Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:3-5
Sermon notes
Studies in 2Thessalonians: Stabilizing truth for the last days, Pt1 2Thess 2:3-12
The Apostle is alarmed by the danger of instability among these saints. He writes to warn them against the false teaching of an imminent return of Christ that had been spreading among them.
Part of a preacher’s work must be to warn against error. Yet this is only one half of the task. Paul goes on to teach the truth on this subject with a view to stabilizing them in the faith. There must always be a balance between these two.
A right knowledge of what the Scripture teaches about Christ’s return will prevent instability in the faith. This truth is the ballast that maintains the Christian’s equilibrium in the storms of life.
In this passage, against the error of an ‘any moment return’, Paul insists on a definite, identifiable pattern of events. It is not a full statement of that pattern, rather he focuses on just a couple of key points in that pattern. But the pattern is there and it is developed and enlarged upon in the prophetic scriptures.
I APOSTASY MUST COME FIRST.
Cp v3, first…
1. The precursor to Christ’s return is a falling away, v3. From the Greek term used here we get the English word apostasy. It represents a removing from the truth, no longer standing for or upon the truth. There is a shift away from the gospel and from the revelation of God’s word generally. While this apostasy will be seen in mankind generally; it is especially to be observed in the visible church.
2. This apostasy is currently at work, v7. As Paul writes, the process was already happening. Cp 1John 2:18, 2Pet 1:21-2:1. This process will increase and develop, 2Tim 3:1-5, 13, Matt 24:11-12.
3. The apostasy will run right up to the return of Christ, v8. The process that Paul describes continues to develop without any real intermission until Jesus comes. Cp Luke 17:26-30. Clearly, this runs contrary to the notion that the world is on an upward trajectory and that the gospel/Church will conquer and rule the earth before Jesus’ comes. While God is pleased to bless here and there, He has clearly stated that the general course of mankind is a plunge into apostasy.
II THIS APOSTASY WILL CLIMAX IN THE EMERGENCE OF THE MAN OF SIN.
Cpv3-5.
1. Apostasy will climax in one man. It is clear that a man is in view. He is described as that man, …the son, he…himself…etc. He is describing the antichrist—a man, not a system, not a dynasty.
2. His character and work. As he writes to these saints it is clear that he is not speaking of these things for the first time, v5. This is a striking consideration since he was only in Thessalonica for three Sabbath days Acts 17:2. Clearly, this is a truth high on the agenda of necessary doctrine!
a. He is the man of sin and that Wicked (one). He is sin personified in a sense. Cp Dan 8:23-25, 11:21. All of the wickedness of departure from God is concentrated in one man and his work.
b. The son of perdition, v3. This is both a reference to his pedigree and his end. Truly, he is the seed of the serpent, Gen 3:15. He is a man marked by ‘destruction’ and ruin. This title is also used of Judas, Jn 17:12. Yet he will come to destruction. The course he chooses in rebellion against God can end in no other way! This is a lesson every sinner must learn.
c. The enemy of God and usurper of His place, v4. He sets himself against God and raises himself to the place of God. Paul is echoing the word of Isaiah 14:12-16, Dan 8:11, 11:36-38, Rev 13:14-15. This activity occurs in the Temple of God. This cannot refer to the believer as an individual (1Cor 6:19-20); nor can it refer to the assembly of true regenerate believers who form a spiritual temple (2Cor 6:16). It can only refer to the Temple in Jerusalem. Cp Is 14:12-13, Ps 48:2. This is where Antichrist takes his seat in the final 3 1/2 years of this age, immediately prior to the return of Christ. He will meet his end in Jerusalem, Zech 14:1-4.