1) The document discusses Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians, in which he encourages them to stand firm amid persecution and corrects false teachings about the second coming of Christ. 2) Paul explains that Jesus' return will be preceded by a great falling away from the faith and the revelation of the "man of lawlessness." 3) He reminds the Thessalonians to keep working, remain steadfast in their faith, and not be idle while waiting for Christ's return.

1. 2 Thessalonians Blessed Hope Coming Again

2. 2 Thessalonians Summary Work, Wait – Jesus is coming Jesus has work for us to do until He comes back to gather the church to Himself. We must work – wait, pray – watch, while waiting for Christ to return. In the NT, second coming of Christ is mentioned 318 times Jesus said he was coming again (John 14:3) 1 st Thess was about Christ coming back for His church, 2 nd Thess is about Christ coming with His mighty angels. The Thessalonians were undergoing trials, persecutions. They are also worried that they missed the coming back and are in the tribulation. There were false teachers who were teaching this

3. 2 Thessalonians - Overview Who – Paul, Timothy, Silus What – Correct False teachings about the when “Day of the Lord” would happen, reassure them on how to live and wait. When – AD 53 or 54, likely within months after 1 st Thessalonians. Where – written from Corinth to the church in Thessalonica. Why – Encourage the church in Thessalonica to stand firm and help them reject false teachings about the second coming of Christ. Key Verse: 2Th 2:3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,

4. 2 Thessalonians Outline Ch 1 Introduction ( 2Th_1:1 , 2Th_1:2 ) An account of his high esteem for these Thessalonians ( 2Th_1:3 , 2Th_1:4 ). Comforts them under their afflictions and persecutions ( 2Th_1:5-10 ) and tells them what his prayers were to God for them ( 2Th_1:11 , 2Th_1:12 ).

5. 2 Thessalonians Outline Ch 1 Paul encourages, before rebuking He gives praise for their growth in faith He reminds them that the Lord will right the current wrongs and afflictions when He returns. He contrasts the glorious destiny of believers with the eternal punishment of the wicked. (v 7-12)

6. 2 Thessalonians Outline Ch 2 Paul is focused on containing and correcting the spreading of an error into which some among them had fallen concerning the coming of Christ, as being very near ( 2Th_2:1-3 ) or had already happened. By telling them of two great events that preced the coming of Christ – a general apostasy (falling away from the faith in Christ), and the revelation of antichrist (the man of lawlessness) Spoken of in Daniel, Jesus (Matt 24:23-24), and in Rev 13:1-8 About the Antichrist - Paul tells them many things, about his name, his character, his rise, his fall, his reign, and the sin and ruin of his subjects ( 2Th_2:4-12 ). He then comforts them against this apostasy, and exhorts them to steadfastness ( 2Th_2:13-15 ). And concludes with a prayer for them ( 2Th_2:16 , 2Th_2:17 ).

7. 2 Thessalonians Outline Ch 2 Paul explains what must happen before Christ comes back for Judgment A great falling away – 2 nd Thess 2:3, 2 nd Peter 2:1 Man of Lawlessness will not appear until Christ gathers the church to Himself in the rapture v 4 and 8. Man of Sin will open a campaign against Christ Will rule with power, signs, and lying wonders. A time of strong delusions. (Matt 24:24), and v9 Establish himself in Jerusalem (Matt 24:15) Worshipped as God (v 4) We also must remember The Antichrist will make war with the saints (Rev 13:7) And he will last 3 ½ years – Rev 13:5-6 Finally will be cast into the lake of fire by Christ – Rev 19:20

8. 2 Thessalonians Outline Ch 2 Paul reminds them the Gospel has not failed The redemption plan is doing what the Lord intended, gathering His church to Himself The mystery of lawlessness is at work v 7 Jesus said when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:8 The darkest clouds precede the coming golden days of the Lord.

9. 2 Thessalonians Outline Ch 3 In the previous chapter, Paul had prayed earnestly for the Thessalonians, and now he desires their prayers v1, encouraging them to trust in God, He had confidence in their faith. He presents another petition for them ( 2Th_3:1-5 ). He then gives them commands and directions for correcting some things he was informed were amiss among them ( 2Th_3:6-15 ) and

10. 2 Thessalonians Outline Ch 3 Paul’s reminders - The delay in the Lord’s coming gives opportunity for service Don’t be troubled or idle while we wait Evangelize the world, v1 Live a holy life v6-14 Do not be lazy V 10 – if a man will not work, he will not eat. Paul closes with a prayer and confirms that he Paul, wrote this letter. V16-18.

11. Significant Words – Deceive = exapataō ἐξαπατάω exapataō ex-ap-at-ah'-o From G1537 and G538; to seduce wholly: - beguile, deceive. 2Th 2:3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,