Four Truths of Fellowship (1 John 1:1-2:6)

Occoquan Bible Church | Sermons

Dear OBC Family,

As we know all too well, sin always separates. And thus, when fellowship breaks, there is, lurking somewhere, sin unconfessed. In those times, it is tempting to fix the problem(s) with our own wisdom and to work overtime to recreate the fellowship that was had before. Yet, in times when fellowship is lost, we must remember that God alone can “fix” it. And accordingly we should seek him first and all his righteousness.

To put it seasonally, before the Lord gives his church spring rains, he often makes us feel the bitterness of winter’s cold. This coldness may have known sources, or its chilling drafts may strike us without ever revealing the source of their cold. Yet, whatever the source of winter, we should remember that God is working, and that spring is coming. As Hosea 6:1–3 tells us, we must remember that the Lord is the one who breaks us, so that he can bind us. And from this fact, we are invited to return to know the Lord.

This is the promise: God will sanctify his people, and he will bring them to confess their sins. And until sin is confessed, joy will be withheld. Yet, when we seek his light and see our darkness, it will prompt true confession, repentance, forgiveness, and grace. And this grace will bring a new season of fellowship, all provided by the Lord.

In the meantime, as we wait for spring, we can learn from Scripture what fellowship truly is. And for the next four Sundays, that is what we are going to do.

Most January’s we take time to consider the spiritual disciplines of Scripture reading, prayer, church membership, and the like. We have also taken time in January to stand for truth in public (as in opposing the horrors of abortion). Yet, this year, we will take those messages to our Sunday School hour.

In service, we will consider 1–3 John and 1 Corinthians 5–6. From those passages, we will see what God has to say to us about himself, his people, his church, and our fellowship with him and one another. Fellowship that begins with having our sins forgiven by Christ.

On Sunday, that is what we will see in 1 John 1–2. To prepare, take time to read those two chapters and pray that God grants us light to walk in his light.

With a new year, we can pray that God gives us new mercies. To that end, and as the Lord allows, I will look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

For His Glory and your joy in Christ,

Pastor David

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Discussion & Response Questions (1 John 1 & 2 )

1. How have you understood fellowship in the past? What are your expectations for church fellowship?

2. Why should we begin thinking about fellowship with one another by focusing on our fellowship with God?

3. How did our fellowship with God begin? What does it depend on?

4. How does our fellowship with one another depend upon our fellowship with God?

5. What causes fellowship to break? What can you do to repair that fellowship? (Hint: nothing apart from God)

6. What does John say about sin (1:5–10)? What does confessing sin look like?

7. Why is John writing his letter (2:1)? What should we do if we sin?

8. What does John say about Jesus (2:2)?

9. What encouragement do you find in knowing that Christ is an advocate?

10. What commands do you need to obey right now in order to pursue fellowship?

11. Take time to pray 1 John 1:5–2:6.