A 3-Pronged Defense Against Lawlessness

This article is the fourth in a series based on the assumption that God is after something, He is doing something to get what He is after, and He is willing to tell us everything that we need to know for our participation. God is using this time of chaos (like so many others) to prepare His children for a season of opportunity that will be exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think.

For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work… 2Thessalonians 2:7a

Lawlessness has been around since Satan rebelled against God. It has plagued mankind since that fateful day when Adam and Eve succumbed to his deception and chose to follow his lead. The events of the last few weeks remind us that lawlessness is already at work.

The truth is, most of us have become comfortable with some level of lawlessness in our lives. We have learned to justify our lack of lawfulness. Who drives the speed limit anymore? For that matter, who loves their neighbor as themselves? Lawlessness is not a respecter of persons. Our comfort with it should cause great concern, perhaps even fear. Things could get worse.

Chapter two of Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonian church describes the tragic culmination of the legacy we have carried since mankind’s rebellion in the Garden of Eden. It warns of a great apostasy, a falling away of people from the kingdom of God prior to Jesus’ return and His gathering of the faithful to Himself.

Like me, you are probably wondering how a follower of Jesus Christ could ever leave Him. There are doctrines of man that argue against such a possibility. As you might imagine, such doctrines have become quite popular. Personally, I don’t understand them. But that is not what this article is about.

Our purpose here is to expose the enemy’s tactics and encourage a sufficient response. You see, lawlessness is simply a symptom of, and a cover for, the enemy’s primary weapons.

The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish… 2Thessalonians 2:9-10a

The rise of lawlessness is like smoke to a fire. Yes, the smoke can kill you, but the fire is the source. Put out the fire and the smoke will eventually abate.

The Importance of Every Activity

The activities we engage in are either good or bad; there is no gray area for the followers of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, righteousness is not the polar opposite of unrighteousness (i.e., the most vile of sins); these two conditions are separated by a very thin line – a line which is easily crossed from moment to moment.

While the good and bad of many activities are obvious, most lie somewhere in between the extremes and can only be identified as good or bad based on God’s will and our faith. This leaves room for a lot of interpretation, presumption, and deception. Even the best of persons can fall into the trap of excusing their choices (and our enemies are standing by to help).

To rightly discern the right or wrong of an action, activity, or general direction in life, we are best served by submission to a guide – to walk in the Spirit. Doing so protects us from fulfilling the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). This journey – walking in the Spirit and following Christ – requires an overarching relationship and an undergirding foundation. In between, we walk in the good works of our Father according to His willing and working in us to His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).

It will help us greatly to recognize each activity – no matter how short-lived or insignificant – as important to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are all collected for judgment; the “whatever” and “all” of “whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17)” is not misplaced.

Truth Connections – Fulfilling the Law

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter (Proverbs 25:2). Searching out the matters of God is an active and exciting adventure. God has put a desire in our hearts to search; giving us eyes to see, and ears to hear. We have been called to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of the kingdom (1Corinthians 4:1-2).

As we surrender to God and turn our hearts to search, He reveals new truths that enlarge our faith, make us free and lead us ultimately into all truth. Here is a recent discovery for your edification and encouragement.

Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. Matthew 5:17

As we know, Jesus Christ came to fulfill the law. Most assume that happened on the cross of Calvary, in His death. I believe the following passage reveals something different.

For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:3-4

“… that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us”? Wait a minute. Didn’t Jesus say that He came to fulfill the law? At first glance, this passage appears to contradict the Matthew 5:17 proclamation. How can we fulfill what He has already fulfilled? The answer is found in two seemingly unrelated passages.

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Romans 5:10

The truth we discover in this connection is profound; and potentially life changing for many Christians. Jesus Christ’s death on the cross did not fulfill the law. It was the beginning of a process, whereby we were reconciled to God, that Jesus could now abide in us to fulfill the law in, through and out of us. Furthermore, it is His life that saves us, not His death.

See what a little searching will turn up. Potential conflict becomes compounded truth; leading to more truth; truth that must be shared with others in our spheres of influence. Not for our own sake (aren’t we smart), but for the sake of the Body of Christ and our Lord. Along with the Holy Spirit, He is our Teacher. To Him be the honor and glory; with much thanksgiving.

Humbly yours and forever His,