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Church Discipline (2 Thessalonians 3:14-18)

One of the challenges in leadership is how to respond to those who will not follow the guidance given them. What should be done with those who disobey? Some groups choose to do nothing. This soon leads to a complete breakdown of all standards and the group falls into chaos. Other groups go to the opposite extreme. They use threats, intimidation, violence and even the threat of death in order to control their members. In these groups obedience is based on fear.

Among the followers of Christ, disobedience is neither tolerated, nor is obedience coerced. Instead, those belonging to Christ rely on the power of love and positive example to persuade people to do what is right.

The church at Thessalonica had a problem. Some of the people in the church were disorderly and refused to work. Instead, they expected to live on the charity of the other believers and caused trouble by being busybodies. In his first inspired letter to the followers of Christ at Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul told them to warn the idle. (I Thessalonians 5:14) Unfortunately, this instruction was not sufficient to correct the problem. The busybodies continued in their idleness. In his second inspired letter to these people, Paul gave an explicit command that they must earn their own living. In addition to the command, Paul reminded them of the fact that he, himself, had shown them by example how to work. Though he had the right to receive payment for preaching the gospel, Paul chose to support himself by working. In this way he not only gave a practical demonstration of the principals he taught, no one could accuse him of being a financial burden.

But what should be done if someone ignores Paul’s example? What if they persist in refusing to obey his instructions? In chapter 3, verses 14 and 15, Paul writes, “If any man doesn’t obey our word in this letter, note that man, that you have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. Don’t count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”

From what Paul writes, it is obvious that there is a standard of behavior in the church. This standard is the teaching and the instruction of the Apostles. This is one reason why it is important to constantly read and study what the Apostles have written. In another place Paul writes, “These things I write to you, hoping to come to you shortly; but if I wait long, that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in God’s house, which is the assembly of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:14-15)

If someone persists in not obeying the instructions of the Apostles, Paul says to take special note of him. This means that the followers of Christ are accountable to each other. The members of Christ’s body are to be aware of each other’s spiritual condition. The idea is not that of a policeman checking to make sure that someone is within the law, but members of a family who are not only aware of each other’s needs and problems but are ready to help each other overcome them. If someone has a chronic or persistent problem in following the Apostles’ instructions, then the other members of the body need to take special measures in order to help that person overcome the problem.

What should be done? Paul says to not associate with that person. Sometimes when a child misbehaves, his parents will make him sit by himself in a quiet corner until he is ready to act properly. He is isolated from the activities of the family until he is ready to abide by the standards and principles of the family. In the same way, a member of the family of Christ who is not acting properly should be isolated.

What is the purpose? Paul writes that the purpose of not associating with someone who will not follow the Apostles’ instructions is so that he will feel ashamed. Just as a misbehaving child should feel ashamed of his behavior and the effect he is having on his family’s name, a misbehaving Christian should be ashamed of the dishonor he is bringing on the church. It is extremely important to note, however, that Paul says to not treat such a person as an enemy. The purpose of all church discipline is not to destroy, but to restore. A parent does not discipline a misbehaving child in such a way as to destroy him. Instead, discipline is given in love so that the child may learn and grow in maturity. This must be the goal of discipline in the church as well. Though those who do not act as they should must be warned, they are still brothers, not enemies.

Paul closes this letter with the following words, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all. The greeting of me, Paul, with my own hand, which is the sign in every letter: this is how I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”

Paul calls Christ the “Lord of peace.” If Christ is the Lord of peace then it follows that peace should be one of the characteristics of those who claim to be in Christ. Sin destroys our relationship with God. Through Christ we can be at peace with God once more. But the peace of Christ is not only spiritual. It also affects our relationship with other people. In his first letter to the Thessalonians Paul wrote, “…Be at peace among yourselves.” (1 Thessalonians 5:13) The followers of Christ are not only to live in peace with fellow believers, but with everyone. Scripture says, “Follow after peace with all men…” (Hebrews 12:14) And, in another place it says, “If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.” (Romans 12:18) Many places in this world are plagued by strife and conflict. We may be sure, however, that none of it is from Christ. Neither does it originate from those who obey Christ’s teaching.

Someone had apparently sent the believers at Thessalonica a false letter in Paul’s name. (2:2) Paul authenticated the letter he sent by writing the final greeting with his own hand. Today there are many who claim that some ancient document which contradicts what is written in the Bible is the true gospel. There is an easy way to check these claims. If the document does not agree with what Paul and the other Apostles have written, it contains false doctrine.

Paul concludes this letter by praying that Christ’s grace would be with those to whom he writes. If you want grace for your life, you will find it only in Christ.

