Daily Devotion in II Thessalonians 2

Today’s Nugget:
In the previous letter to the Thessalonians, Paul discussed the rapture (I Thessalonians 4:16-16). He also wrote about the Day of the Lord (I Thessalonians 5:2), which encompasses the time after the real church is removed from the Earth. In this chapter, the preacher reiterates what he has already written. He tells them again about the rapture: “… our gathering together unto him” (II Thessalonians 2:1). He continues to teach about other things that will happen after the church is gone.

The preacher tells them about the coming of the son of perdition. He also calls this man the “man of sin” (II Thessalonians 2:3) and the “Wicked”(II Thessalonians 2:8). John identified this man who is being spoken of, Satan’s world dictator, as the Antichrist.

Before the Antichrist comes, there must be a “falling away first” (II Thessalonians 2:3). This “falling away” is the departure from the truths of the Word of God. While that has and is happening even today, there is still a remnant of God’s truth among us. Fewer people know right from wrong anymore, as the Word of God is not being taught as it once was, but there are Christians who are a light in the ever-darkening world of sin. There are still those that rattle the cages of those involved in abortion, dishonesty, adultery, deceit, homosexuality, and the other iniquities the lost are bent on committing.

When the church is raptured, those voices speaking against iniquity will no longer be here to speak out. The Holy Spirit is currently an essential restraint on rampant sin. However, at that futuristic time, the workers of iniquity will be unrestrained: “… only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way” (II Thessalonians 2:7). During this time, a great apostasy will sweep the world, and sin will be unrestrained.

We still have time, until the rapture comes, to share the truths from God’s Word. Take the opportunities you have and tell others God’s message. In the future, there will be fewer that want to hear what the Bible says. If we do not tell them now, who will?

Today’s Thought: 
“Christians have Good News. Tell it wherever you go.”

Words to Understand:
Perdition: Hell; misery after death; ruin

Today’s Reading:
II Thessalonians 2
1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
3 ¶ Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
13 ¶ But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
16 ¶ Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.