1. Bible class designed for Northside church of Christ.
Winter of December

2. 2

3. “The Falling Away & The Man of Sin”
(2 Thessalonians 2:1-12)
This chapter is very challenging.
No one can come and give us what the Bible doesn’t give us.
I do not have all the answers for chapter 2 completely for you tonight because there are many things that we Don’t know from chapter 2.
Only the Thessalonians knew one hundred percent exactly what Paul was telling them.

4. 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12 (NKJV)
1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

5. 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12 (NKJV)
5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.

6. 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12 (NKJV)
9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

7. “Counted Worthy of The Kingdom of God”
A Falling Away MUST Come (2:1-3)
Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ - vs. 1,2
The “coming of our Lord” is spoken of as a factual reality — (vs. 1; 1:7-9; 1 Cor 15:21-28; 2 Pet 3:10; 1 Thes 5:2)
When Jesus comes again, all Christians will be gathered together to Him — (vs. 1; 1 Thes 4:15-17; 1 Cor. 15:23,24; )
“Not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled …” — vs. 2; 1 Thes 5:2; 2 Pet 3:10; 2 Tim. 2:17,18
2 Thessalonians 2:1–2
1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.

8. A Falling Away MUST Come (2:1-3)
“Counted Worthy of The Kingdom of God”
A Falling Away MUST Come (2:1-3)
Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ - vs. 1,2
Do not listen to:
… spirit - professed revelations.
… word - words attributed to Paul
… Letter - a misunderstanding of actual apostolic epistles or forged ones
“As though the day of Christ had come.” -[as that the day of the Lord is now present … Perfect active indicative of ἐνιστημι — “is imminent”.
2 Thessalonians 2:1–2
1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.

9. A Falling Away MUST Come (2:1-3)
“Counted Worthy of The Kingdom of God”
A Falling Away MUST Come (2:1-3)
2 Thessalonians 2:3
3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,
That day will not come unless - vs. 3
“The falling away” occurs first — Acts 20:28-30; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Pet. 2:1,2; Jude 3-19
“The man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition” — 1 Jn 2:18,19; speculation as to the identity of this “man of sin” is seemingly endless. The remainder of our study will focus on his identity & revealed characteristics.

10. The Character of The Man of Sin (2:3,4)
“Counted Worthy of The Kingdom of God”
The Character of The Man of Sin (2:3,4)
The man of sin - sin would be his “predominating quality”
The son of perdition - vs because its end is to be perdition, i.e., destruction, by the Lord himself (v. 8).
Opposes God and exalts himself against all that is genuinely sacred (v. 4). He is contrary to the true gospel, and replaces it with himself - his true character reveals that he is diabolic. His activity actually is according to the working of Satan (v. 9).
2 Thessalonians 2:3,4
3 … the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

11. The Character of The Man of Sin (2:3,4)
“Counted Worthy of The Kingdom of God”
The Character of The Man of Sin (2:3,4)
“Sits in the temple of God” (v. 4). The “temple” is not a reference to the Jewish house of worship.
The Greek word is naos, used by Paul 8 times. Never to the Jewish temple.
Used of the Christian’s body (1 Cor. 6:19) or of the church as God’s spiritual house (1 Cor. 3:16, 17; Eph. 2:21).
Paul is implying that this “man of sin” as being a “church” character, demonstrating “unparalleled arrogance is acting like God and wants to receive worship like the ”real God of heaven”
2 Thessalonians 2:3,4
3 … the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

12. The Character of The Man of Sin (2:3,4)
“Counted Worthy of The Kingdom of God”
The Character of The Man of Sin (2:3,4)
“Showing himself that he is God” (v. 4).
The present participle (“sets forth continually”) suggests a continual position of supreme arrogance.
He represents himself as God:
by making claims that belong only to deity;
by receiving adoration reserved exclusively for God; or,
by usurping prerogatives which only God can accomplish.
2 Thessalonians 2:3,4
3 … the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

13. The Rise of The Man of Sin (2:5-8)
“Counted Worthy of The Kingdom of God”
The Rise of The Man of Sin (2:5-8)
“Restrained During Paul’s Day” (v. 6).
There was some influence that restrained the budding Man of Sin. (the neuter form of katechon, “the restraining thing)” (v. 6).
This force is associated with a person/persons “he who restrains” (v. 7). (Likely a broad power, operating under individual rulers).
The early saints knew of this restraining force. "You know
2 Thessalonians 2:5–6
5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time.

