2 Thessalonians by Dennis McCallum (2012)

God has given us the ability to take steps to grow in faith and love. Believers face persecution, which leads to growth. Without belief, people face the prospect of Hell, which is the absence of God.

In the endtimes, there will be a man of lawlessness who will be worshipped as above God. There are many things that have to happen during this time, and it is not clear what they are, but during that time, people will believe false things, anarchy and lawlessness will increase, and hearts will grow cold.

Paul writes in his letter about discipline in the church, and how discipline is for the good of the believer and for the good of the group. Unlike judgment, discipline is looking toward the future, giving someone knowledge of and tools for what they need to change. In groups that do not have discipline, lives don't change, there is low morale, and major change by God isn't seen.