Foundation of The Fellowship

1 John 1:1 CSB

What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—

INTRO—

[[Read the text]]

In our culture (lives) we are way too enamored with independence and autonomy. Biblically we have been called to and designed for interdependence.

Today we embark on a study of 1 John. In this letter, the author—the Apostle John, writes to a group of Christians who have been inundated and appear to be overwhelmed with…LIFE.

John’s suggested remedy…suggested recourse to find help (et al.)…is in relationship to a slew of relationships—which enjoy the description of FELLOWSHIP. [Insert “Lord of the Rings” comment here.]

He writes to encourage his brothers and sisters in the faith by shining a light on the many important and beneficial facets of THE Fellowship…as well as what we must do to maintain and develop this Fellowship.

I am convinced that we find ourselves in such a moment, especially as a church body (family), right now. I believe that we can find helpful encouragement, correction, and motivation to renew our Fellowship within the pages of this fairly brief letter from John.

Soooo…let’s begin: Today, we consider the Scripture in 1 John 1.1-4 in which John reminds us of the Foundation of The Fellowship.

The Call Founding The Fellowship [1 John 1.3]

“Hey, let’s fellowship together (in which ‘together’ is rather redundant. Without being together fellowship is never going to be possible.)!”

For US to have seriously good fellowship, we MUST have fellowship with God (specifically here: Father & Son [Jesus Christ]).

HE chose to reveal this magnificent opportunity! [1 John 1.2a]

A Sure Foundation for The (Our) Fellowship [1 John 1.1]

We (John, et al.) have heard and seen and touched the Messiah (Jesus Christ; “the word of life.”).

John 1.1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

John 1.14 “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

He is the same—yesterday, today, & forever (Hebrews 13.8).

A Durable Foundation for The Fellowship [1 John 1.1-2]

“What was from the beginning...”

“The eternal life that was with the Father”

John 1.1… “In the beginning...”

Jesus is the same—yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13.8).

A Blessing (Result) from the Foundation of the Fellowship [1 John 1.4]

“JOY”

Nehemiah 8.10 “Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord is your strength.””

CONCL—

A solid foundation is essential. Without it, we (all of it) would be doomed to crumble, etc.

From this foundation, we will continue forward to discover the importance of, and responsibility to/for THE FELLOWSHIP.

1 John 1:4 CSB

We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.