How should believers prepare for the "last hour" according to 1 John 2:18? The Urgency of the Last Hour “Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour.” (1 John 2:18) John writes as though the clock is already ticking down. From Christ’s resurrection until His return, believers live in this decisive “last hour,” a season marked by both opportunity and intense spiritual opposition. Threats We Face: The Spirit of Antichrist • False christs and counterfeit teachings (v. 18; cf. Matthew 24:5) • Departures from the fellowship (“They went out from us,” v. 19) • Denials of Jesus’ identity (“Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ… is the antichrist,” v. 22) Knowing the landscape, John calls us to intentional readiness. Preparation Step 1: Abide in the Word of Truth • “What you have heard from the beginning must remain in you.” (1 John 2:24) • Daily Scripture intake keeps error from gaining a foothold. (Psalm 119:11) • Use the Word to test every spirit. (1 John 4:1) Practical helps: – Read whole Bible passages, not isolated verses. – Memorize key doctrines: deity of Christ (John 1:1), atonement (1 Peter 2:24), resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). – Compare every new teaching with the clear text of Scripture. Preparation Step 2: Lean on the Spirit’s Anointing • “You have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.” (1 John 2:20) • The Spirit guides into truth (John 16:13) and guards against deception. • Cultivate sensitivity to His prompting through confession of sin (1 John 1:9) and yielded obedience (Galatians 5:25). Preparation Step 3: Remain in the Fellowship of Believers • Isolation makes one vulnerable; apostates “went out” to spread error (v. 19). • “Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Healthy local churches provide accountability, biblical teaching, and mutual encouragement. Preparation Step 4: Guard Your Confession of Christ • “No one who denies the Son can have the Father.” (1 John 2:23) • Affirm: – Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man (John 1:14; Colossians 2:9). – Salvation is by grace through faith in Him alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Speak the truth publicly—confession strengthens conviction (Romans 10:9-10). Preparation Step 5: Pursue Holiness and Expect His Appearing • “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:3) • Holiness is both motive and means of readiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Keep short accounts with God; live in the light (1 John 1:7). Preparation Step 6: Stand Armed and Alert • “Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion.” (1 Peter 5:8) • Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18): – Belt of truth – Breastplate of righteousness – Gospel shoes of peace – Shield of faith – Helmet of salvation – Sword of the Spirit—the Word of God • Pray “at all times in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18). Summary—Living Ready Today The “last hour” calls for alert, anchored, Spirit-empowered lives. Abide in Scripture, rely on the Spirit, stay in fellowship, confess Christ without compromise, pursue holiness, and keep on the armor of God. In doing so, believers stand prepared for both present deception and the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ. |
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