ENCOURAGING FAITH: Persisting Promise

2 Thessalonians 2:1 CSB

Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him: We ask you, brothers and sisters,

INTRO—

Persist…unceasingly insistent; stubbornly pressing…

THE DAY OF THE LORD (in laser-focus here)

The True Promise Persists [2 Thessalonians 2.1-3] (3a)

The Day of the LORD is the Lord’s promise!

His to keep. His to fulfill. His say…and his say only.

His promise persists despite rumors to the contrary from false teachers. (2.2)

Even a prophecy, message, or letter

Persistently Perfect Timing [2 Thessalonians 2.3-5] (3b)

The Day of the LORD won’t happen until the apostasy happens… (including the lawless, evil precursors)

Apostasy — ‘Rebellion;’ Military revolt, Political defection; Falling away from Christ (to alignment with Antichrist)

…and the man of lawlessness is revealed.

Significant evil…which is such that masquerades as light (proclaiming himself to be God)

He will oppose—and subsume—true faith in the one true and living God.

Restraining Persistence [2 Thessalonians 2.6-8]

[[…of Providence]]

“What currently restrains him…the one now restraining”

Historical views — Paul & preaching of the Gospel; Rome, power of the state; Holy Spirit…HS & work of the church (God’s people).

“That he will be revealed in his time”

“The Lord Jesus will destroy him…and will bring him to nothing”

With his breath…&…at the appearance of his coming.

Persistent Unrighteousness [2 Thessalonians 2.9-12]

[[…Spreads]]

“The coming of the lawless one is based on Satan’s working, with… ”

“Every kind of miracle” (signs and wonders serving the lie)

“Every wicked deception” (among those who are perishing)

All of these will “They perish because they did not accept the love of the truth and so be saved” (those who did not believe the truth)

CONCL—

Persistence…

GOD’s unrelenting providential plan and eternal purpose!

INVITATION:

Salvation

Persistence in the Truth

2 Thessalonians 2:12 CSB

so that all will be condemned—those who did not believe the truth but delighted in unrighteousness.