II Thes 1-2--Last Days, Sanctification

II Thes. 1
Paul gives thanks to God because:
1. Your faith grows exceedingly
2. Your love abounds toward each other
3. Your patience and faith in persecutions and tribulations

Paul was kicked out of Thessalonica fairly quickly. But he heard reports of the church. And the reports were encouraging to him. Their faith was growing. Their love for each other was growing. And their patience in the midst of persecution was unwavering.

Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with mighty angels in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God and those who do not obey the Gospel.

This describes a far different Jesus than the one who loves everybody.

II Thes 2

That Day will not come unless the falling away comes first and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition who opposes and exalts himself above that which is called God or that is worshipped so that he sits as God.Then the lawless one will be revealed. The Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth.The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan with all power signs and lying wonders and unrighteous deception.

More verses about the end times. I really need to study this more. But as far as I can understand at the moment, there will come a falling away in the church. I'm guessing that it will be a turning away from the true gospel. And that is already happening. And this lawless one with power from Satan himself will perform with signs and lying wonders and unrighteous deception. And people will willingly believe. We need to be so careful in these days. There are so many men who profess to be godly, but are not teaching rightly from the Scriptures. I don't know much myself and I need to grow in knowledge of the Lord. Miracles alone are not enough to prove that someone is of God, we must listen to the message and see if it lines up with Scripture.

God will send them (those who do not love truth/unbelievers/have pleasure in unrighteousness) strong delusion to believe lie.

God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the spirit.
Another verse on election. God chose us for salvation from the beginning. And He will sanctify us by the spirit. If we are not growing in the Lord and being sanctified, we really must ask the question--Are we really saved?

Stand fast. May God establish you in every good word and work.

It is God who establishes the good words and work we are to do. I just need to be obedient to do it. Increase my love and desire for you, dear Lord! So that my heart will be more obedient!