View Video blog for this lesson: I John 1:3 (Part 2)
I John 1:3
... 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.
THE STUDY
As we studied yesterday, John was “proclaiming” what he and the other disciples had heard, seen and touched. This was not an announcement so much as it was a report from those who were present. He was reporting the fact that they heard, seen, touched and was touched by Jesus Christ. Not just a mere man but the one who was from the beginning, was made manifest, and was with the Father.
The purpose of John's Epistle is to invite the readers to the fellowship of the disciples who are eyewitnesses of the earthly life and ministry of Jesus.[1] We read next, how John states the purpose of this writing, so that you too may have fellowship with us. The word “fellowship” has an interesting meaning in this passage. John uses the same word that is found in Philippians 3:10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. The word “share” is the same Greek word used in I John 1:3 “fellowship.” The word is Koinonia which means, community; fellowship; participation. Paul states in Philippians that he may not just understand but participate in every aspect of the life of Jesus. This is not one who longs to hang around the team but someone who desires to be on the team.
In I John we get the feel of the same passion found in Philippians. John invites the reader to join the team (have fellowship with us). Not just walking along side of them but participating fully in this relationship with Jesus Christ.
Every year my oldest son would ask me, “Dad, can I play football?” And every year I would tell him “When you are older and bigger.” What my son was asking me every year was “Can I join the team?” He did not want to watch from the sidelines any more. He wanted to play the game. He no longer wanted to be a spectator but a participator in this game called football.
John is telling these "worshipers of another god," they were spectators of a false god. But, they could come and participate with the disciples who were worshipers of the one true God. He is encouraging them to be a part of the team of Jesus Christ.
WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH …
· - Let’s stop being spectators and become participators in this walk with Jesus.
o Stop watching and start being.
o Stop talking and starting doing.
· - Let’s be like John and invite others to come and be participators as well.
o Jesus is not someone who we should keep all to ourselves.
o He demands to be shared with others who don’t know Him.
CONCLUSION:
The 1935 game between Dartmouth and Princeton was played in a blinding snowstorm. A Dartmouth man was on his way to a touchdown, with no Tiger player within ten feet of him, when from the sidelines a spectator suddenly scampered onto the field and made a perfect tackle.
This is a great example of someone who no longer wanted to be a spectator but a vital participator. I am not encouraging everyone to go to a football game and tackle the other teams running back as he runs for a touchdown. What I am encouraging us to do is invite someone to join the team. As a matter of fact, if you have been watching from the sidelines, now can be a great time to join the team.
Blessings my friends
Pastor Rod
[1] Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 14: New Testament commentary : Exposition of James and the Epistles of John. New Testament Commentary (237). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.
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