Kress Biblical Resources :: Correction and Instruction for Those Exposed to Eschatological Error (2Th 2:1-17)

Detailed Outline of 2 Thessalonians

The Return of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Glory Calls Us to Persevere in the Midst of Persecution

3. Correction and instruction for those exposed to eschatological error (2Th 2:1-17)
   1. Refrain from believing every teaching that seeks to interpret church age persecution as a sign that the Day of the Lord has come (2Th 2:1-2)
      1. Remember that our Lord Jesus Christ is coming and we will be gathered together with Him (2Th 2:1)
      2. Remain clear-headed about the truth, and realize that false teaching tries to pass itself off as authentic (2Th 2:2)
   2. Remember these fundamental truths concerning the Day of the Lord (2Th 2:3-12)
      1. The Day of the Lord will not come until the apostasy [or act of departure] comes and the Antichrist is revealed [therefore you cannot be experiencing the Day of the Lord] (2Th 2:3-5)
         1. The apostasy [or act of departure] and the Antichrist will signal the Day of the Lord (2Th 2:3ab)
         2. The attributes and actions of the Antichrist will be unmistakable (2Th 2:3c, 4)
         3. The Apostle taught these things as part of his initial instruction in the faith (2Th 2:5)
      2. The Antichrist will not be revealed until the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit is removed (2Th 2:6-8a)
         1. The restraint (2Th 2:6-7)
         2. The removal of divine restraint (2Th 2:7)
         3. The revelation of that lawless one (2Th 2:8a)
      3. The Antichrist is doomed, and will deceive only unbelievers (2Th 2:8b-12)
         1. He will be destroyed at the appearance of our Lord’s coming (2Th 2:8b)
         2. He will deceive only unbelievers (2Th 2:9-12)
            1. He will be satanically empowered (2Th 2:9-10a)
            2. He will deceive only unbelievers (2Th 2:10-12)
               1. Because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved (2Th 2:10b)
               2. Thus God will send on them a deluding influence so that they believe what is false (2Th 2:11)
               3. This will be their judgment for not believing the truth (2Th 1:12)
   3. Remember these fundamental truths concerning your salvation—and stand firm in the truth of God’s Word [Remember God’s love for you, God’s sovereignty and purpose in salvation, the surety of God’s Word, and the prayers of God’s people] (2Th 2:13-17)
      1. You are beloved by the Lord (2Th 2:13a)
      2. You are chosen for salvation (2Th 2:13b)
      3. You are predestined for glory (2Th 2:14)
      4. You are called to stand firm and hold to the surety of God’s Word (2Th 2:15)
      5. You are in my prayers (2Th 2:16-17)
         1. I’m praying for you to our Sovereign and our Father (2Th 2:16a)
         2. I’m praying for you in light of His love and gifts of grace (2Th 2:16b)
         3. I’m praying for you to be comforted and strengthened by His enabling power—to live for His glory (2Th 2:17)