Fellowship With God (2)
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Fellowship With God
Fellowship With God
Sharing a common purpose ....
we have something in common .....
But for that to take place there must be
communion a time to talk or togeterness
community - we are part of a group
common purpose - salvation and forgiveness of sins
The word translated fellowship in our New Testaments is the Greek word koinonia and it can be defined as a “relationship, communion, community, common purpose or sharing”.
A COMMON PURPOSE ...
Great blessings accompany fellowship with God.
Fellowship with God means Spiritual Communion
A RELATIONSHIP
First, when we have fellowship with Father, we have fellowship with the Son, the apostles and all others who follow God. When we have fellowship with God we should never feel alone, because we share in spiritual communion with past and present believers (,).
The Bible Knowledge Commentary II. Introduction: Basic Principles (1:5–2:11)
Since fellowship is the objective of John’s letter, it was natural for him to begin with a discussion of this subject. So in 1:5–2:11 he enunciated some fundamental principles which lie at the root of all genuine fellowship with God. These principles are of immense practical value to the everyday lives of all Christians. By these principles believers may test the reality of their personal communion with God. They may also discern whether they have come to know the God with whom they commune.
Fellowship with God means Being Cleansed of Sins
Since fellowship is the objective of John’s letter, it was natural for him to begin with a discussion of this subject.
Secondly, when we are in fellowship with God we have the benefit of continual cleansing of sin. As long as we are in a relationship with God, as His children we can be constantly be made pure by the cleansing ability of Christ’s blood. God cannot have fellowship with sin, He is light and in Him is no darkness (). Light is the absence of darkness, when we abide in the light (ie. fellowship with God), darkness is removed and we are found pure.
So in 1:5–2:11 he enunciated some fundamental principles which lie at the root of all genuine fellowship with God.
Great Blessings are Associated with Being "In Fellowship" with God
These blessings we have examined are wonderful representations of God’s care and concern for His creation. These blessings, however, are conditional upon us maintaing real fellowship with God, His Son and His church. We cannot declare to have a relationship with God and still be living in darkness. God who is light cannot be in the presence of darkness. () May we always abide in the light and reap the benefits of real fellowship with God.
I Truth and Light
I Truth and Light
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
What are we having fellowship with .....
The perfect holy God!
Love, truth, no darkness...
God is light and exposes sin....
God is light and exposes sin....
Light exposes filth and disease
darkness - mold, moisture and defilement
This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you. By the words “from Him,”
This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you. By the words “from Him,”
John no doubt meant from the Lord Jesus Christ whose Incarnation he had just referred to (vv. 1–2).
The content of this “message,” as John expressed it, is that God is Light; in Him there is no darkness at all.
In describing God as Light, which John frequently did (, ; ; ; ; , ; ), he was no doubt thinking of God as the Revealer of His holiness. Both aspects of the divine nature figure in the discussion of sin and fellowship in .
As Light, God both exposes man’s sin and condemns it.
If anyone walks in darkness, he is hiding from the truth which the Light reveals (cf. ).
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
It is important that the “message” John had heard is the one he directed to his readers (“we … declare to you”).
When carefully considered, the kind of claims which John refuted are precisely the kind which may be made by Christians who lose touch with spiritual realities and with God. The effort to find in verses 6–10 the doctrinal beliefs of heretical teachers lacks adequate exegetical foundation[1]
The first thing God did in Creation was to “command the light to shine out of darkness” (). He did so simply by saying, “Light be!” “And light was,” the Holy Spirit says (see ). Physical light bears the image and stamp of its Creator, a God who is, Himself, light.[1]
Another wonderful property of light is that it cannot be defiled. Moreover, light can, and most certainly does, reveal defilement. Also, life as we know it craves light.
A plant will always turn toward the light and struggle to reach it.
Such are some of the characteristics of natural, created light.
