Introduction: Where are we on God’s timetable? What should we be doing? How is the Antichrist going to attract a following? Are more and more people going to receive the truth or reject it as the end gets nearer and after the rapture of the Church? These sequences of events are listed by the Holy Spirit through Paul to the Church of the Thessalonians.
Follow the progression:
1. The Return of the Savior (2 Thess 2:1-3) – “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him.”
Just before the “Day of the Lord” begins, Jesus Christ will return in the rapture. Paul describes that great “getting up morning” in his first epistle (1 Thess 4:13-18). It just so happened that many in the Church were wondering if they would see their loved ones again after death; besides that, others were listening to false teachers claiming the rapture had taken place and they were already experiencing the Day of the Lord. Are you preparing your loved ones for the rapture and the Day of the Lord?
2. The Refusing of Society (2 Thess 2:3) – “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.”
To clarify, God instructs the believers in the Church, back then as well as now, that first there will be a “falling away” before the man of sin is revealed. Evidently, some had misled them. What does this mean? The word “falling away” is ἀποστασία, which can mean a defection or a revolt. Some translate it “departure.” Those who translate it as “departure” explain that it refers to the rapture—meaning it will happen before the Antichrist comes on the scene. Regardless, it is obvious that there is both a political and spiritual falling away happening even today, which will escalate as we get closer to the fulfillment of God’s calendar. Do you have a prophetic calendar?
3. The Rebellion of Satan (2 Thess 2:4) – “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.”
After the confirmation of the covenant with Israel, the rebuilding of the temple, and the rapture of the Church, the Antichrist will move into the temple and claim to be God while demanding worship. How close do you think we are for this to happen?
4. The Restraining of Saints (2 Thess 2:5-7) – “Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.”
There is a mighty force holding back Satan’s Superman! With overcoming power from Jesus Christ, the Spirit-filled Church stands against the powers of hell. As with Israel of old, no weapon can overtake her. The faithful bride of Christ is ready to fight off evil until her GROOM comes back for her in the clouds of glory! Are you fighting the good fight of faith?
5. The Repercussion of Satan’s Superman! (2 Thess 2:8-9) – “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: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.”
Satan’s Superman cannot stand against the Captain of our Salvation! With mighty resurrection power, our Conquering King will fling the man of sin into the lake of fire! The false prophet will join the Antichrist to be tormented forever. Jesus wins the battle!
6. The Rejection of Scripture! (2 Thess 2:10-12) – “And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”
Sadly, many will believe the “lies” of the devil. Why? Because they will reject the truth of God. If people only knew how dangerous it is to turn a deaf ear to the Word of God! Please go tell them in Calvary’s love.
Conclusion: The clock is ticking. Time is running out for many. According to this passage, Jesus will return during days of apostasy. Restraining forces (the Church) are keeping Satan’s Superman away. But once removed, the Antichrist will take the stage, but his influence will come to an abrupt end. He will meet his demise. Jesus Christ’s truth is marching on! Glory! Hallelujah!!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
