It Starts Small

⁴ He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

⁵ Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? ⁶ And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. ⁷ For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. ⁸ And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming

2 Thessalonians 2:4-8

Man of Lawlessness

This figure in Scripture is known by many chilling names. Can you recall others? Among his titles are Son of destruction, Antichrist, the beast, and the abomination of desolation. This passage paints a vivid picture of a being. He fiercely opposes every so-called god. He elevates himself above every object of worship. The Antichrist will dare to declare himself the one true God. He will demand the worship of every person across all religions and faiths around the globe. As we delve into verse 9, we uncover a horrifying reality. This reality is the handiwork of Satan himself. Thus, this chapter unveils a glimpse into Satan’s dark endgame. From the very beginning, he rebelled against God. He was driven by an insatiable desire to be God. He craved the glory and power for himself.

For a brief period in the future, it will seem as if he truly understands his role. Satan’s pride and ego are boundless, soaring to unimaginable heights. In this critical moment, the temple will rise again in Jerusalem. This will confirm his audacious claim to seat himself in the inner sanctum. There, on a throne, he will shamelessly present himself as God. Daniel 7:8 foreshadows his grandiose boasting; he will unleash blasphemy against the Almighty like never before. (For a deeper dive into the beast’s reign, see Revelation 13.)

The below references are from Revelation 13.

• He will receive a “fatal” wound and be healed (13:3). It appears this will be Satan’s attempt to imitate the resurrection.
• The whole earth will follow him. It will partially be this miracle healing which will convince them (13:3).
• They will also worship the dragon, which appears to be Satan and from which the beast receives his power (13:4).
• He will speak great blasphemy and arrogant things (13:5).
• His rule is limited to three and a half years (13:5).
• He will make war with the saints and win (13:7).
• Every unbeliever will worship him (13:8).
• He will perform great signs (13:13).
• He will make an image (13:14).
• This image will miraculously be able to speak and will kill those who don’t worship it (13:15).
• He will make everyone get the mark of the beast if they want to buy and sell (13:16-17).

remember

The Thessalonians yearned for reminders, a clarion call for clarity amidst confusion! Paul had fervently taught them these truths before. However, after his departure, a barrage of false teachers swept in. This left them bewildered. They desperately needed reassurance and a reaffirmation of the profound lessons they had previously embraced. It is absolutely vital for Bible teachers to embody Paul’s unwavering example of reminding and reviewing with fervor. Imparting knowledge once is not enough. Truths taught a single time are often lost in life’s chaos. It takes immense gentleness and boundless patience to persistently remind, rather than succumbing to frustration when lessons fade away.

holding him back

Well, the Thessalonians had their insights, but I find myself wrestling with uncertainty. What truly restrains the Antichrist? There are whispers suggesting it’s the church that will be swept away at the rapture. This event will make way for Satan to unleash his sinister agenda. Others argue it’s the very structure of human government. And then there are those who believe it’s the Holy Spirit. The divine presence may diminish after the rapture. It might even exit entirely. This departure could leave a void that paves the way for darkness to reign.

This is just my opinion, and it may not stand up in the court of the Lord. I believe that this restraint refers to the Holy Spirit. I don’t believe that people in the church can restrain Satan or the Antichrist, who is too powerful for us. Even Michael had his hands full with Satan. The only one who can do this is God. I don’t believe that the Holy Spirit will completely abandon the world after the rapture. Instead, He will act in a similar role to that which He had in the Old Testament. At that time, He did not indwell all believers. This indwelling of all believers began at Pentecost. In the Old Testament, He had more of a background role. The Holy Spirit did come upon people for a period of time. He rested upon them to enable them to accomplish their God-given mission. Whether this restraining force is the church or the Spirit, God is responsible for it. He chooses to remove it in His perfect timing.

Satan and his minions (the mystery of lawlessness) are already at work, weaving their dark influence into the very fabric of this world. Evil is rampant, lurking around every corner. But here lies the exhilarating truth: God refuses to let this wickedness go unchallenged! If He were to abandon us, as some foolishly assert, we would be engulfed in a FAR more desolate existence. Corruption would be much worse than what we face today. It is the astonishing grace of God that preserves our reality, shielding us from total chaos. So, how does God actively restrain evil in our lives?

¹⁵ so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

Philippians 2:15

He powerfully restrains evil through His devoted believers, who shine like radiant lights in a world shrouded in darkness. These believers boldly proclaim God’s life-changing message. They ignite a spark of righteousness even in those who may not yet embrace Him. Consider someone whose words often falter. Yet, in the presence of their Christian relatives, they find the strength to choose their words wisely. These relatives embody love and truth. They honor the values they hold dear. How can you be a blazing light in these shadowy times? How can you play your part in restraining the evil that lurks around you?

13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. ² Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. ³ For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. ⁴ For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

Romans 13:1-4

Government, ordained by God, serves as a powerful bulwark against sin and a relentless champion of order, tirelessly striving for the greater good of all.

⁷ In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.

⁸ In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings.

Jude 1:7-8

Restraint manifested through the fierce punishment of those who dare to overstep their bounds—be they people or angels! No longer would these celestial beings be permitted to unleash their chaos and proliferate their malevolence. In a divine act of justice, God holds the power to judge swiftly, at any moment and in any place!

Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth

All of the world will fervently worship and follow the Antichrist. Some will do so out of genuine belief, while many will be driven by an overwhelming sense of fear. Through cunning manipulation, awe-inspiring signs, and chilling threats, the Antichrist will irresistibly draw all non-believers into his grasp. He will be the most formidable ruler the world has ever witnessed. He will command the might of every army on the planet. The most advanced weapons known to humanity will be his to wield. The Antichrist will possess an unmatched arsenal, more than capable of eradicating the entire earth’s population in an instant.

Jesus will return for an awe-inspiring battle that echoes through the ages! This clash, however, will defy the dramatic give-and-take of cinematic conflicts we are used to. While the anticipation will be electrifying, the confrontation itself will be swift, almost before you can catch your breath. The moment Jesus steps onto the scene, He will vanquish the Antichrist with a mere whisper of His divine breath. Despite the Antichrist’s former power, his threat to Jesus is as insignificant as an ant before a giant!

⁴ The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
    the Lord scoffs at them.

Psalm 4:2

destroy by the splendor of his coming

It is incredibly exhilarating to embrace the mighty power of Jesus! No matter how formidable Satan may seem, if you place your faith in Christ, fear has no hold on you. His power knows no bounds, and His glory is nothing short of breathtaking. Just imagine the overwhelming joy of all the saints. They will have a front-row seat to witness Jesus’ awe-inspiring victory over His adversaries!

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Cross References:

• Revelation 13:1-18 – The beast
• 1 John 2:22
• 1 John 2:18
• Daniel 7:8
• Mark 13:14

Discussion Questions

• What kind of person would seek to deceive you? Have you ever met any of these false teachers?
• What does “it” in this verse refer to?
• What is apostasy? Would you say that the apostasy has come yet? Why or why not?
• What does the “man of lawlessness” refer to? Why is he called the “son of destruction”?
• What will this person do? Has this happened yet?
• What does verse 6 mean? What is restraining this man? When does this verse say he will come?
• Who is he who now restrains?
• How will this epic battle between good and evil end? What lessons can we learn from this ending? Why is the ending so important?
• Who is really behind this man of lawlessness’ rise to power? What does verse 9 teach us about Satan?

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