Central Truth

There is evil at work--only the powerful Almighty God can restrain Satan and the spirit of wickedness that permeates the world. As believers, we must hold fast to our faith in the face of counterfeits and deceivers.

Reflections

The more we evolve, the more our human character remains the same. We may be products of a civilized, post-industrial-revolution nation, but that only means we're more comfortable--not more spiritually evolved. We still need God.

A great general once said, "We've harnessed the power of the atom, but how can we bridle the passions of men?" That's the problem - this lawlessness, this spirit of rebellion has existed in humankind since Adam and Eve.

However, in this passage, Paul says that something is restraining Satan from taking over. And something through the course of the centuries has been restraining lawlessness, preventing total anarchy. I believe it is the presence of "people of God" on Earth, filled with the Holy Spirit, that restrains the forces of evil. 

The temptations are all around us, calling to us--some blatant, some subtle. I remember the first time I felt it. I was in a Piggly Wiggly grocery store with my father. I wanted a Three Musketeers, but it was right before dinner and he wouldn't allow it. I looked around and reached for one anyway, but there was a tug in my gut holding me back. I feel that tug today when I'm headed in the wrong direction, when my mind is going places it need not go. The spirit of God saves me from the floodgates of evil. 

It's that tug on a MEGA scale that holds back the floodgates.

In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul says that the restraint is going to be taken out of the way; the whole flood of human evil will be let loose upon the earth. And when that happens, there will come the greatest time of trouble the world has ever seen. It's not going to be pretty. But those who have trusted in God, who have listen to the words of His Son, will be spared. 

It is a comfort to know that God provides the hope and the strength when we need it most--all we need to do is trust in Him.

Discussion Questions

1. Picture what the world would be like with no restraints.

2. Who is the the lawless one and how will he be revealed?

3. When was the last time you were quiet enough to listen to God's tug? What was happening at the time?

4. What can you do to be more aware of the presence of God?