14. “Many theories has been given to chapter 2.
Proposed Explanations:
Satan Himself
Principle of Evil
Judaism
A Roman Ruler
The Catholic Church?
The Future Anti-Christ - an individual who has yet to appear on the scene.

15. “Counted Worthy of The Kingdom of God”
The Rise of The Man of Sin (2:5-8)
“Restrained During Paul’s Day” (v. 6).
This entity was contemporary with Paul, not a modern one.
The rise of this man of sin had already begun. (vs. 7)
Restraining Force To Be Removed - *be taken out of the way” -
The Man of Sin, in “his own season,” would be revealed openly (vv. 6, 7).
The restraining power will give way to the revelation of the Man of Sin.
2 Thessalonians 2:7
7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.

16. “Counted Worthy of The Kingdom of God”
The Rise of The Man of Sin (2:5-8)
“Man of Sin Continues Until Second Coming” (v. 8).
The Man of Sin, though having roots in the world of ancient Christianity (v. 6), would endure, in some form or another, until the end of time, i.e., until the Second Coming of Christ.
At that time, he will be destroyed by the Lord’s word of Judgment (v. 8; cf. Rev. 19:15).
In view of this, the Man of Sin appears to not be an individual, singular, but a continual established position with ecclesiastical authority
2 Thessalonians 2:8
8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.

17. “Counted Worthy of The Kingdom of God”
The Coming of Jesus
Would not occur UNTIL:
“The falling away occurs first” - 3
“The man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition” - 3

18. 2 Thessalonians 2:9–12 (NKJV)
9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

19. “Counted Worthy of The Kingdom of God”
Identifying The Man of Sin
Explanation - The Papacy / Catholicism:
The Apostasy - Catholicism evolved as a defection from the original faith.
Not Revealed in the 1st Century
Lawless
God-Opposing / Ecclesiastical Usurper of Divine Status
Usurps the Throne of God
Claims of Miracles
Early Stages at Work in Paul’s Day
Initially Restrained by Pagan Rome
Flourished After Fall of Rome
To Continue Till Return of Christ
2 Thessalonians 2:9 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,

20. “The Danger of Deception”
The Intent of The Man of Sin (2:9,10)
“Deceit of (to promote) unrighteousness” -
The man of sin rejected the truth himself and uses deception as the means of promoting his error. - Ro. 16:18. 2 Co. 2:17; 4:2; 11:13, 15. Ep. 4:14. 2 Pe. 2:18.
The result of his deception is “unrighteousness” - all things contrary to the truth is NOT RIGHT!
2 Thessalonians 2:10
10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

21. “The Danger of Deception”
The Fruit of The Man of Sin (2:9,10)
“Among those who perish” –
The man of sin will be able to successfully lead men astray - those who are perishing.
“Because” –
Their condemnation is just for they did NOT receive a love for the truth - John 3:19-21; John 8:45-47; Mat. 13:13-15; Rom. 1:18-23
This condemnation will be like I said: “self inflicted” because men are now days asking for lies instead truth!
Brothers, truth is not popular now days. Many become your enemies, our enemies for the simple fact that we are warning them about the judgement that is coming!
2 Thessalonians 2:10
10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

22. “The Danger of Deception” 2 Thessalonians 2:11 (NKJV)
The Condemnation of the Deceived (2:10)
“And for this reason” - 11
Those who did not receive a love for the truth - it was offered - they declined - cf. John 8:31-47
“God will send them a strong delusion” - 11
God will allow those who do not love the truth to be deceived, and to continue to be deceived - Mat. 13:13-15; Rom. 1:24-32; 1 Kings 22:19-24
2 Thessalonians 2:11 (NKJV)
11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,

23. “The Danger of Deception”
The Condemnation of the Deceived (2:10)
“That they all may be condemned” - 12
Those who do not believe the truth will be condemned - John 8:24; 2 Thes 1:7- 9; Rev 21:8
“Had pleasure in unrighteousness” - 12
Unrighteousness is ANYTHING other than the truth - (for those who do not love the truth, almost any error will do) - John 3:19-21; Rom 2:8; 2 Tim 3:4; 2 Pet 2:13-15
When the person refuses to believe the truth, then God takes charge and He sends something very, very strong in order for that person NOT to understand the truth any longer!
2 Thessalonians 2:12
12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness .

24. “The Danger of Deception”
Does It Really Matter What We Believe?
How to remain saved
How to be saved
Lies Are EVERY
WHERE!
ANY church is good
Belief’s do not matter

25. “The Danger of Deception”
The Tragedy Of A Lie
The Prophet Who Believed a LIE – (1 Kings 13)
Judgment pronounced – (13:1-5)
Doom decreed and sign given – 13:2,3 (2 Kings 23:15-20)
Hand withers, altar split – (13:4,5)
Jeroboam’s reaction – (13:6-9)
Plea for healing – (13:6)
Hospitality offered – (13:7,8)
The obedient prophet – (13:8-10)

26. “The Danger of Deception”
The Tragedy Of A Lie
The Prophet Who Believed a LIE – (1 Kings 13)
Deceived – (13:11-19)
Old prophet seeks out the man of God – 13:11- 14
Old prophet finds him resting – 13:14
Old prophet lies to him – 13:15-19

27. “The Danger of Deception”
The Tragedy Of A Lie
The Prophet Who Believed a LIE – (1 Kings 13)
Price of disobedience – (13:20-26)
Judgment Pronounced – 13:20-22
The man of God’s death - 13:23- 26
Punished even though . . .
Withstood the wrath of the king
Shunned the lure of riches
Obeyed until deceived -
A good man who believed a lie - (1 Kings 13:18)

28. “The Danger of Deception”
Making Some Applications
The danger of deception – (Ep. 5:6; 2 Pt 3:16,17; Gal 1:8,9; Lk 6:39)
Truth is what the Lord says, not what He doesn’t say! – (Deut 4:2; Prov 30:6; 1 Pet 4:11; Rev 22:18,19)
The majority, worldly wisdom, or professed special insights are NOT the standards for establishing truth! – (Ex 23:2; 1 Cor. 1:18-21; Gal. 1:6-9)

29. “The Danger of Deception”
Making Some Applications
True and acceptable worship is revealed worship – everything else is vain worship - (12-13:1-10; Col. 2:23; Mat. 15:7-9; John 4:24)
God demands complete obedience – (1 Sam 15:1-23; Mt 7:21-23; Jam. 2:10)
Disobedience cancels out obedience – (Num 20:1-13; Lev 10:1,2; 2 Sam 6:6,7; James 2:10; Ez. 18:20-32)

30. “The Danger of Deception”
Making Some Applications
Sincerely believing a lie does NOT change the lie into the truth – (13:26-30; Prov 14:12; Jer 10:23; Gal 6:3)
Liars will be destroyed – but they also destroy those who believe them – (Rev. 21:8; Jer. 23:23; 2 Pet 21-22; 2 Thes 2:10-12)
We can know the truth and we can please God – (John 7:17; 8:32; Rom 10:17; 2 Thes 2:10-12)

31. “The Danger of Deception”
We Can Know The Truth
Must fear the Lord - Prov 1:7
Must love the truth - 2 The 2:10
Must will to do God’s will - Jn 7:17
Need to mature in the faith - Rom 16:16; Eph 4:14; Heb 5:14
We MUST test what is said - Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1
We MUST study for ourselves - Prov 2:1-5; Psalm 1:1,2; 119:11,97-104; 2 Tim 2:15; Heb 5:14
Never misapply the word - 2 Cor 2:17; 2 Peter 3:16

32. “The Danger of Deception”
We Can Know The Truth
Truth is not contingent upon one's belief in it, altered by ones rejection of it, or nullified if no one accepts it
TRUTH IS TRUTH
(John 17:17; Psalm 19:7-9; 119:9,11,104)

33. THE TRUTH IS STILL THE TRUTH!
“The Danger of Deception”
We Can Know The Truth
If you feel that the truth is NOT the truth - no matter how strong those feelings may be –
THE TRUTH IS STILL THE TRUTH!
(John 17:17; Psalm 19:7-9; 119:9,11,104)

