2 Thessalonians 2:12
in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness.
in order that
This phrase indicates purpose or result. In the Greek, it is often translated from "ἵνα" (hina), which is used to express the intention behind an action. Here, it signifies God's sovereign plan and purpose in allowing events to unfold as they do. It reminds us that God is in control and that His plans are ultimately for the fulfillment of His divine justice and righteousness.

judgment will come
The Greek word for judgment here is "κρίσις" (krisis), which refers to a decision or verdict. In the biblical context, it often denotes God's righteous judgment. This phrase underscores the certainty of divine justice. It serves as a sobering reminder that God's judgment is inevitable and will be executed with perfect fairness and righteousness.

upon all
This phrase emphasizes the universality of God's judgment. No one is exempt from accountability before God. It reflects the comprehensive nature of divine justice, which will be applied to every individual. This universality is a call to self-examination and repentance, knowing that all will stand before God's judgment seat.

who have disbelieved the truth
The Greek word for disbelieved is "ἀπιστέω" (apisteo), meaning to refuse to believe or to be unfaithful. The truth refers to the gospel message and the revelation of God through Jesus Christ. This phrase highlights the critical nature of faith and belief in the truth of the gospel. It serves as a warning against the rejection of God's revealed truth, which leads to spiritual peril.

and delighted in wickedness
The word delighted comes from the Greek "εὐδοκέω" (eudokeo), meaning to take pleasure in or to approve. Wickedness, from the Greek "ἀδικία" (adikia), refers to injustice or unrighteousness. This phrase contrasts the rejection of truth with the embrace of sin. It illustrates the moral choice individuals make, either to follow God's truth or to indulge in sinful behavior. It serves as a call to pursue righteousness and to find joy in what is good and pleasing to God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter, who is writing to the church in Thessalonica to address concerns about the end times and to encourage them in their faith.

2. Thessalonica
A city in Macedonia where the church to whom Paul is writing is located. It was a significant city in the Roman Empire, known for its diverse population and strategic location.

3. The Church in Thessalonica
The recipients of the letter, who were experiencing confusion and anxiety about the return of Christ and the events surrounding it.

4. The Man of Lawlessness
Mentioned earlier in the chapter, this figure represents opposition to God and is associated with deception and rebellion.

5. The Truth
Refers to the gospel message and the teachings of Christ, which are being contrasted with falsehood and wickedness.
Teaching Points
The Consequence of Disbelief
Disbelieving the truth of the gospel leads to judgment. This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of faith and the acceptance of God's truth.

The Danger of Delighting in Wickedness
Delighting in wickedness is not just a passive state but an active choice that leads away from God. Believers are called to examine their hearts and ensure they are not finding pleasure in what is contrary to God's will.

The Importance of Truth
Embracing and living by the truth of the gospel is crucial for salvation. Believers should be diligent in seeking and adhering to the truth found in Scripture.

The Role of Deception
Deception is a tool of the enemy to lead people away from the truth. Christians must be vigilant and discerning, testing everything against the Word of God.

Living in Light of Judgment
Understanding that judgment is real and will come upon those who reject the truth should motivate believers to live righteously and share the gospel with others.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the context of 2 Thessalonians 2:12 help us grasp the seriousness of disbelief and wickedness?

2. In what ways can we guard ourselves against delighting in wickedness in our daily lives?

3. How can we ensure that we are living in the truth and not being deceived by false teachings?

4. What practical steps can we take to share the truth of the gospel with those who are currently disbelieving?

5. How do the themes of judgment and truth in 2 Thessalonians 2:12 connect with other scriptures, and how can these connections deepen our understanding of God's character?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 3:19-21
This passage discusses the condemnation that comes from loving darkness rather than light, similar to the delight in wickedness mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:12.

Romans 1:18-32
Paul describes the wrath of God against those who suppress the truth and engage in unrighteousness, paralleling the judgment on those who disbelieve the truth.

Ephesians 5:6-11
Paul warns against being deceived by empty words and encourages believers to live as children of light, contrasting with those who delight in wickedness.
God not the Author of DamnationR. S. Barrett.2 Thessalonians 2:12
Progress in UnrighteousnessT. Manton, D. D.2 Thessalonians 2:12
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, Believed, Condemned, Damned, Delighted, Didn't, Evil, Faith, Judged, Judgement, Order, Pleased, Pleasure, Refused, Truth, Unrighteousness, Wickedness
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Thessalonians 2:12

     5830   delight
     5918   pleasure
     8023   faith, necessity
     8302   love, abuse of
     8744   faithlessness, as disobedience
     8835   unbelief, nature of
     8836   unbelief, response

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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