LLesson 13Scripture Twisting and the Second Coming,

Part 1

2 Thessalonians 2:1-52 Thessalonians 2:1-5

September 19, 2010

Paul’s Epistles to the ThessaloniansPaul’s Epistles to the Thessalonians

I.I. Introduction to Lesson Introduction to Lesson 1313A.A. James W. Sire: James W. Sire: Scripture Twisting: Twenty Ways Scripture Twisting: Twenty Ways

the Cults Misread the Biblethe Cults Misread the Bible1.1.Swami SatchitanandaSwami Satchitananda

2.2.Mary Baker EddyMary Baker Eddy

3.3.Jehovah’s WitnessesJehovah’s Witnesses

B.B. Scripture twisting is not unique to the cults – Scripture twisting is not unique to the cults – people professing to be Christians do it too.people professing to be Christians do it too.

1.1.Regarding sins condemned in the BibleRegarding sins condemned in the Bible

2.2.Regarding clear statements and commands in the Regarding clear statements and commands in the BibleBible

C.C. Our text is an example of men twisting the Our text is an example of men twisting the teaching of Paul on the Second Coming.teaching of Paul on the Second Coming.

II.II. A Word of Warning From Paul (2:1-2)A Word of Warning From Paul (2:1-2)A.A. It is a warning (concerning a coming threat)It is a warning (concerning a coming threat)

1.1.We We ask . . .ask . . .

2.2.The warning is stated in a generic manner. The warning is stated in a generic manner.

3.3.No specific individual named, nor a specific source No specific individual named, nor a specific source of of authority identifiedauthority identified

4.4.This looks to me like a movement (e.g. Open This looks to me like a movement (e.g. Open Theology, or The Emergent Church).Theology, or The Emergent Church).

B.B. The error is not a direct assault, but an indirect The error is not a direct assault, but an indirect one.one.

1.1.It claims Pauline authority.It claims Pauline authority.

2.2.It appears to clarify or modify Paul’s previous It appears to clarify or modify Paul’s previous teaching, as though this were coming from Paul (or teaching, as though this were coming from Paul (or the Holy Spirit).the Holy Spirit).

C.C. Possible authoritative sources claimed Possible authoritative sources claimed 1.1.A revelation of the Spirit (e.g. prophecy)A revelation of the Spirit (e.g. prophecy)

2.2.An oral message, spoken on Paul’s behalfAn oral message, spoken on Paul’s behalf

3.3.A written letterA written lettera.a. Not presented, but claimed to be received from PaulNot presented, but claimed to be received from Paul

b.b. A forgery (no wonder Paul authenticated his epistles – see A forgery (no wonder Paul authenticated his epistles – see 1 Corinthians 16:21; Galatians 6:11)1 Corinthians 16:21; Galatians 6:11)

D.D. The false teaching: The Day of the Lord has The false teaching: The Day of the Lord has come/is here.come/is here.

E.E. How could such an error find acceptance?How could such an error find acceptance?1.1.Paul’s emphasis on the Second ComingPaul’s emphasis on the Second Coming

2.2.The importance of the Second Coming to the The importance of the Second Coming to the ThessaloniansThessalonians

3.3.The suffering of the ThessaloniansThe suffering of the Thessalonians

4.4.Paul’s absencePaul’s absence

5.5.The claim to be divinely inspired Pauline doctrineThe claim to be divinely inspired Pauline doctrine

F.F. The impact: stirred and shakenThe impact: stirred and shaken1.1.I’ve missed it! Can I be saved?I’ve missed it! Can I be saved?a.a. Why am I still here, suffering (as the wicked were Why am I still here, suffering (as the wicked were

supposed to do)?supposed to do)?

b.b. Why was I caught unaware (1 Thes. 5:1-11)?Why was I caught unaware (1 Thes. 5:1-11)?

2.2.The Messiah must be here, somewhere.The Messiah must be here, somewhere.a.a. Matthew 24:3-5*Matthew 24:3-5*

b.b. What of the resurrection of the dead in Christ (1 Thes. What of the resurrection of the dead in Christ (1 Thes. 4:13-18)?4:13-18)?

1)1) Denied (1 Cor. 15:12).Denied (1 Cor. 15:12).

2)2) It has already come (2 Tim. 2:16-18).It has already come (2 Tim. 2:16-18).

3)3) It is spiritualized (2 Tim. 2:16-18).It is spiritualized (2 Tim. 2:16-18).

III.III. Paul’s Correction: Why the Day of the Lord Paul’s Correction: Why the Day of the Lord has not come (2:3-5).has not come (2:3-5).A.A. The rebellion/apostasy must come The rebellion/apostasy must come firstfirst (2:3). (2:3).

1.1.““Apostasy” isn’t the rapture.Apostasy” isn’t the rapture.2.2.Matthew 24:9-14 (esp. v. 10*)Matthew 24:9-14 (esp. v. 10*)3.3.I see a people prepared for the “man of I see a people prepared for the “man of

lawlessness” lawlessness” (see 2 Thes. 2:7).(see 2 Thes. 2:7).

B.B. The “man of lawlessness” must be revealed (2:3-The “man of lawlessness” must be revealed (2:3-4).4).

1.1.Matthew 24:15Matthew 24:152.2.Daniel 11:36 (LXX); Ezekiel 28:2Daniel 11:36 (LXX); Ezekiel 28:23.3.Satan-like, but not SatanSatan-like, but not Satan4.4.The “temple” problemThe “temple” problem

C.C. I told you all this before (2:5).I told you all this before (2:5).

IV.IV. Conclusion and ApplicationConclusion and ApplicationA.A. Our world is ripe for the “man of lawlessness.”Our world is ripe for the “man of lawlessness.”

B.B. The purpose of prophecyThe purpose of prophecy

C.C. Beware of “new revelation” that changes or sets Beware of “new revelation” that changes or sets aside what has been revealed in Scripture (2 Peter aside what has been revealed in Scripture (2 Peter 1;12-13, 15). 1;12-13, 15).

D.D. What can we learn from the Thessalonians about What can we learn from the Thessalonians about prophecy, so that we are not deceived?prophecy, so that we are not deceived?

1.1.We are warned about deception.We are warned about deception.

2.2.We know all we need to know (Deut. 29:29)We know all we need to know (Deut. 29:29)

3.3.Be predisposed toward a literal meaning.Be predisposed toward a literal meaning.

4.4.Don’t go beyond Scripture (1 Cor. 4:6).Don’t go beyond Scripture (1 Cor. 4:6).

5.5.We understand crises via doctrine, not doctrine in We understand crises via doctrine, not doctrine in times of crisis (Ephesians 4:14).times of crisis (Ephesians 4:14).

Copyright © 2010 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. This is the edited PowerPointpresentation of Lesson 13 in the series, Paul’s Epistles to the Thessalonians,prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh for September 19, 2010. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit.