2. The First Epistle of John Fellowship with Jesus 2:3-6

3. Review Letter concerned with our having fellowship with the Father and the son (1:3) Letter concerned with our having fellowship with the Father and the son (1:3) 1:5-2:2 stressed achieving and maintaining fellowship with the Father 1:5-2:2 stressed achieving and maintaining fellowship with the Father –Walk in the light –Confess our sins –Make use of our advocate and propitiation But how can we know we have fellowship with the Son? But how can we know we have fellowship with the Son?

4. Our certainty 1 John 2:3 1 John 2:3 –Who is the “Him”? The Father or the Son The Father or the Son 1 John 2:1-2, Jesus 1 John 2:1-2, Jesus –What does it mean to “know” Jesus “know” (Gk ginosko denotes knowledge that comes by experience) “know” (Gk ginosko denotes knowledge that comes by experience) That is, we have shared experiences with Jesus (fellowship) That is, we have shared experiences with Jesus (fellowship)

5. Basis of our fellowship “if we keep His commandments” “if we keep His commandments” –Fellowship depends on obedience Jn 14:21-24 Jn 14:21-24 Jn 15:10-11 Jn 15:10-11

6. False claims of fellowship 1 Jn 2:4 1 Jn 2:4 –Claiming to “know” Jesus and yet not keeping the commandments Is a liar Is a liar The truth is not in him The truth is not in him Just like one who claims fellowship with the Father while walking in darkness (1 Jn 1:6) Just like one who claims fellowship with the Father while walking in darkness (1 Jn 1:6)

7. True fellowship 1 Jn 2:5a 1 Jn 2:5a –For one who keeps His word The love of God is perfected in Him The love of God is perfected in Him –What is this “love of God”? God’s love for us? 1 Jn 4:9 God’s love for us? 1 Jn 4:9 Our love for God? 1 Jn 5:2-3 Our love for God? 1 Jn 5:2-3 –Since John is speaking of keeping His commandments, must be our love for God –Love for God is “perfected” (made complete) only when we keep the commandments Jn 14:15, 21, 23 Jn 14:15, 21, 23

8. Maintaining fellowship Just as with the Father, fellowship with the Son is not guaranteed to never end Just as with the Father, fellowship with the Son is not guaranteed to never end –So how do we know if we are still in fellowship with the Son? 1 John 2:5b-6 1 John 2:5b-6

9. Abiding in Jesus What does abiding in Jesus mean? What does abiding in Jesus mean? –John 15:4-5 There is a union (attachment) between the branch and vine There is a union (attachment) between the branch and vine From this union comes a communion (sharing) From this union comes a communion (sharing) –So abiding in Jesus is having fellowship with Jesus

10. Walk just as He walked To have fellowship with Jesus, we have to be walking just as He walked To have fellowship with Jesus, we have to be walking just as He walked –To “walk” is to “live” –Jn 8:31 – true disciples follow His words –Lk 6:40 – disciples will be like their teacher –Rom 8:29 – the goal of discipleship Being conformed to His image Being conformed to His image

11. Summary Knowing we have fellowship with Jesus is understanding the difference between “talking” and “walking” Knowing we have fellowship with Jesus is understanding the difference between “talking” and “walking” –Anyone can claim fellowship –But true fellowship is for those who… KEEP His commandments KEEP His commandments WALK just as He walked WALK just as He walked Do you know Jesus? Do you know Jesus?