Work (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13)

In an ideal world everyone would have enough work, and would be paid enough for their work, to meet all of their material needs. Unfortunately, things are not always ideal. Sometimes people do not have enough work. Sometime the wages they earn are not enough to meet their needs. Sometimes people cannot find any work at all. Even worse, there are many who cannot work because of illness or physical disability. In cases like this the followers of Christ have a responsibility to meet the needs of those among their number who cannot supply their own. The Bible describes the early followers of Jesus this way: “For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet, and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need.” (Acts 4:34-35)

But what should be done in the case of people who are able to work, but choose not to do so? The Apostle Paul addresses this problem in his 2nd inspired letter to the believers at Thessalonica. In chapter 3, verses 6 through 13, he writes, “Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us. For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn’t behave ourselves rebelliously among you, neither did we eat bread from anyone’s hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you; not because we don’t have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone will not work, neither let him eat.” For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But you, brothers, don’t be weary in doing well.”

Paul did not give this instruction on his own authority, but in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is important for us to understand that the commands of the Apostles are, in reality, the commands of Christ. When we read the words of the Apostles they are the words of Christ spoken through the Apostles. To ignore or to disobey an apostolic command is to ignore or to disobey Christ. The matter is so serious that Paul tells the believers to separate from anyone who does not live according to the teaching he had given.

There are many who are ready to tell other people how they ought to live but who, themselves, don’t live according to the principles they teach. Paul was not like that. His life matched what he said. He did not ask anyone to do what he, himself, was unwilling to do. It is for this reason that Paul was able to tell the people to follow his example. He could instruct them to work because he had worked while he was among them.

But why did Paul feel it was necessary to work in addition to preaching the gospel? Preaching, teaching and starting new assemblies of believers is not easy. It takes a great deal of time and effort. It takes so much time that it is difficult to work at another occupation at the same time. Not only that, but Scripture says that those who preach Christ’s gospel should be given financial support for doing so. For example, it is written that, “…Lord ordained that those who proclaim the Good News should live from the Good News.” (1 Corinthians 9:14)

If Paul had the right to support for his evangelistic work, why didn’t he insist that he get it? Why did he refuse to take payment? He writes that he did it in order to be an example for the believers at Thessalonica. From this we can learn a very important lesson. As followers of Christ, it is sometimes best to give up our rights for the good of others. There are many people who think that other people should support them. They think that others owe them a living. Paul actually had the right of support but did not use it. He willingly gave up his right to financial support in order to demonstrate the principle that people should support themselves by working.

Not only did Paul set an example by working, he taught an important rule: “If anyone will not work, neither let him eat.” (verse 10) All too often we shield people from the consequences of their choices. By doing so we enable them to continue doing things which prevent them from growing and maturing in their faith. By our tolerance we sometimes enable people to live in ways which dishonor Christ. But Paul had no patience with people who deliberately chose to live in a way which was contrary to the principles of Christ. If someone chooses to live in an inappropriate way; if someone brings contempt on the followers of Christ by the way he lives, then he should also pay the consequences of his choice. If someone makes the choice not to work, then he has also chosen not to eat. We should not interfere by providing such people with what they have chosen not to earn for themselves.

If those who choose not to work merely remained idle it would not be so bad. Unfortunately, such people often are not content to leave it at that. Instead of using their time to take care of their own needs, they use their free time to interfere in the affairs of others. In this way they trouble the whole church and give it a bad name. Paul not only urges, but commands such people in the Lord Jesus Christ to live quietly and start earning the bread they eat. The message is plain: If we choose not to work, we are violating the command of Christ. How can someone who deliberately disobeys call himself a follower of Christ any longer?

In contrast to this, Paul instructs the believers to never tire of doing right (verse 13). This teaching agrees with what the Apostle Peter said also. In his inspired letters to the followers of Christ he says that no matter what the circumstances are, they are to do good. He writes, “Beloved, I beg you as foreigners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having good behavior among the nations, so in that of which they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they see, glorify God in the day of visitation.” (1 Peter 2:11-12)

God Is Faithful (2 Thessalonians 3:1-5)

What is the answer to the world’s problems? On all sides we see deception and hatred. People kill and covet. Greed and licentiousness are everywhere. Nations bicker and fight with one another. In spite of all the laws which are passed; in spite of all the peace conferences and negotiations, the problems remain. Could it be that our laws and treaties only address symptoms rather than the root issue? In writing to the followers of Christ at Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul indicates that one of the root causes of wickedness is that people do not love and believe the truth. What is the solution? In chapter 3, verses 1 through 5, Paul writes, “Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, even as also with you; and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you, and guard you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you both do and will do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patience of Christ.”

If the reason there is wickedness all around us is that people do not believe the truth then the solution is to give them the “word of the Lord.” What does the “word of the Lord” mean? It is equivalent to the phrase “the Good News of our Lord Jesus” which Paul had used in chapter 1, verse 8. Christ is the only One who brings us “good news.” In every other religion, there is only a message of condemnation for those who do wrong. Christ not only provides forgiveness for sins, but also changes our nature so that we no longer want to sin.

