The Hindering Works of Satan
- Biblical Academia
- Oct 18
- 17 min read
The Hindering
Works of Satan
Introduction
The Hindering Works of Satan is a correlation study in understanding tribulation and redemption. This study will reveal in detail the mystery of iniquity in Paul's letter to the Thessalonians; providing definitions and cross reference scriptures to provide a better understand the hindering persecutions faithful believers endure.
*As a suggestive prerequisite, it is helpful to read 1st and 2nd Thessalonians prior to beginning this study. Read 1st & 2nd Thessalonians
Hindering the Spirit of Righteousness
The church of Thessalonica is described as a faithful group of believers who endured much persecution:
1 Thessalonians 1:6 KJV - "And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:"
1 Thessalonians 2:2, 14-15, 18 KJV - "2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. ... 14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: 15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: ...18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us."
1 Thessalonians 3:3-4, 7 KJV - "3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. 4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. ... 7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:"
2 Thessalonians 1:4-7 KJV - "4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: 5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: 6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,"
As faithful believers carried out the work of the Spirit of righteousness, the working of Satan, through the ungodly, hinders and even reverses the progress of righteousness through lies, temptations, obstacles, and persecution.
James 5:6 KJV - "Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you."
1 Thessalonians 3:5 KJV - "For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain."
Galatians 5:7-8 KJV - "7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? 8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you."
Luke 11:52 KJV - "Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered."
Romans 15:22 KJV - "For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you."
1 Thessalonians 2:18 KJV - "Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us."
In contrast, faithful believers do not persecute the ungodly, nor resist their ungodly works against them. Only those that are the children of God are judged within and hindered from doing unrighteousness. If the 'so called' children of God hinder the righteous works of the Spirit, they are separated from among the saints where they then can freely exercise their wickedness.
Matthew 5:39 KJV - " But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."
James 5:6 KJV - "Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you."
1 Corinthians 9:12 KJV - "If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ."
1 Corinthians 5:2-7, 12-13 KJV - "2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: ... 12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person."
Satan's Working of Iniquity
Spiritual Blindness
Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians describes the working of Satan that empowers the persecution against God's children. It is the working of iniquity that is a mystery to those who are blinded to the understanding of it.2
Thessalonians 2:7 KJV - "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 2:9 KJV - "Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,"
It is Satan who blinds the minds of unbelievers from knowing they have a veil preventing them from accepting truth and righteousness.
2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV - "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."
The wicked who reject truth and take pleasure in unrighteousness, are sent, by God, "strong delusion" that they should believe Satan's lies and continue abounding in their unrighteousness.
2 Corinthians 3:14-15 KJV - "14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart."
The mystery of iniquity is a mystery to the wicked. Truth, righteousness, and the hidden things of God are revealed to the children of God by the Lord and the Holy Spirit.
2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 KJV - "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."
Matthew 11:25 KJV - "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes." (See also Luke 10:21)
John 15:15 KJV - "Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you."
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 KJV - "9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God."
1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 KJV - "4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober."
Spiritually Guarded
Those who are watchful and prayerful will be guarded from temptation and be able to flee from the snare of evil: the Wicked which draws people with lies and delusions into its planned path of destruction.
In John 17:15 and Revelation 3:10, "keep" is defined as:
Strong's Greek 5083 - τηρέω tērĕō; from τερός tĕrŏs (a watch; perhaps akin to 2334); to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon
In Luke 21:36, "escape" is defined as:
Strong's Greek1628 - ἐκφεύγω ěkphěugō; from 1537 and 5343; to flee out
Thayer’s Greek Lexicon (ěkphěugō) – “to flee out of, flee away; a. to seek safety in flight”
John 17:15 KJV - "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil."
Revelation 3:10 KJV - “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth."
(keep G5083)
Luke 21:34-36 KJV - "34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."
(escape G1628)
Workings of Iniquity
In chapter 2 of 2nd Thessalonians, Paul explains the mystery of iniquity as the progressive workings of Satan that takes place before the coming of the Lord. It is a working of iniquity that prepares the world in wickedness to follow the son of perdition: who comes with the character and pursuits of Satan. In the process of Satan's workings, people will defect from the truth.
In 2 Thessalonians 2:3, "falling away" is defined as:
Strong's Greek 646 - ἀποστασία apǒstasia; feminine of the same as 647; defection from truth (properly, the state) ("apostasy")
In 2 Thessalonians 2:9, "after" is defined as:
Strong's Greek 2596 - κατά kata; a primary particle; (prepositionally) down (in place or time)
Thayer’s Greek Lexicon (kata) – “γ. used of the cause; through, an account of, from, owing to, (in accordance with i.e. in consequence of, by virtue of) ... [2 Thessalonians 2:9]
2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 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."
(falling away G646)
2 Thessalonians 2:9 KJV - "Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,"
(after G2596)
Hindering Works
In Paul's revealing of the mystery to the Thessalonians, he declares that the workings of Satan are already at work and are hindering the progression of truth and righteousness.
In 2 Thessalonians 2:6, "withholdeth" is defined as:
Strong's Greek 2722 - κατέχω katĕchō; from 2596 and 2192; to hold down (fast)
Thayer's Greek Lexicon (katĕchō) - "b. to restrain, hinder (the course or progress of)”
In 2 Thessalonians 2:7, mystery and iniquity are both nouns.
Following the colon symbol (:) in the same sentence, Paul expounds on the subject (nouns): explaining what the workers of iniquity are mysteriously doing until they are taken out of the way.
2 Thessalonians 2:5-6 KJV - "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."
(withholdeth G2722)
2 Thessalonians 2:7 KJV - "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way."
(mystery - A neuter noun; G3466)
(of iniquity - feminine noun; G458)
In the Greek, "he who now" is one word. It means, "just now". It is an adverb that carries the gender participle to the noun that it relates; meaning there is no specific singular "he", but rather, he who is pursuing the workings of the mystery of iniquity.