Many of these properties reflect the One who reveals Himself as the Light. He is always the same, He is immaculate and beyond the reach of darkness, He reveals Himself to us in all the diverse beauties of His being. And beneath the sunshine of His smile, life can flourish, take root, and grow. Our desire is toward Him, and He rules over us.[2]
By this He meant that God is absolutely holy, absolutely righteous, and absolutely pure. God cannot look with favor on any form of sin. Nothing is hidden with Him, but “all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
[2] Phillips, J. (2009). Exploring the Epistles of John: An Expository Commentary (). Kregel Publications; WORDsearch Corp.
Our fellowship is with the Light!
II Deception and Darkness
II Deception and Darkness
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. 8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. 9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
1 john 2.6-11
vs 6- deception - you are in think the light thought you don't walk in it.
1 john 1.
vs 6- deception - you are in think the light thought you don't walk in it.
I save that I am saved but look at my fruit ....
I am saved but .......
A person walking in the light will have fellowship with the Light....
vs 7 - we will have fellowship with God ...
vs 8- we are still sinners and the sin anture abounds
vs 9 - we will confess and be forgiven
vs 10 we are still sinners
Deceived
Deceived
Since “God is Light,” it follows that a Christian cannot truly claim communion with Him while living in the darkness.
As John warned, If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
Important Biblical Evidences Of Salvation:
11 Important Biblical Evidences Of Salvation: (Bible Study)
There are many people who believe they’re saved, but they are not saved. On the other side of the coin there are many people who truly are saved but are struggling with the full assurance of their salvation.
The Apostle Paul had to deal with a case of incest in the Corinthian assembly () and laid down a list of sins for which church members should come under church discipline (). Spurious claims to fellowship with God have been a tragic reality throughout the history of the church.
There is a difference between assurance of salvation and evidence of salvation. The assurance of your salvation should only come from the perfect work of Christ on the cross. We can be confident in our salvation.
11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
1 john 5,11-13
5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Important Biblical Evidences Of Salvation:
A Christian who says he is in fellowship with God (who “is Light”) but who is disobeying Him (walking “in the darkness”) is lying (cf. ).
This article is about the evidence of our salvation. Below I have given 11 biblical signs of salvation.
Ten times John used “darkness” to refer to sin (; ; [twice]; ; , [twice]).[1]
The number one evidence of salvation is that you will trust in Jesus Christ alone.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Now it follows that in order for a person to be in fellowship with God, there can be no hiding of sin. Light and darkness cannot exist in a person’s life at the same time, any more than they can exist together in the room of a home. If a man is walking in darkness, he is not in fellowship with God. A man who says he has fellowship with Him and habitually walks in darkness was never saved at all.[2]
Take a look at . reminds us that many professing Christians will find out that they will not enter into heaven.
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“On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?”
What is the person appealing to? He is appealing to his good works.
[1] Walvoord, J. F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, pp. 884–885). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
He is filled with self-righteousness. He is trusting in himself and he is oblivious to it. Not once did he say, “the blood of Jesus Christ!”
Not once did he say, “because Jesus Christ died for my sins and I have no need for anything else!” Many people are not trusting in Jesus Christ alone.
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
You will grow in your hatred towards sin.
10 Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: He preserveth the souls of his saints; He delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
There is no denying that true believers are sensitive towards sin.
[2] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 2310). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
You will grow in your hatred for sin and love for the things that God loves. Christians want to live a life pleasing to the Lord.
We have a fear of hurting Him and we want to honor Him. Are you growing in your hatred towards sin? Does sin affect you now? Does sin break your heart? The mark of a believer is God’s hand on their life. God works in believers to conform them into the image of Christ. The sins that you once loved do you now hate them?
Lost religious people stop doing the sins that they love. Converted people stop doing the sins that they hate.
“Hate evil, you who love the LORD, Who preserves the souls of His godly ones; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.”
You will seek to be obedient to the Word of God.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee.
8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: Yea, thy law is within my heart.
ps 119.11
33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, And write it in their hearts; And will be their God, And they shall be my people.
