THE WHISPER OF RUMOR

We’ve been in a series through the New Testament books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians called LIVING WITH CONFIDENCE IN THE MIDST OF CRISIS. Rumors on a larger scale can shake people’s spiritual confidence. Today we’re going to talk about rumors about the end of the age. How can we respond to rumors about the end of the age with spiritual confidence?

It’s been said, "Some people will believe anything if it’s whispered to them."

Four ways we can respond to the whisper of rumors, no matter what the rumor, with spiritual confidence.

1. IDENTIFY THE _____________________ (2 Thess 2:1-2)

The word for "unsettled" literally reads "shaken from your mind."

If we fail to identify the source - that’s what a rumor will do to us (shake us up)

2. SUPPORT EVIDENCE WITH THE ________________

(2 Thess 2:3-5)

Look at vv. 3-5.

Paul says two events are going to precede Jesus coming.

The r____________________ and the revelation of the man of L____________________ 

Romans 1:18-19 tell us that when God comes again - no one will have an excuse because:

"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them."

For many people, truth is what they "want" to _____________________.

3. Reminding Ourselves that God is in __________________

(2 Thess 2:6-8)

Who is the restrainer? “and now you know what is holding him back so that he may be revealed at the proper time.” (II Thess. 2:6)

☻ THE ROMAN GOVERNMENT.

☻ THE NATION OF ISRAEL.

☻ AN ANGEL (OR SOME FORCE FROM GOD)
☻ SATAN

☻ THE HOLY SPIRIT

☻ THE PREACHING OF THE GOOD NEWS about Jesus
☻ HUMAN GOVERNMENT

4. Discerning Truth from _________________ (2 Thess 2:9-12)

The coming of the "man of lawlessness" is an imitation of the incarnation of Jesus.

Jesus said: Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and will deceive many. (Mk. 13:6)

Only those who "love the ________________" will be safe from this lie.

Folks, if someone shares a rumor with you 3 quick steps to dispel or confirm it.

1)      Investigate it - probe it...

2)      Ask if you can quote the person who shares the rumor.

3)      If they are that uncertain about the source or the validity of the rumor, here is your response: Simply say: “I don’t appreciate that”
In the spiritual life there are some things that are true, and some things that are false.

So we must put every spiritual claim under the magnifying glass, examining it closely, so see whether it’s true or false.

If you love the truth, you won’t be misled.