1 João 1

1 João 1:3

Morgan - Our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.— 1 John 1.3 This is one of the greatest statements of the New Testament, and it may safely be said that its greatness is created by the richness of the word which is the emphatic word, viz. fellowship. This is a word which was actually used by Paul more often than any other New Testament writer, but the conception is most perfectly interpreted by John. The marvel of this particular statement will best be apprehended if we accurately apprehend the significance of the word. The Greek word koinonia is derived from the word koinos, which very literally means common, in the sense of being shared by all. The use of that word koinos, or common, in our New Testament, which will help us most in this consideration, is that made of it by Luke when he declared that "All that believed were together, and had all things common" (Acts 2.44). Fellowship then is that community of relationship which expresses itself in community of resource and responsibility. Those who have a fellowship one with another, are those who share the same resources, and are bound by the same responsibilities. Those who have a fellowship one with another, are those who share the same resources, and are bound by the same responsibilities. The idea becomes almost overwhelming when it is thus applied to the relationship which believing souls bear to the Father, and to His Son Jesus Christ. It is a subject which can be meditated in silence better than interpreted by words. The whole of this letter helps us in such meditation. We may reverently attempt to summarize by repeating what is already said. The Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and all believers have all things in common. All the resources of each in the wondrous relationship are at the disposal of the others. Such is the grace of our God, and of His Son. (Life Applications from Every Chapter of the Bible) Warren Wiersbe on 1 John 1:3 - REAL LIFE When God made us, He made us in His own image (Ge 1:26-27). This means that we have a personality patterned after God's. We have a mind to think with, a heart to feel with, and a will with which to make decisions. We sometimes refer to these aspects of our personality as intellect, emotion, and will. The life that is real must involve all the elements of the personality. Most people are dissatisfied today because their total personality has never been controlled by something real and meaningful. When a person is born of God through faith in Christ, God's Spirit comes into his life to live there forever. As he has fellowship with God in reading and studying the Bible and in prayer, the Holy Spirit is able to control his mind, heart, and will. And what happens then? A Spirit-controlled mind knows and understands truth. A Spirit-controlled heart feels love. A Spirit-controlled will inclines us to obedience. John wants to impress this fact on us, and that is why he uses a series of contrasts in his letter: truth vs. lies, love vs. hatred, and obedience vs. disobedience. There is no middle ground in the life that is real. We must be on one side or on the other. This, then, is the life that is real. It was revealed in Christ; it was experienced by those who trusted in Christ; and it can be shared today. Applying God's Truth: 1. Of your own intellect, emotion, and will, which would you say is most in need of further development? 2. Which of the three aspects of personality do you think most people find hardest to submit to God? Why? 3. For each of the three areas, what is one thing you can do this week to give the Holy Spirit more control? (Borrow Pause for power : a 365-day journey through the Scriptures) Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. The life of fellowship with God cannot be built up in a day. F. B. MEYER. Crucified with Him.—Ro. 6:6. Died with Christ. (Alford’s Trans.).—Ro. 6:8. Buried with Him.—Ro. 6:4. Planted together in the likeness of His death.—Ro. 6:5. Planted together in the likeness of His resurrection.—Ro. 6:5. Quickened together.—Ep. 2:5. Raised up together.—Ep. 2:6. Sitting together in heavenly places.—Ep. 2:6. Living together.—1 Th. 5:10. Working together.—Mk 16:20. Suffering together.—Ro. 8:17. Glorified together.—Ro. 8:17. C H