TITLE: Fellowship In the Light: Blessing and Reward
TEXT: 1 John 1:3-10
PROPOSITION: There is a blessing and reward to our fellowship.
QUESTION: Which?
KEY WORD: Blessings
READING: Same

What is Fellowship?

1. Greek word - Partnership, joint participation, communion

2. English word - “fellows in the same ship”; “We are all in the same boat.”

3. Practical uses -

   1. More than eat together - Fellowship = smell the coffee

   2. Interaction, get to know / understand

   3. Jointly participate in a work – missions we support

   4. Share joys and sorrows “weep with those who weep, rejoice with those who rejoice”

   5. Work together on a project - VBS, visitation, teaching, etc.

Blessings

1. Fellowship – Fellowship is with God and Jesus - 1 John 1:3

2. Forgiveness – We have forgiveness, cleansed - 1 John 1:7, 9

3. Advocate – Lawyer on retainer - 1 John 2:1 “advocate”

Rewards

1. Joy – Full of Joy - 1 John 1:4

2. Walk in Light – Not Darkness - 1 John 1:5

3. Companionship – Fellowship with other believers - 1 John 1:3

4. Avoid Sin – You will not sin (Not WANT to sin) - 1 John 3:9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

   1. Some believe this teaches that it is “impossible” for a Christian to sin.

   2. Illustration: Man buying pajamas – Tag said “Shrink Resistant” - Man asked, “Will these pajamas shrink?” After checking with supervisor, director of purchasing, and with the manufacturer – “Yes. They will shrink, but they don't want to.”

   3. Christians are not “sin proof” we are “sin resistant.”

   4. We sin – but we don't want to.