34. & THE TRUTH IS STILL THE TRUTH!
“The Danger of Deception”
We Can Know The Truth
If you feel that a LIE is the truth - no matter how strong that feeling may be –
A LIE IS STILL A LIE
& THE TRUTH IS STILL THE TRUTH!
(John 17:17; Psalm 19:7-9; 119:9,11,104)

35. We Can Know The Truth “The Danger of Deception”
Anything that is different from the truth – is NOT the truth –
TRUTH IS NARROW! (Mat 7:13,14)
TRUTH IS ABSOLUTE! – (Ps 119:151;152)
TRUTH IS VALUABLE! – (Prov. 23:23)
(John 17:17; Psalm 19:7-9; 119:9,11,104)

36. If "God said it - that settles it -
“The Danger of Deception”
We Can Know The Truth
If "God said it - that settles it -
I need to believe it!"
(John 17:17; Psalm 19:7-9; 119:9,11,104)

37. “The Danger of Deception”
The Coming of the Lord
Would not occur UNTIL:
“The falling away occurs first” - 3
“The man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition” - 3-6
The mystery of iniquity was already at work - 7
Destroyed by the Lord - 8
After Satan / Lies - 9
Those deceived will also be destroyed

38. 2 Thessalonians 2:13–17 (NKJV)
13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

39. 2 Thessalonians 2:13–17 (NKJV)
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

40. “Chosen For Salvation”
Unbelievers
CONTRASTED
Believers
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (NKJV)
and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 (NKJV)
13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

41. “Chosen For Salvation”
Believers
Unbelievers
2 Thes 2:9-12
2 Thes 2:13-14
LOST
The unbelieving class because they believed not the truth
SAVED
The believing class – seeing they had believed the truth - 13,14
CONTRASTED

42. “Chosen For Salvation”
THE THESSALONIANS HAD BEEN CHOSEN...
"to take," is used in the Middle Voice only, in the sense of taking for oneself, choosing, 2 Thess. 2:13, of a "choice" made by God (as in Deut. 7:6, 7; Deut. 26:18.); in Phil. 1:22; Heb. 11:25, of human "choice." Its special significance is to select rather by the act of taking, than by showing preference or favor.
— Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words
2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV) “because God from the beginning chose <G138 αἱρέω, haireō> you for salvation . . .”

43. “Chosen For Salvation”
THE THESSALONIANS HAD BEEN CHOSEN...
Ephesians 1:3–4 (NKJV)
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 (NKJV)
13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

44. “Chosen For Salvation”
THE THESSALONIANS HAD BEEN CHOSEN...
2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 (NKJV)
13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.
1 Peter 1:2 (NKJV)
2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

45. “Chosen For Salvation”
THE THESSALONIANS HAD BEEN CHOSEN...
Chosen Through Means
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 (NKJV)
“through <en – in/through> sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel,”
“God from the beginning chose you for <eis – unto> salvation”

46. “Chosen For Salvation”
THE THESSALONIANS HAD BEEN CHOSEN...
Chosen Through Means
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 (NKJV)
“God from the beginning chose you for <eis – unto> salvation “through <en – in/through> sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel,”
through <en – in, through, by means of> sanctification by the Spirit
and belief in the truth,
to which He called you by <dia – through> our gospel,

47. “Chosen For Salvation”
THE THESSALONIANS HAD BEEN CHOSEN...
Ephesians 1:13–14 (NKJV)
13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 (NKJV)
13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

48. “Chosen For Salvation”
THE THESSALONIANS HAD BEEN CHOSEN...
2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 (NKJV)
13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.
Ephesians 3:6 (NKJV)
6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,

49. “Chosen For Salvation”
THE THESSALONIANS HAD BEEN CHOSEN...
Ephesians 2:12–13 (NKJV)
12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 (NKJV)
13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

50. “Chosen For Salvation”
THE THESSALONIANS HAD BEEN CHOSEN...
1 Peter 1:22–23 (NKJV)
22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,
2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 (NKJV)
13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

51. “Chosen For Salvation”
THE THESSALONIANS HAD BEEN CHOSEN...
Brethren – those Gentiles within the chosen sphere – “In Christ”
Chosen & Saved – in / through the means of the Spirit and belief of the truth.
Called By Our Gospel - Called into this chosen sphere by the gospel.
For the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ – something they did not previously have.
2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV) “because God from the beginning chose <G138 αἱρέω, haireō> you for salvation . . .”

