2 Thessalonians 2:7-12 TPT
7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already active, but the one who prevails will do so until he is separated from out of the midst. 8 Then the “outlaw” will be openly revealed, and the Lord will overthrow him by the breath of his mouth and bring him to an end by the dazzling manifestation of his presence.
9 The presence of the “outlaw” is apparent by the activity of Satan, who uses all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs, spurious wonders, 10 and every form of evil deception in order to deceive those who are perishing because they rejected the love of the truth that would lead them to being saved. 11 Because of this, God sends them a powerful delusion [working of error] that leads them to believe what is false. 12 So then all who found their pleasure in unrighteousness and did not believe the truth will be judged.
Lawlessness is a hidden underlying force in human beings—an evil spirit from which sin and corruption emanates. God put into place the spiritual, moral, and governmental laws in order to set a standard, as well as hold back the expression of evil and corruption—lawlessness. Those who love God love his law and live according to his standard or Word. So, lawlessness has always been and remains associated with choosing a life in rebellion to God’s established laws and authority (Romans 13).
We are seeing the work of lawlessness in our country. The choice to riot, loot, destroy the property of others, as well as demonize and demoralize the police is all instigated by the spirit of lawlessness. Now, let’s take this a bit further; one day the spirit of lawlessness will culminate in one human being with the purpose of taking over the world; this being will try to overthrow Almighty God. Scripture calls this human being filled with a lawless spirit the “outlaw” or the Antichrist—evil incarnate. So, allowing a spirit of lawlessness to permeate this country is just setting the stage for more to come. Lawlessness is never from God and those who allow it are equally lawless and in rebellion against God’s Word. Hope is ours because the end of the story has already been written and those who read it know the Lord of lords and the King of kings takes down the Antichrist with the Word and judges the world with righteousness. Wake up to the Holy Spirit and give no room to lawlessness.
Prayer: Father, thank you for the desire you have placed within me to follow the Spirit who helps me live according to your standard and Word. Although I fail every day and need your forgiveness, I praise you for helping me grow and learn. The very fact that acts of lawlessness in our world grieves my spirit tells me I am on the right path. In Jesus’ name. Amen.