Believers have a new relationship with God’s Word. When I first got saved my desire for His Word grew. I wanted to spend time with Him in His Word. I never truly desired to read God’s Word before I was saved.
Now that I was saved not only was I reading it, but I was also obeying it. I’m not seeking to obey His Word because obeying His Word saves me, I’m obeying His Word because I am saved by grace through faith in Christ alone.
Has God put His law in your heart? Do you delight to obey the Lord’s commandments or is it a burden? Have you hidden God’s Word in your heart?
john
“I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.”
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”
You will have a greater sense of your sinfulness and your deep need for Jesus Christ.
If there is one thing that great men of God such as Paul, Peter, Charles Spurgeon, and others all had in common, it was a great revelation of their sinfulness and a great need for Christ.
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
romans
ommon, it was a great revelation of their sinfulness and a great need for Christ.
When I became a Christian I never knew how much of a sinner I was. However, when I grew in Christ and started getting closer to Christ I started noticing more and more areas that needed improvement.
The closer you get to the light the more sin that it reveals.
“O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.”
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
You will bear good fruit.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
There are many people who claim to be Christian, but exhibit nothing but bad fruit.
They act and talk like the world. Their lifestyle does not align with Scripture. They talk the talk but they don’t walk the walk.
They have no victory over sin and this is strong evidence that they are not saved. Christians will grow and produce good fruit.
matt
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
– “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?”
“Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him.”
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
God disciplines His children like any loving Father would.
6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Evidence that you are Christian is that God will not allow you to go astray.
Is it possible for a Christian to backslide? Yes! However, God will not allow a Christian to live in a continuous lifestyle of sin. If that person is a Christian God is going to lovingly discipline that child and bring him back. If God allows a professing believer who has backslidden to remain that way, then that is strong evidence that the person is not His child. He was just a poser who stopped posing.
You will desire to have fellowship with Christ.
I’m not saying that you will not go through seasons of dullness in prayer or dullness for the Word of God. However, if you never like spending time with Christ in prayer or in His Word, then that could possibly mean that your heart is unregenerate. If prayer is always a burden and you have no relationship with Christ, then you could just be involved in religion. Once again, even true believers can go through dry seasons, but they won’t remain that way. Genuine believers desire to spend time with their Savior. Some people have a stronger prayer life than others but a Christian will at least have a prayer life. Sometimes we pray not even to ask for anything. We just want more time with Him. If you told your wife you loved her but you never spent time with her, would she believe you? Evidence of your love for Christ will be seen in your devotional life. Do you desire to spend time with Him?
“that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.”
“For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.”
You will desire to have fellowship with other believers.
When you become Christian you are going to desire to go to church. Does going to church save you? No. However, you’re going to desire to have fellowship with other Christians. You are going to want to find a biblical church. You’re going to want to grow with other believers. You are going to love other believers and enjoy worshipping your Savior together.
– “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
– “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Believers maintain a clear conscience.
Do you have a clear conscience before the Lord? A believer’s conscience should acquit them. Christians have the full assurance of sin forgiven.
“Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God.”
Bottom Line
Here are questions to ask yourself.
Is God teaching you? Are you broken over sin? Do you see Him working in your life? Do you have a new relationship with sin? Have you separated from the ways of the world? Does the Holy Spirit convict you of sin? Do you want to be more for Christ? Do you see your great need for Christ? Do you put your trust in Christ alone apart from your works? Are you growing in repentance? Are you growing in your love for God? Do you desire to have fellowship with Him and His people? These are all evidences of someone who has truly been saved by the mighty blood of Christ.
III Fallen and Forgiven
III Fallen and Forgiven
1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
We are not supposed to sin
We learn fro 1:8-10 that we will sin
now what do we do
vs1 - we are not superposed to sin but we will
We have an advocate Jesus Christ the righteous
He freed us from sin he paid the price
Christ satisfied the claim for justice.
He paid the price for all ......
How is your fellowship with God?