How does 1 John 1:3 encourage fellowship with God and fellow believers? Scripture Focus 1 John 1:3: “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” Fellowship Rooted in Shared Experience of Christ • “Seen and heard” points to real, historical events—eyewitness testimony the apostles eagerly pass on. • Truth proclaimed invites every listener into the same life-changing reality. • Without this foundational proclamation, genuine fellowship is impossible; with it, believers share the very life of Christ (John 20:31). Vertical Fellowship: Union with the Father and the Son • “Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son” highlights a direct, living relationship. • Koinōnia means participation, partnership, intimate sharing—far more than casual acquaintance. • Through the cross and resurrection we are brought near (Ephesians 2:13), able to approach the Father (Hebrews 4:16) and abide in the Son (John 15:4). • Eternal life is personal knowledge of God (John 17:3); fellowship is that life enjoyed daily. Horizontal Fellowship: Unity Among Believers • “So that you also may have fellowship with us” shows that relationship with God immediately overflows into relationship with His people. • Early church pattern: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship” (Acts 2:42). • Love proves discipleship (John 13:35); serving one another fulfills Christ’s law (Galatians 6:2). • Gathering together spurs mutual encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25). The Chain of Fellowship: From God to Us to Others 1. God reveals Himself in Christ. 2. Apostles witness and proclaim. 3. We hear, believe, and share in divine fellowship. 4. We extend that fellowship to new believers by proclaiming the same gospel. This unbroken chain ensures each generation enters the same intimate communion. Living Out Fellowship Today • Walk in the light—transparency keeps relationships healthy (1 John 1:7). • Confess sins quickly—restores joy and unity (1 John 1:9). • Worship and learn together—public gathering cements private faith (Hebrews 10:25). • Share the Lord’s Supper—“Is not the bread we break a participation in the body of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). • Practice tangible love—meet practical needs, not merely offer words (1 John 3:16-18). • Proclaim the gospel—invite others into fellowship just as the apostles invited us. 1 John 1:3 shows that fellowship is both a gift and a calling: God welcomes us into His own family life, then sends us to live that family life with one another. |
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