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One Who Holds Evil Back
READ: 2 Thessalonians 2:1–17
SOAP: 2 Thessalonians 2:7–8
For the hidden power of lawlessness is already at work. However, the one who holds him back will do so until he is taken out of the way, and then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will destroy by the breath of his mouth and wipe out by the manifestation of his arrival.
Into the Text
I know it may not always feel like it, but God, through the power of the Holy Spirit and His church, is actively holding back evil in our day. Some days it may be hard to imagine our world getting any worse when we see the evil that already exists in it. But Satan is not free to do as he wills. God is still God, He is still in control, and He is actively working in ways we don’t even know about right now. Amazingly, God has chosen us, His imperfect church, and the work He is doing through us to be one of His most powerful weapons in pushing back the darkness in this world. We can all think of the many defects of the church, but we shouldn’t underestimate the healing impact the body of Christ has on the world today.
By His incredible grace, God is restraining much evil in this world. When God takes away His restraining power in the “Last Days,” evil will multiply in unimaginable ways. However, this increase of evil will be for only a short time.
These “Last Days” verses are not to scare you about the future. These are meant to help you understand the “whys” of the events that are allowed and, when these events start to take place, to help you understand that in the end, good prevails. Jesus will triumph over the “lawless one,” and His power will display His glory. Satan will never win. Do not lose heart when you see lawlessness increase and the present days getting darker and darker. A new day always emerges from the darkness of night.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for how You are restraining evil in our world. Thank You for the reminder that the presence of the church in our world matters. Help us to be united around Your Word and empowered by Your love. Help us to be Your hands and feet to a hurting world. Protect us and our families during these days and help us to be bold and brave, always bringing You glory. Until that day, "Come, Lord Jesus, come." Amen.
About this Plan
In this study, we will see that throughout the New Testament Jesus and others often talked about His return. The purpose of this study is to offer encouragement as the hour draws near, helping us to live aware but not in fear. As we watch and wait for Christ’s return, may He find us working and witnessing.
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