Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Thessalonians 2:4. It's a pretty dense one, but we can understand it with some careful thought. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a person who is pretending to be God and then trying to establish himself as God . It’s a warning about deception and idolatry. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Who opposeth and exalteth himself…” – This means someone is actively challenging or promoting something that is considered holy and revered. They are essentially trying to take over or dominate something important. Think of it like a bully trying to become the leader of a group. “…above all that is called God…” - This is crucial. The person isn't just challenging anything; they’re attempting to be worshipped as God. They’re trying to claim authority over something sacred. “Or that is worshipped…” – This refers back to the concept of worship. The person is trying to make something holy and dedicated to them, rather than to the true God. “…so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” - This is the key part. It’s like a divine king sitting in a special place – the Temple – and demonstrating his power . He's claiming to be God, but he's doing so in a way that's not truly God's authority. He's trying to impress people with his own power, rather than showing their reverence for the true God. In short: This verse warns us about those who try to deceive others into believing they are worshipping something other than the real God. They’re attempting to usurp God’s position and show off their own power in a way that's disrespectful to the divine. Why is this important? It’s a warning against idolatry – which is essentially worshipping anything other than God. It’s about recognizing that true faith comes from and honors God, not from trying to claim authority over him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 2 Thessalonians 2:4? Give an example of what someone might do in this scenario? Talk about the context of this verse within the book and its overall message?