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Fellowship (1 John 1:3-10) John presents fellowship as something that is desirable and attainable; he wants fellowship with them and this is part of his reason for writing. |
Fellowship (1 John 1:3-10)
John presents fellowship as something that is desirable and attainable; he wants fellowship with them and this is part of his reason for writing. In this section, he speaks of the:
- Foundation of Fellowship (v3) – they could have fellow-ship together only by having fellowship with God based upon following apostolic doctrine, not what he created but what he had seen and heard (cf. Acts 2:42; John 14:26; 1 Cor. 2:12-13; Gal. 1:11-12; 1 Thess. 2:13).
- Limits of Fellowship (v6-7) – there were those who would claim to have fellowship with God but such would be a lie if they do not practice the truth. Therefore the condition of fellowship is walking in the light/truth (1 Jn 2:5-6; 2 Jn 6, 9; 3 Jn 3-4). This limit is set by God and cannot be changed by man (2 Tim. 3:16; Gal. 1:6-9).
- Obstacles to Fellowship (v6-10) – some things that can stand in the way of fellowship include the attitude that sin does not matter (v6; 1 Cor. 5:1-2), the belief that sin does not exist of that one is sinless (v8; Mark 2:17; Matt. 23:27), and the mindset that redefines sin as something else (v10; Isa. 5:20). Such attitudes can be seen in the older brother of Luke 15 (v25-32) and they hindered his fellowship with the younger brother and the father.
- Blessing of Fellowship (v3) – when we enjoy this fellow-ship we have a Father that loves us (1 Jn 3:1; 4:8-10), a Lord that pleads for us and leads us (1 Jn 2:1; 1:7; 2:6), brethren who encourage us (1 Jn 3:11; 3 Jn 3-4; Acts 4:32).
