2nd. Thessalonians - Chap. 2

2 Thess. 2:1-12 - last days!  end times!  return of Christ!  anti-Christ!
These people had issues (questions) about all of the above.
Was SO debated.  So many views - because:
        (1)  was the future
        (2)  mysterious future!
Contrast - predicting summer's weather.  predictions can be based on many previous summers.
They had never experienced the coming of the Lord .

So:  2 Thess. 2:2 - THE DAY = come and gone?  or now fully begun?  Had they missed it, or were they in the midst of it.  (the day of the Lord) ie:  a period of time

2 Thess. 2:3 - The Rebellion - THE Apostasy - THE Falling Away.
This is more than falling away from the faith.  This = turning away!! - deliberate decision to walk away and against the things of God.

The Man Revealed  (Antichrist)
     Man of "perdition" - domed to hell, destruction - compare Judas - John 17:12
     Man of "lawlessness"  - (one who rejects God's laws) - because against God's Law(s)

Therefore will  (1)  Oppose God  (Godliness)
                       (2)  Exalt 'Self - over everything that is called God or God-related
                       (3)  Set 'Self up in the Temple  (this = AD 51)
                       (4)  Will Proclaim 'Self to be God!!
Other people at other times will claim this as well.
Examples:  Nero, Titus, Mohammad, many popes, Adolf Hitler, etc.

2 Thess. 2:6 - The Restrainer - (Holy Spirit? - compare Job)

2 Thess. 2:7 - this power is already at work - spirit of lawlessness is already here.
1 John 2:18, 4:1-3 - applicable to us now.

2 Thess. 2:8 overthrown by Christ's breath!  - Rev. 19
Can breathe creation, destruction

2 Thess. 2:9 - His coming
Accompanied by and in accordance with Satan's power!
So ...... signs, wonders, miracles!!!

Question:  "counterfeit"?  = not real in MESSAGE!! - doesn't mean are not real, but directing away from God.  Signs, wonders, miracles can point TO God or AWAY from God!

2 Thess. 2:10 - evil that Deceives!! - ie:  Seductive!!  (sweet, nice, good)

Question:  Who are the "perishing"?  (present tense!) - John 3:16-19 - "stand perishing"

Why are they perishing? - 2 Thess. 2:10 - they refused to love the truth, not because they didn't know the truth.
So... God grants their desire!! - 2 Thess. 2:11-12
Paraphase:  "I offered light - you rejected it - so I took it away!" ==> darkness!

By Contrast:  - 2 Thess. 2:13-14
You were called, you responded - ie:  crossed the bridge!!

Application for them?  US!! - 2 Thess. 2:15 - Stand firm and hold to our teachings

In light of the fact that the power of Lawlessness is Already at work....
#1.  Stand firm in the faith - 1 Pet. 5:8-9, 10

#2.  hold to the teachings, instructions, 'traditions' - truth doesn't change!!
Eph. 4:14, 2 Tim. 4:3-5

and  #3.  don't be alarmed - 2 Thess. 2:2  (unsettled, worked up)
       should (1) Read, study, etc. - Rev. 1:3
                  (2)  be prepared - be awake, be alert
But,            (3) Not alarmed!!

Paul closes with prayer for God's assistance, (encouragement, strength) - 2 Thess. 2:16-17   
(which comes with obedience, faithfulness)

Seems we always return to "Press On" - which = primary factor in success!! - many things are helpful, but perseverance and endurance are NECESSARY!!

Closing Scripture:  2 Pet. 3:10, 13-14