My Promise: I will suggest an important lesson from the Man of Lawlessness for your Christian walk.
The “Man of Lawlessness” is mentioned only once in Scripture, in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. The limited information given has prompted much unfounded speculation. Our late brother and scholar, Wayne Jackson, has done a very good job of answering much of that speculation. We’ve also offered an article titled Can We Identify the Man of Lawlessness? We may differ as to the one spoken of by Paul, but we can ask, what is the lesson of the Man of Lawlessness? Why is this report important enough for the Holy Spirit to preserve? Surely the lesson is more important than a mysterious name. I’m about to share that lesson with you.
A Quick Backgrounder
Paul established this congregation during his second missionary journey (Acts 16:36) and as part of the so-named “Macedonian Call” (Acts 16:6-10). But, unrest and disturbances forced Paul to flee at night to nearby Berea (Acts 19:1-9).
The apostle wrote two letters and in both addressed ongoing confusion about the second coming of Jesus. The first letter corrected the idea that those Christians who had died had missed out on eternal life (1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 18). The second letter corrected a horrible idea that the Lord had already returned and that they had missed it (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12). It is in this discussion that the Lesson from the Man of Lawlessness occurs.
Evil is Rooted in Humanity
We produced this terribly evil man. Notice that he is both a man and a son (vs.3). The personal pronouns are all masculine. While these things could be said of an impersonal force, influence or power, the entire tenor of the passage points to a person or human position. This evil person is held responsible for the spiritual downfall of many.
We like to think that true evil is rare. It’s not. Evil takes center stage in the form of mass murderers and serial killers. But, the darkest evil, the evil that leads men to eternal destruction, most often stands close to us.
Evil Reigns…for Now
Look around. Evil is everywhere. Like you, I see it at every scale, international, national, state, and local. It even occurs in our homes. Sometimes, it’s a serial killer. Other times, it is a greedy, backstabbing co-worker. If you hit the news sites on the internet, you will be overwhelmed with reports of really bad people doing really bad things. It is everywhere.
For now.
The lesson of the man of Lawlessness is that Jesus will win. The son of perdition will be destroyed. The evil will end (see verse 8). In Revelation, the last book of the Bible, we read:
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3,4)
and next, speaking of heaven itself,
“But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27).
Jesus Will Destroy Evil
In a sense, Jesus destroyed Satan when he stepped out of the tomb. Although he is destined now to lose, he remains a deadly influence. He cannot force anyone to do anything, Paul wrote,
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
He cannot force us, but he can bring strong influence on our lives to surrender even though the war is won.
In our text in 2 Thessalonians, Paul reminds his readers that the Man of Lawlessness operates by the activity of Satan (2 Thessalonians 2:9) and that the Man of sin will be killed with “the breath of his mouth” and Jesus’ appearance. So then, the whole source of evil will be taken away!
“the breath of his mouth”
There is an interesting connection associated with the phrase “breath of his mouth.” In Ephesians 6:7, the word of God is described as the sword of the Spirit. In Hebrews 4:12, the word of God is described as being “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.” The imagery is clear: The word of God is for combat against evil. That combat ends in victory for Jesus and his people.
The Battle Continues
The Letter of 2 Thessalonians was written almost 2,000 years ago, and evil still exists. It’s not imaginary or an illusion. He is real. You and I have no choice but to be in this war, but we do choose which side to align with.
The Lesson of the Man of Lawlessness is to Stand Firm
The Lesson of the Man of Lawlessness is about standing firm and perseverance to not budge. I will not insult you by claiming it will be easy. Satan is active and dangerous. There is a reason why he is called a “roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8). Because of this danger, Paul tells the Thessalonians to stand firm and not be moved.
What to do?
- It is essential that you decide, within your heart and mind, that you will seek Christ without compromise. Apart from such conviction, you will fail. “choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15).
- Commit the entirety of your life to God in prayer. Say it! Not that he needs to hear it, but because you do. “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act” (Psalm 37:5)
- Look for evil and avoid it at all costs. Do not play with fire. “Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22)
- Expect to struggle. The Bible often uses combat language to describe our walk. You will struggle. Even Paul did. “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” (Romans 7:15)
Your future is bright in Christ. He will sustain you against the evil.
I would be most grateful if you would leave a comment below. Any applause, criticism, thought, or request would be appreciated.
Your articles always have some really good reminders of how we need to conduct our daily life. This one is no exception. Thank you .
As the saying goes,” I needed that!”