1 John - The Glory of Fellowship
In this message, Stephen emphasizes the importance of fellowship with God through the life of Christ. He begins with a prayer of gratitude for the gift of Jesus, who embodies eternal life and is central to our fellowship. This fellowship is inclusive of all who possess Christ's life but exclusive of anything not aligned with it. Stephen outlines three conditions for genuine fellowship: it must be rooted in life, righteousness, and a continuous practice of righteousness. He explains that righteousness is not merely about doing good deeds but is a reflection of God's nature. Through Christ, believers are clothed in righteousness, allowing them to approach God confidently. Stephen stresses that practicing righteousness is a consequence of being born of God, highlighting the transformative change that occurs within believers. He warns against the extremes of sinless perfection and the fear of losing salvation, affirming that true fellowship with God is marked by a desire to do His will and love others. Ultimately, Stephen encourages believers to maintain a good conscience, as it is vital for uninterrupted fellowship with God and one another, and he concludes with a prayer for God's continued work in their lives.
Outline of Main Points
- Introduction and prayer of gratitude for Jesus.
- Fellowship with God through Christ's life.
- Three conditions for genuine fellowship:
- Rooted in life.
- Rooted in righteousness.
- Continuous practice of righteousness.
- Righteousness as a reflection of God's nature.
- Believers are clothed in Christ's righteousness.
- Practicing righteousness as a consequence of being born of God.
- Warnings against extremes of sinless perfection and losing salvation.
- Importance of maintaining a good conscience for fellowship.
- Conclusion with a prayer for God's work in believers' lives.
29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
Chapter 3
1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
