Introduction:     Are you looking for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ? There are those that are confused about the Lord’s return, but there is no need to be. It is exciting to be living in the last days with the prospect of the Lord’s return at any moment. With all the speculation concerning the second coming of Christ you do not have to be in a state of confusion because the Bible teaches us that the end is clear! Notice three things that are going to happen in the not too distant future.

I.          A SINISTER INCARNATION (VV.3-4)

Evil is going to be incarnated in a man (Jesus is God incarnated in flesh, but the man described here is Satan’s superman).

            A.        A Satanic Inspiration (v.3)

Why is he called the “man if sin”

·        He is a man

·        He will be the culmination of sin

He is also called the “son of perdition”

·        “Perdition” = destruction - He is one inspired by the destroyer and will cause great destruction on the earth. 

B.         A Bold Impersonation (v.4)

Satan has from the beginning, tried to rise above God Himself. The spirit of antichrist is even now making way for the antichrist who will oppose the plan, purpose, and power of God. (Illus. One World Order = one world government; one world economy; one world military; one world religion). He will demand the corporate worship of the people (King Nebochadnezzar). People are already worshiping man (expound). (Illus. Jesus is more blessed than Buddha, more majestic than Mohammad, and more exciting than Elvis! There is but one God and Jesus is His Name! We will not bow before any computer, we will not bow before an entertainer, and we will not bow before a religious leader! There is only One Worthy of our Praise!) It is easy to see tonight how the world that rejects the Lord Jesus Christ will bow at the feet of the antichrist (expound). The only place to bow is at the foot of the old rugged cross before our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, because He alone is God!

II.         A SUDDEN EVACUATION (VV.5-8)

God’s people sometime need to be reminded of some things because the devil messes with your mind.

            A.        The Remembrance Of The Saint (v.5)

Paul reminds them (and us) that he has already told them these things.

            B.         The Restraint Of The Spirit (v.6)

Since the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit of God has indwelt the heart of every believer. 1 Cor. 6 teaches us that our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. Eph.2 teaches us that we are sealed with the “earnest” of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is restraining evil (expound). Not with a program, but with a person. (Personal pronoun, He – v.7) “letteth” = hinder. How does the Holy Spirit hinder?

·        By opening the minds of people to the truth of God’s Word.

·        By bringing conviction to man’s heart and soul that drives him to the cross.

·        By making people understand the benefits of Calvary. When Jesus died on the cross He shed His blood to pay the debit of sin. That He rose from the grave to provide justification and that the gospel is not just a plan to look at, it is a person to receive!

·        By helping people understand that Christianity is not a religion that reforms but is a “New Birth” experience that redeems!

·        Every public confession of faith in Jesus is evidence that the Holy Spirit is hindering the forces of evil in this world!

C.        The Rapture Of The Saints (v.7)

The blessed Holy Ghost will not always hinder evil. “Until he be taken out of the way” At the rapture the Holy Spirit that indwells us will leave this planet with us.

III.       A SUCCESSFUL DECEPTION (VV.9-12)

Everyone who says they are ain’t! Some are waiting to see if it’s true. After the rapture then I’ll know it’s true, “That’s when I’ll get saved.” Oh, will you?

            A.        He Will Be Clever (v.9)

The antichrist will come performing real miracles intended to deceive. Religion today has over emphasized this. We have a generation looking for signs and wonders that don’t want to serve or sacrifice or go soul winning, who won’t give or be faithful to the things of God or His Church, but are searching for the spectacular. New Age religions are even now preparing the world to accept the lie of the antichrist and explain away the rapture.

            B.         He Will Be Calculating (v.10)

That is his goal that you perish. “Receive” = welcome (They loved not the truth because if you love the truth you receive the truth). Being saved is the issue. He is calculating and deceiving so you will believe the lie and perish without Jesus and join him in a devil’s hell!

            C.        He Is Compelling (v.11)

“Strong” = energy; God will sent them the “energy” of delusion. (Illus. God’s dead line).

            D.        It Is Complete (v.12)  

It has now come to a head. These do not just sin they love their sin.

Conclusion:       We are living in a most unusual time. I don’t know at what time Jesus will return, but I know He will return! What if Jesus were to come tonight at 8:00 pm.? Some will no doubt say, “He won’t.” My friend, if He doesn’t come tonight at 8:00 pm. I want you to know that I will have lost nothing, but if He does come, and you’re not saved you will have lost everything!