Preparing for the End Times – God’s Timetable (Part 4) – The Resolve of God

Rev. Philip C. Andrukaitis, October 8, 2023

The Apostle Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians

General Theme:  Living Righteously While Waiting Patiently for Jesus to Return

Sermon Title:  Preparing for the End Times – God’s Timetable (Part 4) – The Resolve of God

Sermon Text:  Second Thessalonians 2:13-17

Subject:  A Secure Walk of Faith

Complement:  A secure walk of faith brings comfort to our soul.

Big Idea:  Don’t be a wimpy saint.

Introduction

The title of this sermon is Preparing for the End Times, which is based on 2nd Thessalonians 2:13-17.

Recently, I read a book entitled, Lawless, End-Times War against The Spirit of Anti-Christ, edited by Terry James.  Seventeen outstanding servants of the Lord have contributed their insights regarding the increased lawlessness that is sweeping over our world.  Each contributor believes the end times are upon us.  This is the last hour.  I believe this is true.

One of the contributors wrote:  “Vladimir Lenin, the one-time head of the Soviet Russia, was reported to have said, There are decades where nothing happens, and there are weeks where decades happen.  Breathtakingly, an acceleration of that magnitude appears to have unfolded in the early months of 2020.  No sooner than the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world, a new future seemed to have already been well-planned.  One cannot be blamed for thinking that a cadre of policymakers around the globe had been waiting for the next crisis.”

Today, we are watching the last days unfold before our eyes.  Consider the following events:

      • the push towards globalization
      • a cashless society where digital currency is overseen by government
      • the embrace of socialism by our senators and representatives
      • borderless nations
      • monetary policies designed to destroy a nation’s economy
      • the rise of lawlessness across our nation and throughout the world
      • pandemics
      • societal lockdowns
      • increased surveillances
      • being cancelled because conservative viewpoints do not advance a global narrative
      • Clinton believes “cult members” of conservative politicians need formal deprogramming
      • the systemic corruption within our government and other world governments, like Ukraine

AND IN THE PAST 48 HOURS, ISRAEL HAS DECLARED WAR ON HAMAS.  Israel is experiencing their 9/11.  When sinful man assaults the nation of Israel, these evil forces are poking their finger in God’s eye.  Speaking of Israel, the prophet Zechariah stated, “…he who touches you (Israel) touches the apple of God’s eye:  Behold, I (God) will shake my hand over them, and they shall become plunder for those who served them” (Zechariah 2:8b-9).

Israel has been attacked by Hamas and other terrorists who are seeking to attack Israel on all fronts.  Many Israeli civilians have been murdered in their homes, massacred in the streets, while other civilians have been dragged back into Gaza tunnels, only to be given over to blood-thirsty terrorists who will kill them.

How many Israeli civilians have been killed?  After WWII and the liberation of the Nazi death camps, Israel’s leaders said, “NEVER AGAIN.”  This proxy war is directed and funded by Iran.

God is still on His throne.  “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

Is it any wonder why so many people are fearful today?  I believe world leaders, who are demonically influenced (and in some cases, demonically possessed), are working to prevent the return of Jesus Christ Who will destroy the governments of the world and establish His kingdom of righteousness and justice.  Read Psalm 2.

As these issues unfold in real time, how should we react to these “fearful” issues and so conduct ourselves in these last days?  I believe the intensity / depth of our thankfulness to God is directly related to our understanding of eternal security in God’s redemptive plan.  God calls us not to live with an insecure heart but with a thankful heart.

Transitional Thoughts

Between Paul’s teaching about the “Man of Lawlessness” (The Antichrist), along with the doom that will come upon sinners who reject the truth of God (2nd Thessalonians 2:1-12) AND Paul’s prayer request (2nd Thessalonians 2:16-17) is Paul’s exhortation to walk confidently with the Lord Jesus through troubling times (2nd Thessalonians 2:13-15).  Therefore, here are three practices:

    • We are to give thanks for the truth.
    • We are to live out the truth.
    • We are to be comforted by the truth. 

I.  We are to give thanks for the truth.

But we ought always to give thanks to God for you,
brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first-fruits to be saved,
through the sanctification by the Spirit and believe in the truth.

 To this He called you through our gospel,
so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 (2nd Thessalonians 2:13-14)

Throughout Paul’s letter, he repeatedly gave thanks to God for the way the Thessalonian believers responded to God’s work in them.  (See 1st Thessalonians 1:2; 2:13; 3:9; 2nd Thessalonians 1:3; 2:13.)

We give thanks to God because we believe the truth regarding our salvation.  Here are five reasons from our text why we give thanks to God for our salvation.

