In what ways can we practically "have fellowship" as described in 1 John 1:3? The Foundation Laid in 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.” (1 John 1:3) Fellowship with the Father and the Son • Abide in Christ’s words—daily reading, meditation, and obedience (John 14:23; John 15:4). • Walk in the light—transparent living before God, turning from sin (1 John 1:7). • Practice continual confession—keeping short accounts with the Lord (1 John 1:9). • Cultivate unbroken prayer—spoken and silent communion throughout the day (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Celebrate the Lord’s Table—sharing in the bread and cup renews vertical fellowship (1 Corinthians 10:16). Fellowship with One Another • Gather faithfully—corporate worship and study (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:24-25). • Share meals and the Lord’s Supper—breaking bread binds hearts. • Bear burdens—practical help, listening ears, shared tears (Galatians 6:2; 1 Corinthians 12:26). • Serve side by side—ministry teams, outreach, mercy projects. • Open your home—regular hospitality, small groups, overnight care (Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9). • Encourage with the Word—text, call, or visit with Scripture-saturated counsel. • Give generously—meeting material needs strengthens spiritual bonds (Acts 4:34-35). Practical Rhythms for Daily Fellowship • Morning: personal Scripture and prayer set the tone for both vertical and horizontal fellowship. • Mid-day: brief check-ins with believing friends; pray together over messages or calls. • Evening: family worship—read, sing, pray, discuss the day’s mercies. • Weekly: Lord’s Day gathering; linger afterward to listen, share, and plan acts of service. • Monthly: invite someone new into your home; rotate dinner tables among believers. • Digital: use group chats for quick praises, needs, and verses—but keep face-to-face meetings primary. Guarding the Purity of Fellowship • Walk in truth—reject false teaching; contend for the faith (Jude 3). • Speak honestly—no hidden agendas or gossip (Ephesians 4:25). • Restore gently—confront sin with humility and Scripture (Galatians 6:1). • Maintain doctrinal clarity—study together to remain anchored in the apostolic message. • Pray for unity—spiritual warfare seeks to fracture the body; intercession protects it. The Joy Released Through True Fellowship • “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brothers live in harmony!” (Psalm 133:1). • John wrote “so that our joy may be complete” (1 John 1:4). Shared life with God and one another multiplies delight (John 16:24). • When believers live this way, the world glimpses the reality of Christ’s kingdom and is drawn to the Savior (John 13:35). Living out these practices turns the doctrine of 1 John 1:3 into daily experience—deep, tangible fellowship with the Father, the Son, and the family of God. |
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