When we look at the wickedness that is in the world, we often feel helpless to do anything about it. But Paul asks those to whom he is writing to pray that God’s Word will spread rapidly. What this means is that our prayers do have an effect on what happens. Perhaps one reason the world is not a better place is that we have not been praying for it as we should. James writes, “…The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective.” (James 5:16)

In this day of mass media a great many people have the opportunity to hear about Christ. But, merely hearing the gospel is not enough. If it were, nearly the whole world would be saved. It is also necessary to glorify (NIV, honor) the message. What does it mean to honor the gospel? It means to believe and accept it. Scripture says, “But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves.” (James 1:22)

Is it possible for the gospel to spread rapidly? Will there ever be time when people in large numbers honor the Christ’s word? Yes, it can happen. The people at Thessalonica to whom Paul was writing are an example of what can happen. The gospel is powerful and can change lives. It is up to us to give people the opportunity to hear it and to pray that they will accept it.

Paul also asks for prayer that he will be delivered from “unreasonable (NIV, wicked) and evil men.” Why are they wicked and evil? Because they do not have faith. In chapter 2, verse 12, Paul wrote about those who “had pleasure in unrighteousness.” Here we see the result of those who do not believe and who delight in wickedness. They become like the thing they delight in. In other words, those who delight in wickedness become wicked and evil.

Paul, next, contrasts these men with God. They are without faith, but God is faithful. Faithfulness is part of God’s very nature. It does not depend upon circumstance or what anyone else does. In what ways is God faithful? Paul writes that He is faithful to strengthen and protect. In another place Paul writes, “…God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

There is something else worth noticing. Paul asked the people in Thessalonica to pray that he would be delivered from “unreasonable and evil men.” Here he says that God is faithful to protect from the “evil one”. The evil one is the same person as Satan whom Paul had mentioned in chapter 2, verse 9. Here we see that wicked and evil men are, in reality, representatives of the devil. To some of the people who were opposing Him Jesus said, “You are of your father, the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and doesn’t stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks on his own; for he is a liar, and its father.” (John 8:44)

In spite of the devil and wicked men, Paul had confidence. But his confidence was not based on his own strength and abilities. Instead, it was in the Lord. And since the people to whom he was writing belonged to the Lord, Paul was also confident that they would continue to do what was right. It is important to note that Paul uses the word ‘command.’ In other words, when Paul expresses confidence in the people to whom he is writing, his expectation is that they will follow his commands. Paul is not merely writing suggestions, but something to be obeyed. Many people say that they belong to Christ, yet do not follow or obey the teachings of the Apostles. Think about it. How can one follow Christ and at the same time disregard the instructions Christ has given through the ones He has sent? The Apostle John writes, “We are of God. He who knows God listens to us. He who is not of God doesn’t listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.” (1 John 4:6) Obeying the Apostles is not optional. If we reject what they have said, we also reject Christ.

Paul’s prayer is that the hearts of the Christians at Thessalonica will be directed into God’s love. This should not be understood to mean that they were outside of God’s love. The very fact that they had been given the opportunity to hear about and accept the Saviour demonstrates God’s love for them. What Paul means, as he had already written them, is that they would, themselves, develop and progress in the same kind of love that God has. It is not enough to experience God’s love, we need to show His love to others as well.

Paul also prays that their hearts would be directed into Christ’s patience or perseverance. Christ’s followers need to persevere in the face of hardship and persecution, just as He did. There is more to perseverance, however, than enduring hardship. The followers of Christ must also persevere in doing what is right.

God’s Call (2 Thessalonians 2:13-17)

Basically, there are two kinds of people in the world. Those who will be saved and live with Christ forever, and those who will be condemned. In his second inspired letter to the followers of Christ at Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul writes that the reason people will be condemned is that they, “…didn’t believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2:12)

In contrast to those who will perish are those who will enjoy eternal life. What are the characteristics of the people who will be saved? In chapter 2, verses 13 through 17, Paul writes, “But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth; to which he called you through our Good News, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm, and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word, or by letter. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good work and word.”

One characteristic of those who are saved is that they are “loved by the Lord”. Does this mean that God does not love those are perishing? No, Scripture says, “But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) If Christ died for sinners, then why are only some people saved? The problem is not with God’s love, but our response to it. Scripture says, “…do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4) If we reject God’s love by refusing to repent of our sin, we will eventually experience His wrath.

Those who are saved are not only loved by God, but have been called by Him to be saved from the beginning. Does this mean that God has already selected those who will be saved or lost and that we do not have any choice or responsibility in the matter? No! God has given each one of us the freedom to choose which path we will take. If this is so, then how can anyone be called to be saved from the beginning? Perhaps this is speaking of God’s intention. There was never a time when God did not intend to offer salvation. For example, though Christ lived and was crucified for our sins during the rule of the Roman Empire, there is a place in Scripture which refers to Him as “…the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.” (Revelation 13:8 NIV) What this means is that Christ’s death on our behalf was always part of God’s plan, even before the world was created.

