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2 Thessalonians 2

  1. Describe the warning that Paul gives the Thessalonians in verses 1-3 about the coming of Jesus.

  2. In verse 7 Paul says that the mystery of lawlessness is already at work but that the man of lawlessness, who is the antichrist, is being restrained by something. When the antichrist comes he will embody lawlessness, deceive the nations, and go against God, but will ultimately be defeated by Jesus. How do we see lawlessness manifesting itself in this world today?

  3. A common view from verses 5-7 is that the restrainer that is talked about is the Holy Spirit, or the church. When the rapture happens, this is when the restrainer would be taken away and the man of lawlessness revealed. With this in mind, write an in order summary of the events that will take place described in verses 5-8.

  4. What do verses 9-12 say the purpose of the antichrist is?

  5. We believe that we, as believers, will not be present when the antichrist comes, some strong evidence for this position comes from 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, and the fact that Paul talks about the second coming of Christ after the rapture (1 Thess 4:13-18) Paul says that God will send those who refused the truth a strong delusion, referring to the antichrist, that they may believe what is false.

    What sticks out to you or surprised you from this passage about the end times or the antichrist?

  6. In verses 13-17 Paul encourages the Thessalonians to stand firm in their faith. In verse 13 he mentions that God chose them as firstfruits to be saved, other translations say God chose them from the beginning, either way, in this passage Paul is talking about how God predestined the Thessalonians believers to be saved. For more context on the word “firstfruits” read Exodus 23:19, and Numbers 18:12. From verse 13 what does Paul say marks a true Christian?

  7. Note that the word “traditions” in verse 15 can also be translated teachings. Summarize Paul’s call to action for the Thessalonians in verse 15.

  8. What did you find most encouraging from 2 Thessalonians 2? What has impacted you the most?