin will sit in a rebuilt temple, shewing himself that he is God (2 Thessalonians 2:4).
Even now the mystery of iniquity doth already work (2 Thessalonians 2:7). You can see it in the schools, in the news, and in the confusion that says a man can become a woman. But he who now letteth holds it back, and in the King James Bible to let means to hinder. The only One strong enough to hold back Satan is God, and the Restrainer is the Holy Spirit. When He is taken out of the way at the rapture, that Wicked one will be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming (2 Thessalonians 2:8).
People out walking their dogs on a Sunday morning have no idea what is coming. The Lord's return is close, and they need to hear the gospel while there is still time.
Next in the series: 2 Timothy.
Taught by Brother James Barker in Sunday School at Naples Independent Baptist Church, April 25, 2021. Watch the lesson.
