WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: What does the future hold? Bring any fears you may have to the Lord, remembering the words of Psalm 27:1: ‘The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?’ Era of wickedness Christians down the ages have speculated about the ‘man of lawlessness’, labelling certain figures in history ‘anti-Christ’. These ‘antichrists’ certainly revelled in rebellion against God (v 4) but none so far fit the order of events that Paul describes here (vs 9–11). That means that Christians are still anticipating a figure who will usurp God’s place and herald an era of wickedness (compare verse 9 with Matthew 24:11,12,23,24). The Thessalonians knew all too well what the secret power of lawlessness at work in their city could do (compare verse 7 with Acts 17:5–9). Imagine the horror of living in an era of increased and unchecked wickedness! Cling to the gospel But if that moment falls in our lifetime we need not fear. Look at how easily Christ overthrows the epitome of wickedness (v 8) – such is the immense power and glory of the risen Lord Jesus. As we wait for these events to unfold, we need to cling to the gospel. When societies are shaken and law and order breaks down, we are to trust God’s love and stand resolutely on the hope we have in Christ (v 16). Respond: Ask the Lord to bring to mind people to whom you can take his words of encouragement: ‘Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord’ (Psalm 27:14). http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-11-01