2 Thessalonians 2:1–12 “That Time and Place” and “Here and Now”

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Even So Come – Chris Tomlin
• Cody Carnes – Christ Be Magnified
• One Thing Remains (Your Love Never Fails) – Jesus Culture

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Ready for Jesus’ Return – Lesson for Kids
• My Hope Is In the Lord | True North VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Soon and Very Soon | Blast from the Past | VBS Favorites – Song for Kids
• Tis’ So Sweet To Trust In Jesus | True North VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

Starting in verse 1, the main body of the letter begins. Paul first seeks to correct misunderstandings about the Second Coming. The phrase “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” refers to His return, and “our being gathered to Him” refers to the condition of believers at His return. Paul had already addressed this issue in 1 Thessalonians chapters 4 and 5. However, there were some within the church who were teaching—claiming Paul had said so—that “the day of the Lord” (the Second Coming) had already come (v. 2). Having heard reports that some believers were alarmed or unsettled by this teaching, Paul wrote this letter.

Paul responds firmly to this false teaching. The Second Coming is not only a personal event but also a cosmic one. No individual spiritual experience or world-historical event should be regarded as the Second Coming. Before it happens, “the man of lawlessness, the son of destruction” (v. 3) will first appear. He will deny all gods and exalt himself as if he were God (v. 4). Paul had already made this teaching clear during his ministry in Thessalonica (v. 5). Though this man of lawlessness is presently restrained, when his time comes, he will be revealed (v. 6). Even now, the mystery of lawlessness is at work, but it will remain in check until the Lord allows it to be revealed (v. 7).

When the Lord permits, the man of lawlessness will briefly exert his power (v. 8). As an instrument of Satan, he will perform “all kinds of power, signs, and false wonders” (v. 9), deceiving “those who are perishing” (v. 10). Because they refused to accept “the love of the truth that would have saved them,” they will be deceived by him and come to believe the lie (v. 11). Yet when the Lord Jesus appears, the brightness of His glory will overwhelm and destroy this man of lawlessness (v. 8). This is the judgment that will come upon “all who did not believe the truth but delighted in wickedness” (v. 12).

Meditation:

For the past two thousand years, two extreme tendencies regarding eschatology have existed within the church. One extreme is the “date-setting eschatology,” which insists that since the Lord’s return is imminent, we must devote ourselves exclusively to preparing for that day. The other extreme is the “realized eschatology,” which claims that the Lord’s return has already taken place. The former often leads to a fanatical faith that neglects responsibilities and duties in this world, while the latter fosters spiritual complacency and moral laxity. The healthy eschatology handed down to us through Jesus and the Apostle Paul is this: with the hope that “at that time and place” we will see the kingdom of God, we are called “here and now” to live a holy life empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Within the Thessalonian church, both of these extreme faith tendencies coexisted. First Thessalonians 4:13–18 was written as instruction for those who believed in date-setting eschatology, while 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12 was written for those who believed in realized eschatology. The Apostle warns them not to hastily conclude, based on any event, that the Second Coming is either imminent or has already taken place. This is because before Christ returns, “the man of lawlessness,” the agent of Satan, will appear and deceive many. He will perform astonishing signs to mislead people into worshiping him as a god. But when Jesus returns, He will first destroy “the man of lawlessness” and Satan and then gather all believers to Himself.

Throughout the past two thousand years, countless people have come and gone, claiming to be divine. Even today, not a few around the world declare themselves to be messiahs or saviors, deceiving many. Though they resemble the “man of lawlessness” that Paul described here, they are not him. Only when a far more powerful deceiver than any who have come before appears will Jesus Christ be revealed. Until that time, no matter what may happen, we must not be alarmed. Instead, we are to live holy lives according to our calling and grow in love.

Prayer:

Lord, let the hope of the new heaven and new earth always remain alive in our hearts. With that hope, help us to live holy lives here on earth today and to grow in love. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Jesus has not yet returned, but He promised He will. Until that day, we are called to live holy lives and grow in love, trusting God and not being fooled by things or people that pretend to take His place.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • What are some things that remind you of Jesus’ promise to come back one day?
  • Why do you think God wants us to live with love and holiness while we wait for Jesus?
  • How can we avoid being tricked by people who claim to be like God but really are not?
    
• Youth
  • Why do you think some people are afraid or confused when they hear about the end times?
  • What does it look like to “live holy and grow in love” here and now while waiting for Jesus’ return?
  • How can remembering the hope of the “new heaven and new earth” give us strength when life feels difficult or uncertain?