2 Thessalonians 2:11
For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie,
For this reason
This phrase indicates a direct consequence of the actions or conditions previously described. In the context of 2 Thessalonians, Paul is addressing the rebellion and rejection of truth by those who are perishing. The Greek phrase "διὰ τοῦτο" (dia touto) emphasizes causality, suggesting that the subsequent action is a divine response to human choices. Historically, this reflects the biblical principle that God allows individuals to experience the consequences of their decisions, reinforcing the importance of free will and moral responsibility.

God will send
The active role of God in this phrase underscores His sovereignty and justice. The Greek verb "πέμπει" (pémpei) implies a deliberate action, highlighting that God is not passive but actively involved in the unfolding of His divine plan. This aligns with the biblical narrative where God, in His righteousness, sometimes allows or even orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the hardening of Pharaoh's heart in Exodus.

them
The pronoun "them" refers to those who have rejected the truth and are perishing. In the broader context of 2 Thessalonians, Paul is addressing individuals who have turned away from the gospel. This distinction between believers and non-believers is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing the consequences of rejecting God's truth.

a powerful delusion
The term "powerful delusion" is translated from the Greek "ἐνέργειαν πλάνης" (energeian planēs), which conveys the idea of an effective or operative deception. This suggests a supernatural influence that leads individuals away from the truth. Historically, this can be seen as a reflection of the spiritual warfare described in the New Testament, where false teachings and deceptions are tools used by the adversary to lead people astray.

so that they will believe
This phrase indicates the purpose or result of the delusion. The Greek "πιστεύσωσιν" (pisteusōsin) means "to believe," and in this context, it implies a misplaced faith or trust. Theologically, this highlights the danger of rejecting truth, as it opens individuals to deception and falsehood, leading them further away from God.

the lie
The definite article "the" in "the lie" suggests a specific falsehood, likely referring to the ultimate deception of the antichrist or the rejection of the gospel itself. The Greek "τῷ ψεύδει" (tō pseudei) can be understood as a singular, significant falsehood that stands in opposition to the truth of Christ. This reflects the biblical theme of truth versus falsehood, light versus darkness, and the ultimate choice every individual must make regarding their faith and allegiance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter, addressing the Thessalonian church to correct misunderstandings about the Day of the Lord.

2. Thessalonian Church
The recipients of the letter, a Christian community in Thessalonica facing persecution and confusion about end times.

3. God
The sovereign being who allows a delusion to come upon those who reject the truth.

4. The Man of Lawlessness
A figure mentioned earlier in the chapter, associated with deception and opposition to God.

5. The Lie
The falsehood that those under delusion will believe, contrasting with the truth of the Gospel.
Teaching Points
The Sovereignty of God in Judgment
God’s allowance of delusion is a form of judgment on those who reject the truth. This underscores His sovereignty and justice.

The Danger of Rejecting Truth
Persistent rejection of God’s truth can lead to spiritual blindness and susceptibility to deception.

The Importance of Discernment
Believers must cultivate discernment through Scripture and the Holy Spirit to avoid falling into deception.

The Role of Free Will
While God allows delusion, individuals are responsible for their choice to reject or accept the truth.

The Urgency of the Gospel
The reality of delusion and judgment highlights the urgency of sharing the Gospel with those who are perishing.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God’s sovereignty in allowing delusion impact your view of His justice and mercy?

2. In what ways can you guard yourself against spiritual deception in today’s world?

3. How does the concept of God allowing delusion challenge or affirm your understanding of free will and personal responsibility?

4. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are embracing truth rather than being swayed by "the lie"?

5. How can the urgency of the Gospel message motivate you to share your faith with others, especially in light of the potential for delusion?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Romans 1:24-28
This passage discusses God giving people over to their sinful desires as a consequence of their rejection of truth, similar to the delusion mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:11.

1 Kings 22:22-23
The account of a lying spirit sent to deceive Ahab, illustrating how God can permit deception as a form of judgment.