In 2 Thessalonians 2:7, "he who now" is defined as:
Strong's Greek 737 - ἄρτι arti; adverb from a derivative of 142 (compare 740) through the idea of suspension; just now
2 Thessalonians 2:7 KJV - "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way."
(he who now G737)
In the Greek, "letteth" is the same word as "withholdeth" in verse 6, meaning hinder. Paul is saying, he to whom the workings of the mystery of iniquity applies to will hinder (the works of righteousness).
In 2 Thessalonians 2:7, "letteth" is defined as:
Strong's Greek 2722 - κατέχω katĕchō; from 2596 and 2192; to hold down (fast)
Thayer's Greek Lexicon (katĕchō) - "b. to restrain, hinder (the course or progress of)”
2 Thessalonians 2:7 KJV - "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way."
(letteth G2722)
In the Greek, "will let until" is one word. It means "until"; "will let" is implied. Paul is saying, he to whom the workings of the mystery of iniquity applies to will hinder until.
In 2 Thessalonians 2:7, "will let" is defined as:
Strong's Greek 2193 - ἕως hĕōs; of uncertain affinity; until (of time and place)
2 Thessalonians 2:7 KJV - "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way."
(will let G2193)
In the Greek, "he be taken" is one word. It means "to cause to be", or "to become". It is a verb that carries the gender participle to the noun that it relates; meaning there is no specific singular "he", but rather, he to whom the workings of the mystery of iniquity applies to will be taken.
In 2 Thessalonians 2:7, "he be taken" is defined as:
Strong's Greek 1096 - γίνομαι ginǒmai; a prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being)
2 Thessalonians 2:7 KJV - "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way."
(he be taken G1096)
In 2 Thessalonians 2:7, Paul declares that the mystery of iniquity is already at work, and to those who now (are deliberately or blindly working iniquity) will hinder (the progress of truth and righteousness) until he (those whom the workings of the mystery of iniquity applies to) are taken out of the way; including the son of perdition. Righteousness will no longer be hindered and the righteous will be able to shine forth once iniquity is removed.
Removing Iniquity
Paul declares that the mystery of iniquity and the works thereof will continue until the workers of iniquity are taken away. Then, at that time, the mystery of iniquity will no longer be a mystery to those who are blinded to it; for it will be revealed at the coming of the Lord.
2 Thessalonians 2:7-9 KJV - "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,"
Additional scriptures show the Lord revealing the hidden things and removing the veil that is spread over all nations.
Job 20:27 KJV - "The heaven shall reveal his iniquity; and the earth shall rise up against him." (See Job 20:23-29)
Isaiah 25:7-9 KJV - "7 And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations. 8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it."
2 Corinthians 3:16 KJV - "Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away."
1 Corinthians 4:5 KJV - "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God."
Matthew 10:26 KJV - "Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known."
In the Greek, "that wicked" is one word. It is an adjective that means "lawless" and applies to all that is lawless; individually, collectively, and the evil entities involved.
In 2 Thessalonians 2:8, "Wicked" is defined as:
Strong's Greek 459 – ἄνομος anǒmōs; from 1 (as a negative particle) and 3551; lawless, i.e. (negatively) not subject to (the Jewish) law; (by implication, a Gentile), or (positively) wicked
2 Thessalonians 2:7-10 KJV - "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."
(Wicked G459)
The presence of the Lord will remove the covering cast, or veil. The brightness of the coming of the Lord will destroy all workers of iniquity and the spirit of his mouth will consume them.
2 Thessalonians 2:7-9 KJV - "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,"
Additional scriptures show how the Lord will destroy the wicked at the time he gathers his righteous and then the righteous will shine forth. Those that have hindered them are cast into a furnace of fire.
Matthew 13:30 KJV - "Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn."
Matthew 13:40-43 KJV - "40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. 41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear."
2 Thessalonians 1:6-12 KJV - "6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed ) in that day. 11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: 12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Holding Fast the Truth
Throughout 1st Thessalonians and chapter one of 2nd Thessalonians, believers were enduring much persecution, leading them to be persuaded that the coming of the Lord was going to occur soon. In 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, after revealing the working of iniquity that has yet to come to its fullness, Paul expresses the importance of believing in the truth and holding fast to it.
In 2 Thessalonians 2:1, "beseech" is defined as:
Strong's Greek 2065 - ἐρωτάω ĕrōtaō; apparently from 2046 [(compare 2045]; to interrogate; by implication, to request
In 2 Thessalonians 2:2, "shaken" is defined as:
Strong's Greek 4531 - σαλεύω salĕuō; from 4535; to waver, i.e. agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite
In 2 Thessalonians 2:15, "traditions" is defined as:
Strong’s Greek 3862 - παράδοσις parádosis; from 3860; transmission, i.e. (concretely) a precept; specially the Jewish traditionary law
Thayer’s Greek Lexicon (parádosis) – “objectively, what is delivered, the substance of the teaching… [2 Thessalonians 2:15]”
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 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;"
(beseech G2065; shaken G4531)
2 Thessalonians 2:5 KJV - "Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?"
2 Thessalonians 2:15 KJV - "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle."
(traditions G3862)
Paul reminds the faithful that they were chosen for salvation through the sanctification of the Spirit and belief in truth; which also delivers them from the wrath to come. He tells them to be comforted and be patient waiting for the coming of the Lord. Until then, they were to pray that the word of the Lord would have free course (not be hindered), that they would be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men, and that they be established in every good word and work.
1 Thessalonians 1:10 KJV - "And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come."
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 KJV - "13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 KJV - "1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. 5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ."