1 John 2:28-3:3 Are You Ready, Or Just Waiting?

Ever feel like you’re waiting for Jesus to come back, but deep down, you're not so sure you're ready? Maybe you’re thinking, “Man, I’ve still got a lot of stuff to clean up before then!” You're not alone. A lot of us Christians wrestle with that feeling – like we’re on a spiritual to-do list that just keeps getting longer, and the deadline is looming.

Think about little kids when their dad pulls into the driveway after work. They don't need a lesson on how to be excited; it just bubbles out of them. That pure joy? It's a natural byproduct of the loving time they spend with a dad who provides, cares for, and treasures them. What if our anticipation for Jesus's return could be that natural, that full of pure excitement? What if getting ready wasn't about frantically checking off boxes, but about something much simpler, yet deeper? What if it's about connecting with Him right now, in a way that truly changes how you live? That’s what we're talking about today.

Setting the Scene for 1 John: Sticking With Jesus: No Fancy Words Needed

We’re diving into some old words from the Bible, from a guy named John – one of Jesus’s closest buddies. He wrote to people who were getting confused by some false talk going around. John basically told them, "Hey, stick with Jesus. Stay connected, like a branch stays on the tree."

This "sticking with" isn't just a warm, fuzzy feeling. It's about being connected to Jesus all the time, letting Him shape everything you do. Think of it like this: a branch only makes fruit if it stays hooked up to the vine. If it breaks off, it's useless. Same with us and Jesus. It’s not a one-and-done deal; it’s a daily grind, a lifestyle of relying on Him and hanging out with Him. John was telling his friends – and us – to hold onto what they believed about Jesus, especially since everyone knew Jesus was coming back.

The early Christians lived like Jesus could show up any day. It wasn't some far-off idea; it was real, and it changed how they lived. They weren't just waiting for a king; they were waiting for the guy who would bring God's kingdom in full force. And that made them want to live right.

By the way, if you want to really dig into this idea of "sticking with Jesus"—what the Bible calls meno or abide/remain—you've got to check out our Study Guide #537. We unpack this incredibly important word and concept there. Not only is there an in-depth study guide, but we also did a live video podcast unpacking that word in our last Word of the Week segment. You can find that over here: and just look for episode #537.

Standing Tall When He Shows Up

John says, "Stick with him, so when he shows up, we have guts and don't shrink back in shame" (1 John 2:28). Having guts means having a quiet confidence from living God's way. The opposite? Feeling like a loser, full of shame. Back then, shame was a big deal, so this was a powerful warning.

You're Family!

Then John shouts, "Look at the amazing love God poured out on us! We get to be called God's kids!" (1 John 3:1). This was huge. Being God's kid wasn't just a title; it changed who you were deep down.

This family connection means big things for your future: "We're God's kids now, and when Jesus shows up, we'll be just like him, because we'll see him as he really is" (1 John 3:2). That's our awesome hope: when Jesus returns, we'll be transformed to be like Him. Just seeing Him will change us completely.

So, what does this hope lead to? "Everyone who hopes in him like this makes himself pure, just as he is pure" (1 John 3:3). This isn't about earning your way to heaven. It's what naturally happens when you truly believe in your future with Jesus. Knowing He's coming back makes you want to clean up your act now, pushing you to live a good life out of love, not fear.

There's more to this STUDY GUIDE

BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN FURTHER FOR:

• Questions to chew on and discuss (or for your journal)

• A Journey Group Discussion Starter (use in your small group time)

• Modern Day Application Ideas

Want to watch the video version of the Daily Bible Podcast Episode that corresponds to this study guide? Here you go!

Questions for You to Chew On and Discuss

• What does sticking with Jesus look like for you daily?

  
  

• What does real confidence in Jesus look like in your life? Are there areas where you feel shame about your walk with God?

  
  

• How does being one of God's kids change how you see yourself and others? What's one practical step you can take to "clean up your act" for Jesus's return?

Journey Group Discussion Starter

How does hoping for Jesus to return make you live differently, especially regarding your purity and relationships?

Want to learn more about our Journey Groups (Small Groups online or in person)

Modern-Day Application:

This message is clear for how we live and think today:

• Stick with Jesus. This isn't just about showing up for church on Sunday or saying a quick prayer before bed. It's about a deep, genuine connection with the Big Man upstairs. Spend real time talking to Him, digging into His Word (even just a few verses, consistently), and listening to what He's saying. This true connection becomes your anchor in a crazy world. It shapes your daily grind – how you handle stress at work, how you talk to your family, even what kind of shows you watch. Because you're constantly connected to the source, your thoughts and actions start to line up with His.

  
  

• Live like He's coming back. This hope isn't for sitting around waiting. It’s a dynamic force that should shape your daily choices. Knowing Jesus is returning changes your priorities. You might think twice about cutting corners at work, gossiping about a neighbor, or getting into arguments over dumb stuff. Why? Because you're living for an audience of One. This hope makes you want to do what's right and love others well, not because you're trying to earn points, but because you're excited for His return and want to be found faithful.

