Sermon Outline  Feb 17, 2008 Evening Service

Topic: Do’s And Don’ts

Text:   2 Thessalonians 2:1-8

Introduction 

I.        Have you given serious thought to how big the subject of the second coming of Christ is in our society?

II.       That was the problem in Thessalonica.

A.       They had received a letter from someone who claimed to be Paul.

B.       Because of all the confusion about the Second Coming, Paul gave them some Do’s And Don’ts in chapter 2.  

Text

I.        Don’t be distressed or deceived (2 Thessalonians 2:2-3).

A.       Some Christians actually avoid learning about the Second Coming of Christ because the whole scenario scares them.

1.       They don’t want to think about something so seemingly tragic.

2.       They don’t feel they’re ready so they push it aside.

3.       They don’t understand it so they give up altogether.

B.       This is a favorite subject of deceivers.

1.       Ever since the days of the early church, there have been false teachings about the coming of the Lord.

2.       It is easy to see why Paul warned, “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way” (NIV).

C.      The way to avoid being deceived is to hold on to the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

II.       Do stand firm and hold on (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

A.       When Jesus came the first time, no one had it all figured out ahead of time.

1.       Even his closest disciples had it wrong when it came to the details.

2.       It was only when they looked back that they finally saw how the prophecies had been fulfilled.

B.       That seems to be true for His return as well (Matthew 24:36-39).

C.      In every biblical matter:

1.       If we hold firmly to what the scriptures say (and don’t say) we’ll be able to stand just fine.

2.       If we hold firmly to what the scriptures say (and don’t say) we can’t be deceived.

3.       If we hold firmly to what the scriptures say (and don’t say) we’ll have no cause for distress.

Conclusion

I.        When asked when Christ will come I’ll give the only biblical answer: I don’t know.

II.       What matters is not when he will return but rather who he will find ready (Matthew 25).

A.       While we wait for the Lord’s promised coming, we can stand firm and hold on to the truth.

B.       We won’t be deceived if we accept the Bible.

III.      Here is Paul’s conclusion of this matter: (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).