Jesus is Coming. Get Ready! (1 John 2:28-3:3)

Series: 1 John: That You May Know

Preacher: Pastor Brian Bone

Key Points:

• Jesus' Imminent Return: The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus is coming back soon, and His second coming will be a glorious, visible event of judgment for which all must be ready.
• The Importance of Abiding in Jesus: To be ready and confident at Christ's return, believers must "abide" in Him, meaning to hold fast and not let go, drawing life and sustenance from Him as branches from a vine.
• The Wonders of God's Love and Salvation: Be amazed by God's eternal, sovereign love that chose you before creation, saved you from sin and spiritual death, and continually sustains you by grace.
• The Beatific Vision and Transformation: Believers will literally see Jesus as He is in His glorified form, and this single glimpse will perfectly transform them, removing all desire for sin and providing infinite, unending satisfaction.
• Daily Gaze for Ongoing Transformation: While the full transformation is future, daily "gazing" at Jesus through spiritual disciplines like Bible reading and worship incrementally transforms believers, purifying them and preparing them for His return.
• Call to "Wake Up and Look at Jesus": A practical exhortation to intentionally prioritize focusing on Jesus every day, making Him the central gaze of one's heart above worldly distractions, temptations, and anxieties.
• Salvation through Belief: For non-believers, salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit are immediately available through simple belief in Jesus Christ, who was lifted up for their healing and eternal life.

Reflect & Discuss:

• How does the reality of Jesus' imminent return impact your daily priorities and long-term planning?
• What does "abiding in Jesus" practically look like in your life, especially when faced with distractions or temptations?
• How can you cultivate a deeper sense of amazement at God's love for you and the salvation you've received?
• Considering the concept of the "beatific vision," how does the promise of seeing Jesus and being transformed encourage you in your spiritual walk?
• What is one specific step you will take this week to "wake up and look at Jesus" more intentionally each day?

Scripture:

• Main Passage: 1 John 2:28-3:3
• Supporting Passages: John 15:1-8, 1 Peter 1:8, 1 Corinthians 13:12, Matthew 17:2, Revelation 1:12-16, Revelation 21:23, Psalm 16:11, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Matthew 6:22-23, John 3:14-16, Numbers 21:4-9, Romans 10:9-10.

Keywords:

Jesus' Return, Second Coming, Abiding in Christ, Last Hour, God's Love, Salvation, Holy Spirit, Spiritual Transformation, Beatific Vision, Perseverance, Discernment, Worship, Bible Study, Eternal Life.