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Getting on with Business – Week 33 / August 11th
2Thessalonians Chapter two
News from Thessaloniki convinced Paul that the Church there was experiencing a type of “second coming mania.” So rampant was this expectation of Jesus’ second coming that some of the believers had even abandoned their regular jobs and were becoming a nuisance to the church. While having a solid and balanced understanding of Jesus’ soon return is healthy; and indeed is the blessed hope of the Church (Titus 2:11-13), if one becomes idle and refuses to earn a proper living then this is counterproductive and not helpful to one’s testimony of being a Jesus follower. Paul writes to correct this problem.
He essentially begins his appeal to them by telling them that the second coming of Jesus will not take place until three things become manifest and evident in the world. Thus the chapter begins with him saying in effect, “Now we will give our attention to the second coming of Jesus on the Day of the Lord and our gathering to him in the sky.
This day will not take place until:
1. The days of apostasy are upon us V3
That is scripture foresees a massive falling away of believers before Jesus comes again. I know that this contradicts the triumphalism of some believers but Paul clearly warns of it and so did Jesus. (Matthew 24:12-13) This apostasy will not so much be turning away from following Jesus and going back into the world as it will be embracing another corrupt and compromising form of Christianity. (1Timothy 4:1-2 It will constitute a denial of biblical truth and thus it will be a “form of godliness denying the power thereof.” (2Timothy 3:1-5) These days are certainly upon us.
2. The days of blasphemy are upon us V4-10
Paul warns that before Jesus comes again the believers must not only witness a great falling away from the faith but also the arrival of the “son of perdition”; in other passages of scripture referred to as the Beast and Antichrist. (1John 2:18; Revelation 13) He will invade the Temple in Jerusalem and declare that he is God. His actions will be validated by remarkable signs and wonders all satanically inspired! Paul then reminds them that when he was last with them he told them these things. In other words, they have no excuse for their sloppy and undisciplined behavior! The son of perdition will be revealed when angelic restrainers release him upon the earth! Note: They are to look for these two signs as confirmation of Jesus’ near coming and if they are not evident in the world they are to get on with business!
3. Days of delusion are upon us V11-12
All these things will happen by the sovereignty of God and so, from one angle, He will send this strong delusion upon the earth to sort out the “truth lovers” from the “sign lovers.” We believe in supernatural healings and miracles but all done in the context of biblical truth. Jesus warned about loving signs without loving truth. (Mathew 7:21-23)
4. Days of transformation V13-17
Paul concludes the chapter by reminding them that God expects them to be transformed because of:
1. The choice of God V13
God has uniquely chosen them for salvation through a process of sanctification and love of the truth. This “choice of God” is complex and wonderful and cannot be easily explained as some attempt to do. That is, it is not solely based on the free will of people but on a deliberate choice of God from eternity. Romans chapter nine introduces us to the mystery of God’s election of His people and leaves us with a notion that we are humbled and greatly privileged to be saved.
2. The purpose of God V14-15
The purpose of God is that we should obtain “the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This means being transformed into His image.(Romans 8:29-30) It is this that is to chiefly consume us and not the second coming no matter how important and glorious this may be. Also, Paul exhorts them to recall his teachings and traditions so that they will know how to properly live for Christ. The early church had no Bibles so much of their instruction was modeled by their leaders and contained in letters sent to them, as in this case.
3. The expectation of God V16-17
If the Thessalonian believers respond appropriately God will bring His comfort and peace to their hearts and they will live lives that demonstrate their obedience to Christ by their good works and honest living.
Malcolm Hedding
©Malcolm Hedding Ministries
2013Devotional