1 “Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.”
This is undoubtedly one of the more difficult passages in the New Testament because it is using terms and pictures which were perfectly familiar to those to whom Paul was speaking, but which are strange to our time and culture.
There were some rumors concerning the Day of the Lord. Some were told that it had already occurred and they missed out on it. He does not want them to be so upset with false rumors concerning the Lord's coming. When He comes, they will be gathered together with Him as Paul described in I Thessalonians 4:13-18. They will be caught up in the air to be with Jesus. The dead will rise from the graves. Jesus’ return is the rally point for all His scattered people in one event. We will meet Him.
The Thessalonians should not be shaken in mind, or troubled by spirit, or word, or letter as though such different rumors were from Paul. Thessalonians ought not be deceived by anyone who claims to have received a different message from the Lord. If these people claim a spirit gave them that message, or an angel, or vision, or heard it or even seen it written, do not be deceived!
A mystery, secret, something in God's time and plans alone will not be given to men until Jesus comes. So, if I or anyone, tells you when Jesus is returning, or who the Anti-Christ is, or any other secret that is at this time is hidden from the church do not get excited. The word is written so that we will not be deceived by rumors. It is in God’s hands and not man’s.
Paul says that day shall not come until there is rebellion or a falling away, and the man of lawlessness will be revealed. The Day of the Lord is the time God will come and intervene with judgment and blessing. It will climax history as we know it.
There will be certain signs to look for before the Day of the Lord will come. There will be apostasy and a large turning away from the truth.
Application: The question each person must ask is “Are you ready for His return?”.
Prayer: Lord, I look to Your Word for the truth of your return. I love and trust Your Word and truth. Help me to live my life always ready for that day.