  
  

• Embrace who you are: a child of God. This is huge, especially today. In a world obsessed with status, likes, and what everyone else thinks, knowing you are a child of God changes everything. Your value isn't based on your job, your bank account, your looks, or even your family history – good or bad. Maybe your family tree has some rough spots, or maybe you've felt like you never quite measured up. Well, guess what? In God's eyes, you're adopted into the most important family there is. This secure identity frees you from constantly striving for approval from other people. You don't need their validation because you've got God's. It also empowers you to pursue holiness out of love, not fear. You're not trying to be perfect to become God's child; you're striving for holiness because you are His child, waiting for your ultimate transformation into His likeness.

  
  

Don't dread Jesus's return; let it push you to lean into Him even harder. If you’re looking for straight-talking folks to walk this road with you, a Journey Group might be just what you need.

RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GROW AS A CHRISTIAN

Feeling like you need a reliable compass for this "last hour" journey? Our Journey Groups are like having a team of seasoned navigators and a really good map (the Bible!) to help you find your way. Don't wander aimlessly; find your crew! If you want to learn more about Journey Groups, get connected in one, or even learn about starting one, head over to yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups.

And as a free gift, we'd love for you to download our "Daily Dose of Discernment" guide – a quick and easy tool to help you hear from God every day. You can grab it right on our website! Your spiritual adventure awaits!

Go to https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups to learn more about Journey Groups, get connected in one, or even learn how to start your own. It's like a spiritual potluck, but instead of questionable casseroles, we share insights and grow closer to God. See you there!

You can also get our FREE in-Depth Bible-Study Guides delivered to your inbox: https://forms.wix.com/r/7330608166566101604.

To learn more about YJJ, Thad and Kaila, and Your Jesus Journey, check out our ABOUT US section: https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/learn-about-thad-and-kaila-and-the-journey-church-online.

There's lots more to see and learn on our website, from our "what we believe" page to hundreds of blogs. We encourage you to swing on by and take a look around at www.YourJesusJourney.com!

EXCITING DREAMS TAKING SHAPE

From road life to dream home base! 🚚➡️🏡 After years of traveling, God led us to an incredible spot in Arizona to build a ministry hub & bless others. You won't believe how it happened! ✨ Watch our new video to see the first glimpse! 👇

For the past three years, Kaila and I have been living life on the road, exploring and serving wherever God leads us. It's been an incredible journey, but carrying everything we own and constantly navigating started us dreaming of something more: a home base. A place to lighten our load, simplify, and most importantly, create a space where we can truly bless others. This video is the first glimpse of that dream!

As full-time traveling missionaries and founders of YourJesusJourney.com, we live on a modest income, relying on the generosity of others to support our three-fold ministry vision: helping people understand the Bible in context, finding Christian friends, and equipping disciple makers. So, you might be wondering, how are we able to pursue something this ambitious? About a year and a half ago, Kaila’s beloved dad passed away. With his passing, Kaila inherited their expansive family home and horse property on the breathtaking North Shore of Lake Superior, in beautiful Ontario—the place she grew up, where she rode her first bike and horse, and learned to drive. After much prayer and seeking God’s guidance, we decided to sell the property. What you see here came as a result of that incredible blessing, and all the work unfolding in the next year or two will also be funded by it.

Ultimately, it’s all God’s money, God’s land, and God’s resources—we simply want to be faithful stewards, investing what He’s entrusted us with to serve our family, friends, and help countless others experience God and the lessons of the Bible in a whole new way. We prayed and searched high and low, from Texas to Idaho, and God consistently drew us back to this breathtaking location in Northwest Arizona. Imagine: a spot overlooking the world's densest Joshua Tree forest, just minutes from the Grand Canyon, with epic mountains in our backyard! Our deepest desire for this place is to be a haven for renewal. A spot where our kids can visit, Kaila's mom can stay, and friends can gather. But even bigger than that, it's a launchpad for new ministry—a place to invite people to rest, recharge, share meals, grow friendships, and truly be renewed in the desert sun. We're already dreaming of leading hikes, teaching Bible lessons, and hosting retreats.

There’s a lot of exciting work ahead, but we're stepping out in faith, trusting God every step of the way. We’re so excited to share this new chapter with our family, friends, and all of you! If you want to learn more about our ministry, please visit YourJesusJourney.com. And if you have any questions, or just want to send your prayers or encouragement, please fill up that comment section or reach out directly at YourJesusJourney@gmail.com.

We've journeyed through the Bible, verse by verse, for over 15 books now! We take each passage and break it down into easy-to-understand chunks of plain English. Along the way, we uncover fascinating historical details and explore the cultural context, truly bringing the scriptures to life in a way that resonates. Forget dusty footnotes and words that send you reaching for a thesaurus – we make God's Word approachable and meaningful for everyone. And because we know you're eager to dig even deeper, make sure to subscribe to the Daily Bible Podcast and catch the video podcast each day that complements these blogs!