Attributes of Antichrist – 10.30.09

Bro. James brought a very interesting lesson last night on the person of the antichrist (click here to listen). Amidst the solid Bible teaching and the many reasons why it's NOT Barack Obama, there was a very practical note that really stuck out to me. Thought I'd pass it along.

2 Thessalonians 2:4 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.

The Bible teaches that the beast, in following the footsteps of his father (Isaiah 14), will EXALT HIMSELF. What 2 Thessalonians 2:4 teaches us is self-exaltation equals self-opposition.

The verse does not say that by exalting himself he opposes God. The verse says that he opposeth AND exalteth HIMSELF. By exalting himself he opposes himself.

Now, the reason that self-exaltation is also self-opposition is found in Luke 14:11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Compare the antichrist to the true Christ. Throughout the Bible we read of how the antichrist promotes and exalts and worships himself. And we also read of his ultimate end and how he will be DESTROYED by the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 2:8 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:

Daniel 7:8-10 …behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him…

Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

Revelation 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

On the other hand our Savior humbled himself and became obedient unto death…Philippians 2:9-10 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Let THIS MIND be in you. Don't fall into the devil's snare of opposing yourself (2 Timothy 2:25-26). Humble yourself. Exalt the Lord Jesus Christ. Live for others. Either that, or manifest the attributes of antichrist.