Essentials for The Fellowship

1 John 1:5 CSB

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him.

INTRO—

Sooo…who wrote this book?

Well, you already told us Jesus’ disciple, John, wrote it.

Fair enough. But, by what ‘name’ did he often prefer to be known?

Apostle?…Son of Thunder?… OR — The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved!

Think about this. In this letter to struggling, challenged Christians, he (John)—actually ‘we’ (other Apostles with him)—wrote to encourage them to grow…in their faith, AND faithfulness to God and each other. THE FELLOWSHIP.

What are the components—the necessary conditions…the ESSENTIALS—for solid, flourishing Fellowship?

At this point in John’s letter, he highlights four essentials for The Fellowship. These are...

Walking in the Light (1 John 1.5-7)

God is light...

If we say we have fellowship with God...

but walk in darkness we are liars

[[TIME OUT: understanding challenging phrasing in John’s writing!

“walk in darkness;” “walk in the light”

“we have no sin;” “we have not sinned”

…& later— “everyone who remains in him does not sin;” “everyone who sins has not seen him or known him.”

**walk=carry on daily living; habitually do…]]

Light v. Darkness

John 8.12 “Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.””

Righteousness not Unrighteousness / Holiness not Sinfulness

Gotta be thinking rightly and following Jesus closely. (dcTalk)

Our standard of behavior.

[& I don’t want to be guilty of calling God a liar]

Confessing Sin (1 John 1.8-2.2)

We often have a problem choosing wisely between walking in the light and falling into darkness (1 John 1.8)

CONFESSING Our (as Christians!!) Sin is Crucial!

Confession = ‘saying the same thing (as God)’

Confession exemplifies biblical repentance.

[[For us to say we don’t ever need to ask for forgiveness…is unbiblical and not characteristic of a Christ follower.]]

The really GOOD news for our conundrum (1 John 2.1-2)

1 John 1.9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Comes with an extended guarantee in 1 John 2.1!

[& I don’t want to be guilty of calling God a liar]

Obeying God’s Commands (1 John 2.3-6)

Following closely, Confessing completely, AND Obeying (keeping) solely.

That which is essential is evident…it shows. [“This is how we know we know him” — evidence of The Fellowship]

“Know” = known through practical experience (rather than mere academic exercise).

To be known as part of The Fellowship, we must live according to the rules (guidelines, standards) set forth by the one who established it.

“Keep” = conform to; observe (as to observe the traffic laws); obey

…& here we go walking again!

As we abide by this standard, we see God’s love completed in our lives and the life of our church.

“Complete” = to finish out; accomplished; be perfected/fulfilled

[& I don’t want to make God a liar]

Loving One Another (1 John 2.7-11)

As “the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved,” what command of Scripture (old command)…command of Christ (new command) might be at the forefront of John’s mind? [Love One Another!]

“…but hates his brother and sister” [hates = detests; abhors; scorn; persecute]

“…one who loves his brother or sister” [loves = selflessly; for what’s best for the recipient; care greatly]

“His brother or sister” = a fellow believer (Remember the context—John writes to those who have been told, shown that a believer can be ok with God and still hate his fellow Christian…hmmmmm)

Not a good showing to a lost world!

Also, still not off the hook of needing to do the same—love—an unbeliever (even one who would make himself our enemy)

CONCL—

1 John 2.12-14 “I am writing to you, little children, since your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. I am writing to you, fathers, because you have come to know the one who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have conquered the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you have come to know the Father. I have written to you, fathers, because you have come to know the one who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, God’s word remains in you, and you have conquered the evil one.”

Little Children / Fathers / Young Men [All Christians (x3); or - & older, younger Christians]

1 John 2:14 CSB

I have written to you, children, because you have come to know the Father. I have written to you, fathers, because you have come to know the one who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, God’s word remains in you, and you have conquered the evil one.