Don’t Worry

2 Thessalonians 2 (Narrated by Nita Brainard)

• In the earliest years of the church, the Thessalonians experienced such persecution that they feared they were already in the Great Tribulation that comes at the very end of the age. In the second chapter of 2 Thessalonians, Paul clears up this misunderstanding by explaining to them that the end of the age will be characterized by the antichrist, also called the man of sin and the lawless one. Whatever persecution and tribulation we may experience, we have hope in the Lord Jesus that He will gather his people together before the man of sin is exposed. We are also assured that the antichrist’s reign will not last long, for that lawless one will be destroyed with the brightness of Christ’s coming.

Don’t Worry
About the Day of the Lord

I beg of you, my brothers, by the coming of the Lord—
He’s gathering us together, and He’s bringing His reward,
So don’t be shaken, don’t be worried, don’t give way to fear,
As if He came already and the day of Christ were here.

Apostasy is coming, and it gives the day its start.
The man of sin will be unveiled and play his wicked part,
Opposing all that men call god, he gives himself God’s place,
Demanding worship from the Jews and all of Adam’s race.

Do you remember that I told you all these things before?
You know what’s holding back right now and what we have in store,
The mystery of iniquity, though it already works,
Is still restrained to some degree, and in the shadows lurks.

Already Satan, if he could, would bring his man to power,
But he must wait until the time of God’s appointed hour.
The wicked one is then revealed, but he’s already doomed.
With brightness at the coming of the Lord, he’ll be consumed.

The lawless one, by Satan’s power, substantiates his lie.
With miracles and wonders, he deceives the men who die.
All those who will not love the truth are tricked by his deceit.
Their condemnation’s justified, their punishment complete.

Because the truth that would have saved them, they will not receive,
God sends a strong delusion they are willing to believe.
All those who won’t believe the truth, but choose instead their sin
Are damned because of wickedness that they take pleasure in.

Beloved of God, we give Him thanks that you believe what’s true.
He chose you as His first fruits, and His Spirit works in you.
Through Him, you’re saved and sanctified because you have believed,
Stand firm, therefore, my brothers, in the things you have received.

He called you by the gospel, and His glory you’ll obtain.
The spoken and the written word with steadfastness retain.
Christ Jesus and the Father’s love will give the hope you need,
Console your hearts, and strengthen you in every word and deed.