John 8:44
Jesus describes the devil as the father of lies, providing context for understanding the nature of "the lie" in 2 Thessalonians 2:11.

2 Timothy 4:3-4
Paul warns of a time when people will turn away from truth and embrace myths, paralleling the delusion in 2 Thessalonians.

Ephesians 4:18
Discusses the darkening of understanding and separation from the life of God due to ignorance and hardening of hearts.
AntichristR. Finlayson 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
The Man of SinB.C. Caffin 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12
The Methods of the Man of Sin and the Retribution that Overtakes His VictimsT. Croskery 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
The Love of the TruthW.F. Adeney 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
Choice Influences BeliefG. Sexton.2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
God and ErrorG. Sexton, LL. D.2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
God's Logic of SinJ. T. Wightman.2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
Ill-Disposed Affections Naturally and Penally the Cause of Darkness and ErrorR. South, D. D.2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
Judicial InfatuationJ. Hutchison, D. D.2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
Natural Law in the Spiritual WorldG. Sexton.2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
Punishment According to LawH. W. Beecher.2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
The Infatuation of the Followers of Antichrist2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
People
Paul, Thessalonians
Places
Thessalonica
Topics
Believe, Believing, Cause, Deceit, Deluding, Delusion, Error, Faith, Influence, Lie, Misleading, Power, Powerful, Reason, Sends, Strong, Working
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Thessalonians 2:9-11

     5348   injustice, nature and source

2 Thessalonians 2:11-12

     8707   apostasy, personal

2 Thessalonians 2:11-13

     1445   revelation, responses

Library
Everlasting Consolation and Good Hope
'Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation, and good hope through grace. 17. Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.'--2 THESS. ii. 16, 17. This is the second of the four brief prayers which, as I pointed out in my last sermon, break the current of Paul's teaching in this letter, and witness to the depth of his affection to his Thessalonian converts. We do not know the special circumstances
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Election
Now, first, I shall speak a little concerning the truthfulness of this doctrine: "God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation." Secondly, I shall try to prove that this election is absolute: "He hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation," not for sanctification, but "through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth." Thirdly, this election is eternal, because the text says, "God hath from the beginning chosen you." Fourthly, it is personal: "He hath chosen you." Then we
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

Grace and Holiness.
"Now God Himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end He may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints."--1 THESS. iii. 11-13. There are few more precious subjects for meditation and imitation than the prayers and intercessions of the great Apostle.
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Sixteenth Day. Holiness and Truth.
Make them holy in the Truth: Thy word is Truth.'--John xvii. 17. 'God chose you unto salvation in sanctification and belief of the Truth.'--2 Thess. ii. 12. The chief means of sanctification that God uses is His word. And yet how much there is of reading and studying, of teaching and preaching the word, that has almost no effect in making men holy. It is not the word that sanctifies; it is God Himself who alone can sanctify. Nor is it simply through the word that God does it, but through
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Colossians iii. 17
Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. This, like the other general rules of the gospel, is familiar enough to us all in its own words; but we are very apt to forbear making the application of it. In fact, he who were to apply it perfectly would be a perfect Christian: for a life of which every word and deed were said and done in the name of the Lord Jesus, would be a life indeed worthy of the children of God, and such
Thomas Arnold—The Christian Life

Approbation and Blessing.
"Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power: that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."--2 THESS. i. ii, 12. Two words sum up the Christian life--Grace and Glory; and both are associated with the two Comings of the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace particularly with the first Coming,
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul

The Edict of Banishment, 1729-1736.
But Zinzendorf was not long allowed to tread the primrose path of peace. As the news of his proceedings spread in Germany, many orthodox Lutherans began to regard him as a nuisance, a heretic, and a disturber of the peace; and one critic made the elegant remark: "When Count Zinzendorf flies up into the air, anyone who pulls him down by the legs will do him a great service." He was accused of many crimes, and had many charges to answer. He was accused of founding a new sect, a society for laziness;
J. E. Hutton—History of the Moravian Church