It is also possible that the phrase “God chose you from the beginning for salvation” refers to God’s fore-knowledge. Though God does not force our choice, He knew from the start which choice we would make. As Paul writes in another place, “ For whom he foreknew, he also predestined…” (Romans 8:29)

By what means does God save? Paul writes that it is through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Many people have the idea that they can do some special work of merit which will offset their sin, or which will earn salvation. This is not so. There is nothing we can do to earn forgiveness. It is only through the power of God that we can be made pure. He gives His Spirit to the followers of Christ to purify them and enable them to remain pure.

A second element in salvation is believing the truth. This is in direct contrast to those Paul wrote about in verses 10 through 12. There he pointed out that people perish because they do not love or believe the truth. Without both the work of the Spirit and belief in the truth, no one can be saved. This agrees with what Jesus taught. When he was asked about worship He replied, “…the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to be his worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24)

How does God call someone to salvation? Paul says that the people to whom he is writing were called through his gospel, that is, the Good News. Though Paul calls the gospel his own, it was not something which he made up. In chapter 1, verse 8 he had already made it clear that the gospel is really Christ’s. The gospel was Paul’s only in the sense that he proclaimed it after, first, obeying it himself.

For what purpose does God call? So that we may share in the glory of Christ. There are many who seek worldly glory. There are many who want fame and acclaim and they will do almost anything to get it. But the glory and fame of this world does not last. Jesus said, “For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?” (Mark 8:37) Only those who follow Christ will obtain lasting glory. The Apostle Peter describes it as “…an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn’t fade away, reserved in Heaven for you,” (1 Peter 1:4)

By what means can we share in Christ’s glory? Paul writes that we must stand firm. In the Greek language the word Paul uses is a military term which pictures a guard standing at his post. In other words, we should not be easily moved from our faith, whether by circumstances or opposition. We must always be ready to defend our faith in Christ.

A second condition in sharing in Christ’s glory is to “hold the traditions which you were taught by us.” There are many who say that we must change the teachings of Christ and the Apostles to fit our culture and today’s world. But Scripture says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) If we wish to share in His glory, we must remain faithful to what He taught. As Paul writes elsewhere, a person who stands firm in Christ will not allow himself to be “…tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine…” (Ephesians 4:14)

From where do we get the strength to stand firm and keep Christ’s teaching? It is God and Christ who give it to us. They not only give hope, but eternal encouragement. As God says in another place, “…I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Love Of Truth (2 Thessalonians 2:7-12)

While writing to the followers of Christ at Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul told them that Christ would not return until a falling away occurred and the church became corrupted. Why would anyone turn away from the life-giving teachings of Christ and worship falsehood? In chapter 2, verses 7 through 12 of his second inspired letter Paul explains, “For the mystery of lawlessness already works. Only there is one who restrains now, until he is taken out of the way. Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will kill with the breath of his mouth, and destroy by the manifestation of his coming; even he whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deception of wickedness for those who are being lost, because they didn’t receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. Because of this, God sends them a working of error, that they should believe a lie; that they all might be judged who didn’t believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

Paul writes of the ‘mystery’ of lawlessness. This is a counterpart to the ‘mystery of God’s will’ which Paul writes about in another place (Ephesians 1:9). The reason the word ‘mystery’ is applied to both lawlessness and God’s will is that, at one time, neither of them had been made plain. Just as at one time God’s will had not yet been revealed, the “lawless one” had not yet been revealed at the time Paul wrote. In the same way, just as God’s will has been revealed through Jesus Christ, the “lawless one” will be revealed for who he is when “the one who restrains” is removed. He will no longer be able to conceal his identity and character.

The followers of Christ at Thessalonica were already familiar with what Paul was saying. Lawlessness was already at work though it was being restrained. What was it that holding lawlessness back? The early Christians believed that it was the Roman Empire. The fall of the Roman Empire allowed the “lawless one” to openly declare himself. It is also helpful to remember that the phrase “lawless one” does not refer to a particular person, but a system. History tells us that when the Roman Empire fell, the particular church of that era which was based in Rome seized political power. In doing so, it moved away from the teachings of Christ and used its power to persecute those who remained faithful.

Though the “lawless one” might seem all-powerful and unstoppable, Paul reminds us that he cannot stand before Christ. Even if he were to have all the power and resources of the earth at his command, Jesus will destroy him with the merest breath. Though from a human point of view he is great and majestic, the splendor of Christ will destroy him. The glorious light of Christ will reveal his pomp and pretension for the sham it is.

