Obtaining the Guaranteed Glory
New You
July 8, 2018
Rev. Gabe Sylvia
Facing a coming widespread falling away led by a persuasive 'man of lawlessness,' believers are urged to give thanks, hold to apostolic traditions, rely on the Holy Spirit's sanctifying and empowering presence, and continue doing good works with hope and courage because God is for us.
Summary
Drawing from 2 Thessalonians 2:13–17 and a series on being conformed to Christ, the sermon warns of a future, intense falling away in which persuasive false influence will lead many nominal followers astray. Paul’s remedy is threefold: thankfulness for God’s work, renewed commitment to the apostolic traditions consistent with the Gospel, and reliance on the Holy Spirit to set believers apart, comfort them, and empower them for faithful witness and good works. The sermon calls the church to reject the spirit of the age and human traditions that corrupt, to stand firm on the rock of Christ, and to live with hope and courage because God is for us.
Key Points
- Thanksgiving for God's protection and provision (personal note of gratitude)
- Sermon context: closing a series on being conformed to Christ, focus on 2 Thessalonians 2:13–17
- Warning: a coming, intense falling away led by a persuasive 'man of lawlessness' that will deceive many who merely profess Christ
- Threefold equipping: give thanks, renew commitment to apostolic/Gospel traditions, and rely on God's empowering
- Believers are set apart by the Spirit, not persuaded by Satan's influence
- Hold to traditions consistent with the Gospel; beware traditions of men shaped by the spirit of the age
- The Holy Spirit comforts and strengthens believers as they do every good word and work
- Final encouragement: act with hope and courage because God is for us; pray for faithfulness and mission
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