Sunday School 20 November 2022

TOPIC: The Mystery Of Iniquity 

MEMORY VERSE: “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:7 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 (KJV) 

1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

3 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, the son of perdition;

4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

LESSON OUTLINES

THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY EXPLAINED

BELIEVERS MUST BE ON THE WATCH

1. THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY EXPLAINED

The mystery of iniquity is the working of lawlessness in the world, leading to a worldwide rebellion against God (Matthew 24:12; 2Timothy 3:1-4). It is all about controlling people, systems, finance, etc. (Genesis 11:4). It is an interwoven series of complex systems that have slipped into politics, entertainment, sports, education, religion, media, etc. (Romans 1:21-22). It is also revealed through the spirit of seduction, and doctrines of the devils (2Timothy 3:13; 1Timothy 4:1). It showcases sinful behaviours and diabolic practices in human beings (Acts 8:22-23; Matthew 23:28).

Iniquity relates more to the inner character (Mark 7:21-23) and points to an international desire to twist God’s holy standard (Jude 4). It drives human beings to twist God’s word (Titus 1:11). It will one day culminate in the appearance of the Antichrist, whose spirit is already at work in the world but is being restrained for now so that the world is not as evil as it could be (Thessalonians 2:7-8; 1John 4:3).

2. BELIEVERS MUST BE ON THE WATCH

With the Spirit of lawlessness everywhere in the world, believers must:

Search, rend and guard their hearts diligently and always (Joel 2:13; Proverbs 4:23).

Confess any known sin (1John 1:9) I repent to receive forgiveness from the Lord (Acts 3:19).

Not conform to this world’s system (Romans 12:2) and be diligent to keep God’s commandments (Deuteronomy 11:22).

Watch and pray (Matthew 26:41) and ask for new heart (Psalm 51:10).

Put on the new Man (Colossians 3:10) and be constantly renewed by the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:5).

Depart from iniquity (2Timothy 2:19) and remove the old yeast of sin (1Corinthians 5:7).

Purge themselves (2Timothy 2:21) and let their garments be spotless (Ecclesiastes 9:8)

CONCLUSION

Believers must know that the Spirit of lawlessness is already operating in the world presently and they must ensure that they keep the profession of their faith to the end.

QUESTION

What is the mystery of iniquity?

Mention four (4) things believers can do to be on the watch.