2nd Thessalonians 2:6. “And now ye know what witholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.”
RESTRAINT. The attacks seem to be coming from many sources – relentlessly They take many forms and seem to be looking for a weak spot – subtlety To me, it seems like more than differences of opinions some have – doctrinally The source of the continual opposition is stronger than man; it is diabolically.
There are attempts to take God’s name from our pledge – nationally And to remove the restraints of the commandments and prayer, educationally An attempt to remove “In God we Trust” from money attacks – financially Respect for law and order, a family structure that is challenged, affects us socially.
So, it is true that pressure is being put on life as we know God wants it to be To conform to a new way of life without restraint that leads to an open society Where everyone is a law unto themselves, concerned only with what pleases me Not willing to look ahead to see where it leads or to look back at the lessons of history.
What really is the restraint that has been maintaining some order up till now? Is it human governments, the Jewish nation, legal principles, or some sacred cow? Or is it something or Someone – or both – that tells us when and how To conduct ourselves in righteousness, and that restraint keeps from the devil to bow.
The restrainer is the Holy Spirit, who still convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment to come. And through the sacred pages of scripture, it is still revealing the Person of Christ to some. He links Himself uniquely to the Church by making the bodies of the saints His home. And together, Church and the Holy Spirit restrain the inroads of evil until the day of grace is done.
The salt and light of holy living by the saints of God who live around the world Keep the Gospel message and the banner of faith still unfurled The Holy Spirit guides God’s people, and through that light, conscience like a worm still burrows – Holding back the release of dark and evil passion that will upon a godless world be someday hurled.
“Holy God, I thank Thee for the supreme power of the Holy Spirit. In times when pressures of conformity come demanding we submit to the sinful ways of the world system, I thank Thee for the Holy Spirit’s presence to strengthen and preserve Thy people. I praise Thee for the Retainer and the privilege to be associated with such needed power. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”