Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 18, 2022: SOAP #4549: 1Kings 3; 2Chronicles 1; Psalm 78; 2Thessalonians 2

SCRIPTURE:  2Thessalonians (NIV) 2:7 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.

OBSERVATION: The Bible does not give us every detail of the future, but it gives us enough information to trust that God has everything under control.  In this verse I see three very important issues regarding evil and the future.

First:  Evil is not the final authority.  Evil cannot advance further than allowed.  There is a limit.  There are boundaries.  Job may have thought differently while going through his time of trouble, but God allowed Satan only so much freedom.

Second:  I see that evil will be revealed, which from the context seems to imply that the restraints will be removed.  The man of lawlessness will come into a place of recognition and increased but limited authority.  

Third: I see that timing is of great importance. There will clearly be a great victory over Satan, the false prophet, and the beast! Of that, the Bible is clear.

In the release of the evil, Jesus will be glorified as His great power will be seen over a great enemy. Whoever can hold back evil, must have greater power than evil!  Whoever “overthrows” evil definitely has greater power than evil! 

APPLICATION: This verse gives me hope that evil can be restrained.  Through prayer, the sword of the Spirit and in the power of the Holy Spirit, evil can be resisted.

In the release of the evil, mankind will clearly be given the choice of obeying or rejecting evil.  They will no longer be tricked into obeying evil as it will be clear to all for he will be revealed.

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, keep me aware of what is happening in the world and in our country.  Help me to recognize evil, in me, in my country, and in the world.  Use me to resist evil.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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