We have begun a new series entitled: ”The Next Exit.” The last time we spoke about the issue of “apostasy” looking at the book of Jude. There is another condition that is related to the end times, that is at work in our world - it is called "lawlessness", that is a disregard for any rule, regulation or law.
2 Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.
Paul talks about this mystery of lawlessness that is already at work in our world. What is this mystery? Well, it is the forces of evil the devil will usher in. Have you heard of the term “rogue nation"? A nation gone rogue in spiritual terms is a nation of people who have no regard for laws, no respect for authority and no consequences for actions. It is a world in which there are mass murders and terrorist acts. It is a nation in which the police are the cause of the problem and they need to be dismantled and defunded. It's a world where borders are open to sex traffickers and drug dealers. It is a world of lawlessness, a nation gone rogue.
But in a spiritual sense being lawless means something different. There are three components to this state of lawlessness. a) To have no regard for the law b) To encourage behavior contrary to the law c) To punish those who fail to approve of your lawlessness.
In the Old Testament there were seasons of lawlessness, they were identified by the phrase “everyone did what was right in their own eyes.”
This is the condition of lawlessness that presently exists in our world. Paul calls it a mystery; that is Satan's devious secret plan to throw the world into chaos and lawlessness - and it will affect the church. Jesus says that in the end times that the condition of “lawlessness” will affect our relationship to Him. Matthew 24:12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
Because the world will have no regard for the law, for rules of morality, or Christian faith, and because society will punish those who fail to approve of their lawlessness, many people who said they were “all in” in serving the Lord will change their tune. That’s why Jesus follows up with this verse: Matthew 24:13 “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”
The Holy Spirit is the Restrainer, He is holding back the ultimate evil that will come to the world through His Church, and He will continue to do so until we are taken away to be with our Savior.
Join us in person on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. or via livestream by going to https://www.firstbaptistsudbury.com and clicking on livestream for “A Nation Gone Rogue.”
Blessings,
Kevin