Keys of Truth: 2 Thessalonians Chapter 2

Chapter summary
Rumors had been sweeping the Thessalonian church that Paul identified the present tribulation as the onset of the "Day of the Lord." This Old Testament phrase is used in prophecy to indicate the culminating events associated with history's end (2:1-2). Paul points out that this could not possibly be: The "man of lawlessness" (the Antichrist) has not yet appeared (vv. 3-5). The evil principle that will find full expression in the Antichrist is at work in present history, but its full expression is currently held back by the Holy Spirit (vv. 6-7a). When the Spirit's dampening presence is removed the Antichrist will be unveiled, identified by demonically energized miracles that delude the unconverted (vv. 7b-12).
As believers called to live in troubled times, the Thessalonians must rejoice in their salvation and in the awareness that when Jesus comes they will share His glory (vv. 13-15). So Paul, raising his hands in benediction, blesses them with encouragement, hope, and strength for every good deed (vv. 16-17).

1) The day of the Lord has not come yet. Jesus has not returned yet for the Church.

2) Do not be alarmed if someone says that Jesus has already returned.

3) Jesus will not return before there is apostasy (abandonment of faith in the true and living God), and the Antichrist is revealed.

4) The Antichrist will desire to be worshipped as god-almighty.

5) The Spirit of God now restrains the Antichrist from being revealed, however, when the time comes he will be revealed.

6) The spirit of rebellion is already at work in some secretly, being unknown to those who are under this spirit’s influence.

7) When Jesus comes to establish His kingdom upon the earth, the Antichrist will be destroyed by Jesus’ appearing and the words of His mouth.

8) Satan is the source of power for the Antichrist. The Antichrist will perform miracles and wonderful signs by Satan’s power, but they will be lies.

9) This power will be used to deceive those who refused to love the truth that saves. The Truth is in Jesus!

10) Those that have been deceived will be condemned and destroyed. God will allow this to happen, because they failed to do what pleases God (believing and accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord).

11) We are loved and chosen by God, being saved through a life of spiritual devotion and faith in the truth.

12) We have life in the Spirit through the gospel preached to us; having obtained the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ (we have His manifest presence in our lives).

13) Always remember what the Word of God teaches; hold on to the truth.

14) God through His kindness gives us courage, strength and hope. This courage and strength helps us do and say everything that pleases God.