Tom Leonard - December 16, 2012
Who Restrains the Secret Power of Sin ?
Who Restrains the Secret Power of Sin? II Thessalonians 1:1-12 Main Point:The one who holds back the secret power of sin/lawlessness now will be taken out of the way, and then the lawless one will be revealed. (verses 6-8) Two very important things to note (verse 6) ‘what’ = neuter (verse 7) the ‘one’ = masculine 1.Roman Empire/Emperor? (Pax Romana – neuter) and Roman Emperor (masculine) Roman Empire fell 476 AD! 2.Revived Roman Empire? Euro-Roman empire (neuter) could arise with a charismatic leader (masculine) 3.The Principle of Law in general? Does not meet the requirements. 4.The Holy Spirit (in the Church)! Spirit (pneuma) = neuter, and Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit with the pronoun ‘He’ = masculine. After the Lawless one has been revealed, the Lord Jesus will overthrow and destroy him. (verse 8) Implications: Have you gotten off track? Get back on!! Have you surrendered your life to the coming conquering Christ?! We must be saved today! II Corinthians 11:3-4
Scripture References: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17, Revelation 12:7-9, Matthew 24:42-44, 2 Corinthians 11:3-4
