Episode Details

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