Series: Be Genuine [#7]
IN THE LAST HOUR…
1 John 2:18-3:10
Introduction:
There are many people who believe that Jesus is not coming back. There are others who believe Jesus is coming back, but not during their lifetime. Jesus will be back, and He will come just like a thief, and no one will know when. When Jesus returns, how will He find you? There are several types of people Jesus will find when He returns.
1 John 2:18
In the last hour, some will be…
1. Against Christ.
1 John 2:22-23
How will you know who is against Christ?
* They will deny Jesus Christ.
If you deny that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, then you do not know God the Father. There is no salvation without Jesus Christ.
1 John 3:8-10
How will you know who is against Christ?
* They live like the devil.
1 John 2:26
1 John 3:7
How will you know who is against Christ?
* They will deceive others.
In the last hour, some will…
2. Abandon Christ.
The closer we get to the end, the more persecution of Christians we will see. Persecution of Christians is happening almost all over the world, we just don’t seem to realize that here in the U.S.
When times get tough, there will be many who abandon Christ.
1 John 2:19
How can you tell who they are?
* They leave the Church.
I know you don’t have to be in church to be saved, but a believer who is growing and is walking close to the Lord will be in church and they won’t just run when things get hard. Our church is supposed to be about Jesus, not our little problems, etc…
1 John 2:24-26
How can you tell who they are?
* They are deceived.
Do you believe everything you hear? How do you know what is true in the Bible and what is not?
1 John 2:28
How can you tell who they are?
* They are not confident and will be ashamed.
If Jesus came back right now, would you be confident that He would take you with Him to Heaven? Even if you are saved, would you ashamed of what He found you doing?
In the last hour, some will be found as…
3. Anointed Children of God.
To anoint means to pour out. If I anointed you with oil, I would pour it on you. I would be able to see the oil that I poured on you. Once we are saved, we are anointed with the Holy Spirit of God. Can people see that in your life?
1 John 2:20-21
What are the characteristics of someone who is anointed by the Holy Spirit of God?
* They know the truth.
1 John 2:24-27
What are the characteristics of someone who is anointed by the Holy Spirit of God?
* They continue in the truth.
1 John 2:28-3:3
What are the characteristics of someone who is anointed by the Holy Spirit of God?
* They have confidence.
Conclusion:
How will Jesus find you when He returns?
