“Fellowship” is found 4 times in 1 John 1 (v. 3, 6, 7) (15 in NT) Greek word koinonia = “joint participation, partnership, sharing, communion” Fellowship involves a close & intimate relationship with God Sometimes described as “walking with God” (1:5+7; cf. Amos 3:3) God walked in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:8) Enoch and Noah “walked with God” (Gen. 5:24; 6:9) Requires regular communication (1 Thess. 5:17; Heb. 1:1-2; 4:12-16) A deep fellowship with God is man’s greatest blessing and his greatest need!

Who Jesus is = the basis of our fellowship The incarnation of Jesus Christ = the basis (1:1-3) “From the beginning” = from all eternity (before creation) “We have heard…seen…looked upon…touched” He really lived! The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ = the basis (Rom. 5:8-11) The deity of Jesus is the foundation for fellowship with God!

From a negative standpoint: Get out of darkness & stay out of darkness I cannot have fellowship with God and walk in darkness at the same time! (cf. John 8:12) From a positive standpoint: Get in the light of God & stay in the light! – 1:7a I can only have fellowship with God if I walk faithfully in His light! (cf. Psa. 119:105)

Full and complete joy – 1:4 Fellowship with one another in the church – 1:7, 3 The continual cleansing of the blood of Christ from all sin – 1:7

Believe Jesus is God’s Son – John 20:30-31 Repent of your sins and turn to God – Acts 17:30 Confess your faith in Jesus – Matthew 10:32 Be immersed into Christ – Romans 6:3-4 God will forgive all of your sins – Acts 2:38 God will add you to His church – Acts 2:47 God will enroll you in heaven – Hebrews 12:23 Walk faithfully in fellowship with Him – 1 John 1:7