Be Not Deceived: Sermon from 2 Thessalonians

Be Not Deceived Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 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. II Thessalonians 2: 1, 2 Observe 1. The purpose of the apostle; viz. to strengthen them. 2. The direction of the apostle; viz. that they should be stablished in faith. 3. The reminder of the apostle; viz. of what they knew. 4. The instruction of the apostle; viz. Christ is not yet at hand. Doctrine. Christians must not deceived and discouraged, but persevere until the end. I. What is that knowledge. First how the end shall come. Apostacy – Which began and continues Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 2 Jn. 1 7. WCF: There is no other head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ.(1) Nor can the Pope of Roe, in any sense, be head thereof; (but is that Antichrist, that man of sin, and son of perdition, that exalteth himself in the church against Christ, and all that is called God.(2) Next what shall become of our troublers. Further what shall become of us. Last that God has granted us such trials. II. What is that perseverance 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 2 Thess. 2: 13. First it is being not deceived. Next it is enduring persecution. Further it is eagerly awaiting His return. Last it is being shown worthy of His kingdom. Uses 1. For our instruction. 2. For our comfort. 3. For our confidence. 4. For our courage.