If this system has no standing when compared to the splendor of Christ, then why would anyone accept or follow it? One reason is that this system is based on deceit. It shows itself as one thing when it is another. This system pretends to be from God, but in reality, is energized by, and does the work of, Satan. It should not surprise us that people can mistake the work of Satan for that of God. Scripture says, “…Satan masquerades as an angel of light. It is no great thing therefore if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness…” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)

Many people have the idea that miracles are a sure sign that someone is doing God’s work. It is true that the Apostles used miracles to confirm that the message they were preaching about Christ was approved by God. However, one needs to be careful. Paul makes it very clear that many of the things which appear to be miracles, signs and wonders are actually counterfeit. Even those miracles which are genuine might be performed through the power of Satan. How, then, can one tell the difference? Jesus gave us a very important principle, “By their fruits you
will know them…” (Matthew 7:16) In other words, we can tell whether someone is from God by whether his life promotes godliness. The way we can distinguish between miracles which are genuinely from God and those which are from Satan is to look at the character and methods of the people who perform them. Paul not only attributes miracles to the “lawless one” but “all deception of wickedness” (NIV, every sort of evil). Therefore, if someone performs a fraudulent miracle we can be sure that he is from Satan. If someone performs a genuine miracle but uses it to deceive; if he uses miracles to gain power over others; if he uses miracles for personal gain, that person is doing Satan’s work. If one allows himself to be deceived by such miracles and signs, it will lead to his destruction.

What causes someone to be susceptible to deceit and, therefore, destruction? Paul writes that people perish because they refuse to love the truth. If one turns his back on the truth, then what is left but to accept falsehood? When we accept falsehood then we play into the hands of the devil because, as Jesus said, the devil is “…is a liar, and its father.” (John 8:44) In contrast to this Jesus said of himself, “…I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.” (John 14:6) The meaning is clear: If we reject truth, we reject Jesus as well. If we reject Jesus, then we cannot be reconciled to God. If we are not reconciled to God, there is no option left open to us but destruction.

Paul goes on to say that God sends “a working of error” (NIV, a powerful delusion) to those who do not love truth. We need to make something very clear. Scripture says that “…it is impossible for God to lie…” (Hebrews 6:18) Therefore, Paul is not saying that God lies, or that God deceives. That is how Satan works, not God. What God does do, however, is confirm the choice which someone has already made of his own free will. If someone deliberately chooses to reject the truth and follow a lie, then God will make his rejection of truth obvious. Another Scripture says that God does not want, “…that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) But, if we deliberately choose to reject the salvation God offers us in Christ, we will reap the consequences. At first, this may seem harsh, but Paul explains that those who refuse to love the truth also delight in wickedness. What other choice does God have but to destroy those who hate His very nature of holiness? In view of this, we all need to ask ourselves whether we are among those who love the truth, or whether we delight in wickedness.

The Man of Sin (2 Thessalonians 2:1-6)

In his inspired letters to the followers of Christ in the city of Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul tells of the glory which they will receive and the punishment which will come to their persecutors at Christ’s return. In view of this, it is natural to want to know when this will take place. In chapter 2, verses 1 through 6 of his second letter Paul writes, “Now, brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to him, we ask you not to be quickly shaken in your mind, nor yet be troubled, either by spirit, or by word, or by letter as from us, saying that the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For it will not be, unless the departure comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction, he who opposes and exalts himself against all that is called God or that is worshiped; so that he sits as God in the temple of God, setting himself up as God. Don’t you remember that, when I was still with you, I told you these things? Now you know what is restraining him, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season.”

From what Paul writes, it is obvious that someone had told the followers of Christ at Thessalonica that Jesus had already returned. There is no shortage of people who claim that they have special knowledge or that God has revealed something to them. How can we evaluate the claims people make? There is an important principle in Scripture which can help us in this task. It says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) Therefore, if any message or prophecy does not agree with what has already been revealed through Jesus’ Spirit to the Prophets and Apostles, we can be absolutely sure that it is false.

In his first inspired letter Paul had already described Jesus’ coming. “For the Lord himself will
descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with God’s trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first,” (1 Thessalonians 4:16) In view of this, the Christians at Thessalonica should have known that Jesus had not already come. His coming will not be in secret. It will be something very obvious and unmistakable.

Not only will Christ’s return be unmistakable, Paul writes that certain things will happen before the return occurs. Before Christ comes again there will be a rebellion. Rebellion against what? The word which Paul uses here indicates a turning away from correct doctrine. In other words, people will turn their backs on the teaching of Christ and the Apostles.

One of the effects of this rebellion will be to reveal the entity which Paul calls “the man of sin”. Who is this man? Paul gives several characteristics by which this person may be recognized. The first is that he opposes. It is appropriate for the “man of sin” to be described this way because Scripture says, “Everyone who sins also commits lawlessness. Sin is lawlessness. (KJV, transgression of the law)” (1 John 3:4) This person opposes God’s law not because he does not know it, but because he has deliberately chosen to defy the will of God.

