HIGHLIGHT
1 John 1:3 (ESV): 3 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.
EXPLAIN
John was writing a church that had struggled mightily with false teachers. There had been great conflict in the church, and a number of those caught up in false doctrine finally departed.
Now John wrote this church to assure them in their faith and to emphasize that the Christian life is about loving God and loving others.
APPLY
John’s stated purpose for writing this letter – and for sharing the gospel – is different than the emphasis we have often focused upon. John wanted these people to have fellowship with him and the other apostles and churches, as their fellowship was with the Father.
What do we lose when we forget the emphasis of community and fellowship in sharing the Good News of Jesus?
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, thank you for eternal life and the fellowship this gives me with you, the Son, and the Spirit, as well as with other believers all throughout the world. Thank you for your love that you have poured upon us, and cause to bubble up inside us. Amen.