Breath of life
2 Thessalonians 2.1-12
Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way.
Prepare
How do you rebel against God and ignore or reject his teachings? How have you fallen short already today? Make a note of them (you’ll need that for a time of confession later).
Read
Explore
There are few passages in Paul’s letters more difficult than this one, not least because his argument refers to teachings we don’t have (vs 5,6). While we can’t understand in full, we can discern some important truths and warnings.
First, sin is rebellion against God – lawlessness, chaos (v 3) – which tries to take his place (v 4). Second, the full expression of sin’s rebellion is being held back (v 6) – perhaps by God himself, perhaps by the rule of law. Third, Satan works through powerful deception and lies (v 9). Fourth, God’s judgement is to give those who reject his truth exactly what they want (vs 10–12). And fifth, although these patterns of sin are repeated throughout history, one day someone will arise as the ultimate expression of this rebellion. But how will God deal with him? Read verse 8.
There is not even a skirmish, let alone a great battle. Take a breath and breathe out – that is all Jesus needs to do to ‘overthrow’ this enemy!
Respond
Pick up the list of things you need to confess that you noted earlier. For each one, take a deep breath (breathing in God’s grace and power), and then breathe out slowly (breathing out God’s praise and victory over sin). Finally pray, ‘Thank you!’