The Beginning of the End

July 5, 2023

Adrian Rogers

Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10

Jesus Christ could come again at any moment. The stage is set, and the curtain is ready to be drawn back on the drama of the ages. Things are about to unfold, and we are living in the beginning of the end.

2 Thessalonians reveals three tremendous truths about the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“And to you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels…” (2 Thessalonians 1:7).

First, we need not be disturbed.

Jesus is on His way, and when He comes again, His glory will be revealed. Though we don’t know the exact time or day, we know He will return exactly on time.

“When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day” (2 Thessalonians 1:10).

We will be witnesses of His transforming love, amazing grace, and steadfast power; our testimonies will be what brings others to wonder at Him as well.

Secondly, we need not be deceived.

Many false prophets will come, specifically the Antichrist. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 states: “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed...”

Adrian Rogers says, “Our trouble began with the sin of man; it will climax with the man of sin.”

There’s something very sinister already at work in our world today, called the mystery of iniquity. Once the Church is raptured, there will be nothing to restrain iniquity, and the devil’s evil power will be unleashed.

Finally, we need not be disappointed.

Jesus will come secretly for His Church, then sovereignly to rule and reign. 2 Thessalonians 2:8 reveals, “Then shall that wicked be revealed, who the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth.”

Jesus, who came first to seek and to save, will return with judgment. He came first in mercy; He will return in flaming fire, to take vengeance. He came first in humility; He will return in incredible power. We will not be disappointed if we’ve placed our faith in Him.

Apply it to your life

As we anticipate Jesus’ return, continue praying for our world and for the lost. Share the Gospel at every opportunity, and live unshaken in this shaky world.