Fifteenth Day. The Holy Spirit.
But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believed on Him were to receive: for the Holy Spirit was not yet: because Jesus was not yet glorified.'--John vii. 39. 'The Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things.'--John xiv. 26. 'God chose you to salvation in sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth.'--2 Thess. ii. 13. (See 1 Pet. i. 2.) It has sometimes been said, that while the Holiness of God stands out more prominently
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

The Calling of the Regenerate:
"Whom He did predestinate, them He also called."--Rom. viii. 30. In order to hear, the sinner, deaf by nature, must receive hearing ears. "He that hath ears let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." (Rev. ii. 7, 11, 17, 29; iii. 6, 13, 22). But by nature the sinner does not belong to these favored ones. This is a daily experience. Of two clerks in the same office, one obeys the call and the other rejects it; not because he despises it, but because he does not hear God's call in it. Hence
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

First Day. God's Call to Holiness.
Like as He which called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living; because it is written, Ye shall be holy, for I am holy.'--1 Pet. i. 15, 16. The call of God is the manifestation in time of the purpose of eternity: 'Whom He predestinated, them He also called.' Believers are 'the called according to His purpose.' In His call He reveals to us what His thoughts and His will concerning us are, and what the life to which He invites us. In His call He makes clear to
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

The Third Wall.
The third wall falls of itself, as soon as the first two have fallen; for if the Pope acts contrary to the Scriptures, we are bound to stand by the Scriptures, to punish and to constrain him, according to Christ's commandment; "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Perseverance of the Saints Proved.
The following considerations, taken together, seem to me to establish the truth of the doctrine in question beyond reasonable doubt. 1. God has from eternity resolved upon the salvation of all the elect. This we have seen. No one of this number will ever be lost. These are given to Christ from eternity, as a seed to serve him. The conversion, perseverance, and final salvation of the elect, we have seen to be secured. Their conversion, perseverance, and salvation, are secured by means of the grace
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

Conflict and Comfort.
"For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; that their hearts may be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ."--COL. ii. 1, 2. Although he was in prison the Apostle was constantly at work for his Master, and not least of all at the work of prayer. If ever the words
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul

How Christ is to be Made Use Of, as the Way, for Sanctification in General.
Having shown how a poor soul, lying under the burden of sin and wrath, is to make use of Jesus Christ for righteousness and justification, and so to make use of him, go out to him, and apply him, as "he is made of God to us righteousness," 1 Cor. i. 30, and that but briefly. This whole great business being more fully and satisfactorily handled, in that forementioned great, though small treatise, viz. "The Christian's Great Interest," we shall now come and show, how a believer or a justified soul
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The Holy Spirit Bringing Forth in the Believer Christlike Graces of Character.
There is a singular charm, a charm that one can scarcely explain, in the words of Paul in Gal. v. 22, 23, R. V., "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, temperance." What a catalogue we have here of lovely moral characteristics. Paul tells us that they are the fruit of the Spirit, that is, if the Holy Spirit is given control of our lives, this is the fruit that He will bear. All real beauty of character, all real Christlikeness in us,
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Discerning Prayer.
INTRODUCTORY. BY D.W. WHITTLE. To recognize God's existence is to necessitate prayer to Him, by all intelligent creatures, or, a consciously living in sin and under condemnation of conscience, because they do not pray to Him. It would be horrible to admit the existence of a Supreme Being, with power and wisdom to create, and believe that the creatures he thought of consequence and importance enough to bring into existence, are not of enough consequence for him to pay any attention to in the troubles
Various—The Wonders of Prayer

Concerning God's Purpose
1. God's purpose is the cause of salvation. THE third and last thing in the text, which I shall but briefly glance at, is the ground and origin of our effectual calling, in these words, "according to his purpose" (Eph. i. 11). Anselm renders it, According to his good will. Peter Martyr reads it, According to His decree. This purpose, or decree of God, is the fountainhead of our spiritual blessings. It is the impulsive cause of our vocation, justification, glorification. It is the highest link in
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

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