The “man of sin” not only opposes God’s law, he exalts himself. He places himself above God. In one sense, this is true of anyone who chooses to do his own will rather than God’s will. But this person goes further. He places himself above all that is worshiped. This means that he puts himself forward as one who is worthy of worship. In other words, he considers himself divine and promotes a false worship.

Another characteristic of this man is that he sets himself up in God’s temple. What is meant by ‘God’s temple?’ Paul, himself, gives us the answer in another of his letters. He writes, “…you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone; in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-21) From this passage it is obvious that the expression ‘God’s temple’ refers to God’s people as a group. This is another way to refer to the church. What Paul is saying to the Christians at Thessalonica is that this entity called the ‘man of sin’ will set himself up in the church. He will represent and will promote a perversion of the message of Christ. This perversion will reach such an extent that he will proclaim himself to be God, and will demand the worship which is due to God.

There has been much speculation about when this person will be revealed, but Paul gives us a good indication of when it will be. He writes that there is something restraining the “man of sin” and that the people to whom he is writing know what it is. Keep in mind that Paul wrote this letter almost 2,000 years ago. Since the people of his day knew what he was referring to, the thing which was holding back the “man of sin” must have been something which was already in existence at that time. Christian writers who lived shortly after the time of the Apostles state in their commentaries that the thing to which Paul referred and which was holding back the “man of sin” was the Roman Empire.

There is something else which can help us to understand this passage. It is quite probable that the term “man of sin” does not refer to a specific individual. In biblical prophecy, a man or beast can represent a city, an empire or even a philosophy. In summary, Paul is saying that a corrupt, anti-God system will claim divine authority and power and will present itself as the church. It is a matter of historical record that at the fall of the Roman Empire, the particular church of that time which was based in Rome usurped the power of the state and in the process became totally corrupt.

For the follower of Christ, there are two comforting thoughts in what Paul writes. He calls the “man of sin” “the son of destruction” In other words, though this entity will claim to be above God and His law, the day will come when it will be destroyed. Also, Paul writes that this entity will “be revealed at the proper time” (NIV). God is still in control of events and it is His will which shall prevail.

Glory (2 Thessalonians 1:10-12)

On the surface, it may sometimes seem that God is unjust. He allows righteous people, that is the followers of Christ, to suffer persecution. The Apostle Paul, however assures us that God is just. The time is coming when Christ will return and God will take vengeance on, and destroy, all those who trouble Christians. While persecutors will be destroyed, Christ’s followers will be exalted. In chapter 1, verses 10 through 12 of his second inspired letter to the followers of Christ at Thessalonica, Paul writes that this will take place, “when he comes to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired among all those who have believed (because our testimony to you was believed) in that day. To this end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and work of faith, with power; that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul writes that upon Christ’s return, He will be glorified in His holy people. This means that Christ’s followers will give Him the glory and honor which are due Him. There are many who are willing to acknowledge that Jesus was a good man or even a prophet, but they are not willing to acknowledge His true position. They deny that He is the Savior, the Lord and God’s Son. It is only Christ’s followers who acknowledge Him for who He truly is.

There is another sense in which Christ’s followers give Him glory. His people are holy. God has not only made them holy by taking away their sins, the way they live also demonstrates holiness. Scripture says, “but just as he who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all of your behavior;” (1 Peter 1:15) Following Christ means much more than acknowledging who He is. It also means thinking and acting as Christ would. In other words, Christ’s followers should become like Christ. We should all ask ourselves whether our thoughts and actions bring glory to Jesus or disgrace.

Not only will Jesus be glorified in His people, they will also admire (NIV, marvel at) Him. Though we read about Christ and His exalted position, the reality is beyond our imagination. Christians live in the hope that one day they will have the privilege of seeing Jesus as He really is. The Apostle John writes, “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it is not yet revealed what we will be. But we know that, when he is revealed, we will be like him; for we will see him just as he is. Everyone who has this hope set on him purifies himself, even as he is pure.” (1 John 3:2-3)

The people to whom Paul was writing could look forward to Christ’s return with anticipation because they had believed Paul’s testimony. Some people claim to honor Christ, yet reject the testimony and teaching of the Apostles. In reality, however, the gospel of Christ and the teaching of the Apostles is one and the same. It is through the Apostles that we learn about Christ. To reject the Apostle’s teaching is to reject the gospel as well.

In view of Christ’s return, Paul prays three specific things for the followers of Christ at Thessalonica. The first is that God would count them worthy of His calling. In verse 5, Paul had already written that their faithfulness to Christ in spite of persecution was proof that God will count them worthy of His kingdom. Why, then, does Paul continue to pray that they will be counted worthy? The reason is that faith is not something which is demonstrated only once. Those whom God will count worthy live by faith every day. It is entirely possible to become a follower of Christ and even suffer for Him and, later, to turn away. To another group Paul wrote, “You were running well! Who interfered with you that you should not obey the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you” (Galatians 5:7-8)

What is this calling which Paul mentions? In short, God calls us to become like Christ. Scripture says, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:28-29)

The second thing Paul prayed for the followers of Christ in Thessalonica is that God would fulfill every desire of goodness. If we are trying to become like Christ, then all our desires should be pure. Why pray about them, then? To make sure that our desires are according to God’s will and His timing.

