Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific.
In Lesson 47 we are going to study the first part of 1 John 2:18.
Let’s read the first part of the verse.
1 John 2:18 Children, it is the last hour...
Now, let’s take a look at the definition of the words.
Children (3813. paidion) refers to a little child, an infant, or a little one, and figuratively, it can describe an immature Christian.
It is the last (1510. eimi) (2078. eschatos) means till the end, farthest, or final.
Hour (5610. hóra) refers to a definite period of time, a season, or a limited time to accomplish the Lord’s purpose (HELPS Word-studies).
John is addressing his readers as little children, a term of endearment. He treats believers as his spiritual children and desires for them to be prepared for what is coming.
The last hour refers to the period of time between the first coming of Christ and the second coming of Christ. This doesn’t mean a literal hour but rather a period of time for God to fulfill His purpose. John uses the term "hour" to emphasize how near the second coming of Christ is.
John is preparing believers for this moment, calling them to be prepared, vigilant, and aware at all times.
Now, we will go through some verses that encourage us to be ready for the second coming, to live in the light, and to be patient for the Lord’s return.
We will learn how God views time, about the place Jesus is preparing for us, and what the second coming will look like.
In Matthew 24:44-45, Jesus tells us to be ready at all times because His return will be sudden and unexpected. We are also called to faithfully serve God while we wait.
Matthew 24:44-45 “For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will. 45 “Who then is the faithful and sensible servant whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time?
In Romans 13:11-12, Paul calls us to wake up from our slumber because salvation is near. We are urged to recognize the signs of the times, lay aside the deeds of darkness, and be vigilant, morally upright, and spiritually prepared for what is to come.
Romans 13:11-12 And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
In 2 Peter 3:8-10, we see that the Lord has a different sense of time. While we may look at 1 John 2:18 and think it was written almost two thousand years ago, this may feel like a long time to us. However, God operates outside of human time constraints. He wants us to be patient and prepared because He could come at any moment.
2 Peter 3:8-10 Beloved, do not let this one thing escape your notice: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare.
In John 14:1-3, we read that Jesus is preparing a place for us to live with Him for eternity. He promises that He will come back and bring us to this place. Christ’s return is imminent, and we need to be ready.
John 14:1-4 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well. 2 In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
In James 5:7, we read that we are to patiently wait for the Lord’s coming.
James 5:7 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains.
In Revelation 1:7, we read about the dramatic and visible return of Christ. This verse emphasizes the certainty of His return.
Revelation 1:7 Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen.
In conclusion, John wants his readers to know that we are in the final hour or season before Jesus comes back. He encourages us to be prepared and watchful.
We learn from Jesus that His return will be sudden and unexpected. He is calling us to faithfully serve Him while we wait.
Paul, in the book of Romans, calls us to put on the armor of light and put off darkness.
We learn from Peter that God has a different sense of time; for God, a day is like a thousand years.
Jesus tells us that He is preparing a place for us and promises to come and bring us to this place.
James calls us to patiently wait for the Lord’s coming.
Finally, in Revelation, we see Jesus coming in the clouds for us. Everyone will see the One who was pierced for our sins.
Let’s read our verse one more time.
1 John 2:18 Children, it is the last hour...
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Thank you and God bless you.
Jeff M Newman
(Photo by Jacob Dyer on Unsplash)
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