52. “Chosen For Salvation”
THE THESSALONIANS HAD BEEN CHOSEN...
This text affirms corporate election - NOT unconditional election - 1 Peter 2:4-10
Only those in Christ are within the chosen sphere – (2:4-10; Eph. 1:3-13)
God foreknew that He would save all those in Christ – (1:10-12,17-21; 2:4-10; Eph. 1:3-13; 3:1-11; Rom. 16:25,26)
2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV) “because God from the beginning chose <G138 αἱρέω, haireō> you for salvation . . .”

53. “Chosen For Salvation”
THE THESSALONIANS HAD BEEN CHOSEN...
CALVINISM: God chose them to believe - God is responsible for the unbelief of every person that is condemned.
THE BIBLE: God chose them that believe - God is NOT responsible for the unbelief of any person that is condemned.
2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV) “because God from the beginning chose <G138 αἱρέω, haireō> you for salvation . . .”

54. “Chosen For Salvation” 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (NKJV)
THE THESSALONIANS HAD BEEN CHOSEN...
Stand Fast:
Holding to the traditions of the apostles - 2Th 2:15; 1Co 11:2
Whether by word (orally) or by epistle (written) - 2Th 3:6; Acts 2:42
If we desire to stand fast, we must hold to the teachings of the apostles - Acts 2:42
2 Thessalonians 2:15 (NKJV)
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

55. “Chosen For Salvation”
THE THESSALONIANS HAD BEEN CHOSEN...
2 Thessalonians 2:16–3:5 (NKJV)
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

56. “Chosen For Salvation”
THE THESSALONIANS HAD BEEN CHOSEN...
2 Thessalonians 2:16–3:5 (NKJV)
1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.

57. “A Prayer Rendered, A Prayer Requested” 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17 (NKJV)
The Comfort of God's Love & Grace - 2Th 2:16-17
God & Jesus have shown their love for us — ver Jno. 3:16; 13:1; 15:9, 13; Ro. 5:8.
God & Jesus have provided us with everlasting encouragement & hope BY GRACE — Rom. 5:1-5; He. 6:18; 1 Pe. 1:5–8;
Keep in mind, love of the Father and love of Jesus is exactly the same.
2 Thessalonians 2:16–17 (NKJV)
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

58. “A Prayer Rendered, A Prayer Requested” 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17 (NKJV)
The Comfort of God's Love & Grace - 2Th 2:16-17
Now may the Lord Jesus & our God & Father …
Comfort their hearts - cf. 2Co 1:3-6; Rom. 15:13
Establish them in every good word and work - cf. 1 The 3:2; Rom. 16:25; 1 Cor. 1:8; Col. 2:7; Heb. 13:9; 1 Pet 5:10
Comforted & established, they would be able to “stand fast” - 15
2 Thessalonians 2:16–17 (NKJV)
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

59. “A Prayer Rendered, A Prayer Requested”
Paul’s Previous Prayers For The Thessalonians
That they might increase & abound in love - 1Thes 3:11
That the Lord might establish their hearts blameless in holiness - 1Th 3:12
That God might sanctify them completely - 1Thes 5:23
That God might count them worthy of His calling & - 2Thes 2:11
That the name of the Lord might be glorified in them, and they in Him - 2Thes 2:11,12

60. “A Prayer Rendered, A Prayer Requested”
Paul’s Previous Prayers For The Thessalonians
Preachers praying for their brethren was not uncommon
Paul prayed for his brethren often - cf. Col 1:9-11; Ro. 1:8–10. Ep. 1:15, 16.
Epaphras also - cf. Col 4:12-13
Preachers need prayers also, & Paul often ask his brethren to pray for him
Brethren in Rome - Rom 15:30-33
Brethren in Ephesus - Ep 6:18-20
Brethren in Colosse - Col 4:2-4