Paul also prayed that God would fulfill every act prompted by faith. One lesson we can learn from this is that faith always prompts action. If what we believe does not prompt us to act then, in reality, we do not believe. Another lesson is that even when we are prompted to act it is God who makes it possible. Scripture says, “For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)

Paul’s purpose in praying was not only that the Christians at Thessalonica might benefit, but that Christ’s name might be glorified. He wanted their ‘good desires’ and ‘acts of faith’ fulfilled because this would bring glory to Christ. This should be our intention as well: To glorify Christ in everything we do.

Christ not only receives glory from His followers, He also allows them to share in His own glory. In one sense, they participate in Christ’s glory in this life. In one of His prayers, Jesus said this concerning his disciples, “The glory which you have given me, I have given to them…” (John 17:22) Whatever the world may think about the followers of Christ, in God’s sight they are glorious. Christ will glorify them even more at His return.

Paul also reminds us that Christ’s followers are not given glory because of their actions or because they are worthy in and of themselves. On the contrary, they are made worthy; their actions are accepted; they are glorified by God’s grace. If we want this grace, then we must follow Christ.

The Punishment Of Persecutors (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9)

Why do good people suffer? An even more vexing question is why God allows persecution to come upon the righteous. If Jesus is correct when He said, “…I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.” (John 14:6), then why would God permit anyone to persecute those who follow Jesus? Though, on the surface, it may appear that God is cruel or unjust in allowing His people to suffer persecution, in reality God brings much good out of persecution. One of God’s purposes in allowing persecution is that through it, the faith of those who follow Christ is refined. Persecution causes us to re-examine what we believe and the reasons we believe it. Persecution not only shows us where our faith is weak, but confirms that belief in Christ is worth dying for.

Another thing which persecution does is demonstrate God’s justice in granting salvation to those who follow Christ. Those who remain faithful, in spite of all pressure to turn away, show that they are worthy of salvation.

There is another way in which persecution demonstrates God’s justice. It shows that He is right when He condemns and punishes. In verses 6 through 9 of his second inspired letter to the followers of Christ at Thessalonica, Paul writes, “Since it is a righteous thing with God (NIV, God is just) to repay affliction to those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted with us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, giving vengeance to those who don’t know God, and to those who don’t obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus, who will pay the penalty: eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might,”

In this passage Paul reaffirms that God is just. No matter how unjust our circumstances may seem, a time is coming when God will see to it that justice is done. Make no mistake about it. God will pay back those who trouble or persecute the followers of Christ.

There are many who sincerely believe that it is their duty to persecute Christ’s followers. In their view, by acknowledging that Jesus is Lord and that He is God’s Son, Christians blaspheme against God and, therefore deserve persecution. Jesus warned his disciples about this. He told them, “These things have I spoken to you, so that you wouldn’t be caused to stumble. They will put you out of the synagogues. Yes, the time comes that whoever kills you will think that he offers service to God. They will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have told you these things, so that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you about them…” (John 16:1-4)

According to Jesus, the reason people persecute His followers is that the persecutors do not know God. How ironic that the very people who think they offering God a service by persecuting Christians, do not know God themselves! Paul writes that it is because they do not know God that they will be punished. They will be punished, not so much because they gave trouble to Christians but, because of their unbelief which caused them to persecute. It is because they do not know God that they do not obey the gospel of Christ. Because they do not obey, they persecute those who do obey.

Of what does the punishment of persecutors consist? Paul writes that the Lord Jesus will be “revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire.” (verse 7) The persecutors will be forced to admit that they are wrong. They will be forced to admit the truth about Christ. In another place Paul writes, “…God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord…” (Philippians 2:9-11)

Persecutors will reap another consequence of their choice to reject the Lord. Not only will they be forced to acknowledge Jesus, they will be “eternal destruction from the face of the Lord (NIV, shut out from the presence of the Lord) and from the glory of his might.” (verse 9) Jesus said, “I am the way the truth and the life…” He also said, “I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) By being shut out from the Lord’s presence, persecutors will be separated from life as well. In other words, they face total destruction. This will not be something temporary. Paul writes that their destruction is everlasting.

Is their no hope, then, for the persecutors of Christ’s followers? Yes, there is. Paul, himself, was a persecutor before he yielded his life to Christ. You too, may obtain eternal life, even if you have persecuted or killed Christians if you follow Paul’s example. He tells what happened in these words, “I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. As also the high priest and all the council of the elders testify, from whom also I received letters to the brothers, and traveled to Damascus to bring them also who were there to Jerusalem in bonds to be punished. It happened that, as I made my journey, and came close to Damascus, about noon, suddenly there shone from the sky a great light around me. I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you persecute.’ …I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ The Lord said to me, ‘Arise, and go into Damascus. There you will be told about all things which are appointed for you to do.’ When I couldn’t see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus. One Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well reported of by all the Jews who lived in Damascus, came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ In that very hour I looked up at him. He said, ‘The God of our fathers has appointed you to know his will, and to see the Righteous One, and to hear a voice from his mouth. For you will be a witness for him to all men of what you have seen and heard. Now why do you wait? Arise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’’” (Acts 22:4-16)

If, like Paul, you acknowledge who Jesus is, repent of your sins, and are baptized while calling on Jesus’ name you, too, can have your sins washed away. If not, then you will face eternal destruction when Christ returns.

Counted Worthy (2 Thessalonians 1:1-5)

It is easy to believe something when there is nothing to dispute that belief and there is no price to pay for believing it. It is easy to love people when they express love in return. But what if we are persecuted for our beliefs? What if hate is returned for love? Would we be able to hold on to our faith in those circumstances? Could our love survive persecution? The followers of Christ in the city of Thessalonica suffered severely for their faith. In spite of persecution, however, they remained strong in their faith, to the point that they became a model for other believers.

The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church at Thessalonica to encourage the believers and to correct some misunderstandings they had about the return of Christ. In spite of his letter, some problems remained. To correct these, Paul and his companions were inspired by the Holy Spirit to write a second letter. It begins this way: “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the
Thessalonians in God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

In his first letter Paul called God “Father” but here he stresses that God is “our” Father. When we are going through trouble or persecution it is easy to feel a sense of isolation. By his use of the word “our” Paul reminds the believers that they are not alone. They are part of God’s family.

These people were being persecuted because of their faith in Jesus Christ. When going through such persecution it might be tempting to abandon our faith in order to obtain peace. But what is the source of grace and peace? Though we may experience trouble because of our faith in Christ, Paul reminds us that grace and peace also come from Christ and God. True peace can never be obtained by abandoning faith in Christ. In writing to another group of believers who were suffering for their faith, the Apostle Peter says, “But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” (1 Peter 5:10)

Paul next gives thanks for the people to whom he writing. When we give thanks to God, it is almost always in regard to some physical blessing or because we have been healed from some sickness. In contrast to this, the Apostle Paul almost always gave thanks for spiritual things. In addition, Paul not only gave thanks for the spiritual progress which was evident in people’s lives, he considered it a duty to do so. How do we regard thanksgiving? Is it a high priority in our lives? Are we grateful for what God is doing in us and the lives of those around us? In verses 3 and 4 Paul writes, “We are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers, even as it is appropriate, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of each and every one of you towards one another abounds; so that we ourselves boast about you in the assemblies of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you endure.”

One of the things for which Paul gave thanks was that the faith of the believers in Thessalonica was growing. No doubt Paul was pleased by this because in chapter 3, verse 10 of his first letter he had indicated that there was something lacking in their faith.

How is it possible for someone’s faith to grow in the midst of persecution? One would expect that persecution or trouble would weaken faith. In writing about trials the Apostle Peter explains, “that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7) It is trouble and persecution which shows us the quality of our faith. They strip away all that is false and show us our true condition. By trouble and persecution our faith is refined and purified.

The second thing for which Paul gave thanks is that the believer’s love for each other was increasing. This was exactly what Paul had prayed for in his first letter. He had also instructed them to increase in love. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35) There are many who claim to follow Christ, yet do not exhibit love in their lives. If there is no love, then it should be asked whether the claim to follow Christ is true.

In the same way, there are many who wear the name of Christ but bring disgrace to Him and their fellow believers. In contrast to this, the example of the believers in Thessalonica was so good that Paul could boast about it. In the same way our example should be a blessing to others. There is another important lesson in this. Paul did not boast about himself or his own accomplishments. Instead he boasted about the faithfulness and spiritual progress of the people to whom he was writing. What sort of people are we? Do we brag about who we are, what we have and what we have done? Or, do we take pride in the progress our brothers and sisters in Christ are making in their faith and love?

Not only did the believers in Thessalonica set a good example to their fellow believers, their faithfulness and fortitude also demonstrated the righteousness of God. In verse 5 Paul writes, “This is an obvious sign of the righteous judgment of God, to the end that you may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which you also suffer.”

Many people have the idea that God is arbitrary and capricious. In other words, His actions are determined by the emotions of the moment rather than by principle. This concept of God is wrong. He does not act according to whim. On the contrary, God is righteous. Therefore, everything He does is right. By standing firm under persecution, the followers of Christ at Thessalonica demonstrated that God’s decision to grant them salvation was right. God considered them worthy of being included in His kingdom. What about us? Would it be right for God to count us worthy to be in His kingdom? Or, do our actions show us to be unworthy?