9 The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, 12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
Paul continues his discussion of the tribulation by pointing out that the Antichrist will be enabled directly by Satan. He will display power, false signs, and wonders. These are the same words that are used to describe the miracles of Jesus (Acts 2:22). The Antichrist will be able to misrepresent himself as God and people will believe him. This is a wicked deception because these signs will be seen as positive but the motivation behind them is wicked. People will be deceived because they have already refused to love truth and have ignored the opportunity to be saved. Therefore God will give them over to what they have already chosen. Because they have refused to believe what is true, God will hand them over to what is false (Rom 1:18-25) so they may be fully condemned for their pleasure in unrighteousness. This does not mean that everyone will be deceived. Some will be saved during the time of tribulation but it seems like it will be considerably more difficult. Revelation 7:4,14 speaks of 144,000 Jewish witnesses or evangelists who will spread the gospel to Jews and Gentiles during this period.
Paul is again driven to pray for the Thessalonians and give thanks to God for them. He reminded them they are loved by God because they were chosen to be spared (saved) from this tribulation. Believers are set apart by the work of the Holy Spirit because of their belief in the truth (in contrast to those who refused to love the truth and so be saved). Not only will believers escape the tribulation but we are able to share in Christ’s glory. The degree to which we will share in Christ’s glory is based on how we live today. Therefore Paul encouraged them to stand firm and hold fast to what they had been taught by Paul when he was with them and through his letters. Paul concludes by praying that the Thessalonians would be comforted by God and that He would establish them in every good work.
Paul reminds his readers to get back to the truth of God’s word to avoid error. He renews their hope by emphasising their unchanging position in Christ but then spurs them on to good works. Where are you in your walk with God? Do you need a reminder of truth to bring you back to God? Or do you need a reminder of your calling to good works so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ?
Major Stories of the Bible Reading Plan
Abraham and Isaac: Genesis 21-22