What Love Looks Like:

In the Pulpit of a Godly Leader

(Part 1)

2 Thessalonians 2:7-12 (KJV)

7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Hermeneutic Presentation: 
2 Thessalonians 2:7-12

Hermeneutics is simply “college speak” for giving an interpretation.

Context and Background

The passage from 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12 is part of a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Thessalonica. This letter addresses concerns regarding the Second Coming of Christ and the events that will precede it. The specific verses in question deal with themes of deception, the mystery of iniquity, and divine judgment.

Historical Context

• Date: The letter is believed to have been written around A.D. 50-51.
• Audience: The early Christian community in Thessalonica, facing persecution and confusion about eschatological (end times) events.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

Verse 7

“For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.”

Main Points:

• Mystery of Iniquity: Refers to the hidden forces of evil at work even during Paul’s time.
• He who now letteth: Often interpreted as a reference to a restraining force (commonly viewed as the Holy Spirit or a governing authority) that prevents full revelation of evil.

Subpoints:

1. Current Activity: Indicates that evil was already present and active.
2. Restraining Influence: Suggests that there is a divine or institutional restraint on evil until a specific time.

Verse 8

“And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:”

Main Points:

• Revelation of “that Wicked”: This likely refers to an Antichrist figure or ultimate embodiment of evil.
• Divine Judgment: Emphasizes that Christ will ultimately defeat this figure through His power.

Subpoints:

1. Spirit of His Mouth: Symbolizes the authority and power of Christ’s words.
2. Brightness of His Coming: Reflects on the glory associated with Christ’s return.

Verse 9

“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,”

Main Points:

• Satanic Influence: Highlights that this wicked figure operates under Satan’s influence.
• Deceptive Signs: Indicates that false miracles will accompany this figure’s arrival.

Subpoints:

1. Power and Signs: Suggests an imitation or counterfeit to true divine power.
2. Lying Wonders: Warns against being deceived by appearances.

Verse 10

“And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.”

Main Points:

• Deception Leading to Perishing: Those who reject truth are susceptible to deception.
• Love for Truth as Salvation Key: Emphasizes importance of accepting truth for salvation.

Subpoints:

1. Unrighteousness Deceitfulness: Explains how unrighteousness can lead people away from God.
2. Rejection Consequences: Highlights dire consequences for those who do not embrace truth.

Verses 11-12

“And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

Main Points:

• Divine Delusion as Judgment: God allows those who reject Him to fall into deception as a form of judgment.
• Pleasure in Unrighteousness Leads to Damnation: Those who choose sin over truth face severe consequences.

Subpoints:

1. Strong Delusion Sent by God: Indicates God’s sovereignty even over human choices leading to judgment.
2. Consequences for Choices Made Against Truth: Reinforces accountability for rejecting divine truth.

Key Takeaway Points

1. The passage emphasizes ongoing spiritual warfare between good and evil, highlighting both current deceptions and future revelations.
2. It warns believers about being vigilant against false teachings and encourages adherence to biblical truths for salvation.
3. Divine judgment is portrayed as both just and inevitable for those who reject God’s truth in favor of unrighteousness.

This hermeneutic analysis reveals critical insights into Paul’s teachings on eschatology, emphasizing vigilance against deception while affirming God’s ultimate authority over evil.

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