    1. Because God loves us (See John 3:16; Romans 5:8).
    2. Because God chose us (See 1st Thessalonians 1:4; Ephesians 1:4; 1st Peter 1:2; 2nd 2:13).
    3. Because God set us apart by His Holy Spirit (sanctification) (2nd Thessalonians 2:13).
    4. Because God called us through the gospel (2nd Thessalonians 2:14).
    5. Because God promised us to share in the glory of Jesus. (See Romans 8:17-19, 28-30; 2nd Thessalonians 1:10).

Note:  Our salvation began with the grace of God and rests in the glory of God.  Indeed, we give thanks to God because we believe the truth regarding our salvation.  This is why we can walk confidently with the Lord, even when everything around us is falling apart.  We need not live with insecurity or fear.

II.  We are to live out the truth.

So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.
(2nd Thessalonians 2:15)

Keep in mind that Paul has just described a world in crisis, as the “Man of Lawlessness” (The Anti-Christ) will subject this world to his rule.  Lawlessness will reign.  People will reject the truth.  They will believe falsehood.  They will refuse to believe/love the truth.  They will take pleasure in unrighteousness.  Therefore, God will send into this world a strong delusion that will bring the “lost” soul to his/her ultimate end, hell – everlasting torment and separation from God.  (See 1st Thessalonians 2:9-12).  We are living in these days, now.

Yet, Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to stand firm and to hold to the traditions that they were taught.  In other words, don’t be spiritual weaklings.  Don’t worry, become anxious, or fearful.  So, let’s unpack Paul’s exhortation:

    • First, to “stand firm” is to have a solid grasp of basic Christian doctrines. Paul often exhorted other churches not to be weak or to flip flop on the basic truths of God but to stand firm.  Plant your feet firmly on the Word of God.  (See 1st Corinthians 15:58; 16:13; Ephesians 6:11, 13, 14; and Philippians 4:1).
    • Second, to “hold to the traditions” does not refer to man’s traditions (extrabiblical); rather, we are to embrace and hold tightly the biblical teachings that were handed down by spiritually mature teachers. In other words, formal teaching of the Word is in view.

Nevertheless, spiritual leaders who faithfully preach and teach God’s Word, individuals whom God has gifted, called, and recognized by the body of Christ – embrace their teachings!

A word of caution for individuals who take it upon themselves to teach the Bible; “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1).

Therefore, be sure God has gifted you.  Be sure God has called you.  Be sure that you know the Word – its breadth and depth.  Don’t just repeat to others what you have learned in the past.  Being a teacher of the Word is to remain a student of the Word all your life.

So, how do we live out the truth? 

    • Know the Word. Do not hold biblical truths loosely.  Each generation must fight for the truth, resisting those individuals who distort the Bible.
    • Live the Word.
    • Refute lies with truth.
    • Do not move away from the gospel.
    • Beware of “new insights” from the culture to redefine the gospel.

Most disturbing among many citizens in our country, most government officials and our congressional representatives deliberately distort the truth with half-truths and lies to advance their agenda and power.  Much of the legislation that comes out of the “hallowed halls” of congress come from the pit of hell as corrupt congressional representatives reject biblical values for unbiblical values.

Nevertheless, you guard the truth.  Stand firm in your faith.  And be careful what you read and to whom you listen.  When you do, you can walk confidently with the Lord, even as our world seems to be falling apart.

III.  We are to be comforted by the truth.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father,
Who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and hope through grace,
comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.
(2nd Thessalonians 2:16-17)

I love this benediction.  Paul often blessed his readers with benediction, reminding them of God’s love for them.  Look at verse 16; both the Father and Son love us.  Both give us eternal comfort and hope through their unfailing grace!

Consequently, this incredible blessing is designed to comfort us AND prosper our evangelistic outreach, along with our mission to make disciples, even as our country is sliding towards Sodom and Gomorrah.

God is the One Who establishes us.  God is the One Who works in us.  God is the One Who brings forth the fruit from our lives.

God has brought each of us to this unique place at this time.

    • He knows what lies ahead.
    • He knows the future losses of our freedoms.
    • He knows the challenges we will encounter.
    • He has promised never to leave us or forsake us.

And so, walk confidently with the Lord, no matter the circumstances in your life, family, church, country and our world.  God will comfort your heart and establish the work of your hands, according to His purpose and will.

Conclusion

Don’t be a wimpy saint.  Why?

    • A wimpy saint is not thankful a saint.
    • A wimpy saint is a spiritually weak saint.
    • A wimpy saint often misses God’s comforting grace.

God has resolved to save us, to lead us, and to comfort us throughout our earthly pilgrimage.  Therefore, don’t become spiritual wimps when all hell breaks out in your life or in our world.  God is still on His throne.  “Be still, and know that I am God.”