1 JOHN 1:1–3
1-“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2-The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the FATHER and has appeared to us. 3-We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the FATHER and with His Son, JESUS CHRIST.”
John references JESUS' eternal existence, and His identical nature to GOD the FATHER. John also makes
a claim to his own eyewitness testimony: he has personally seen these things he is teaching others about. Most people today certainly agree that JESUS was human, yet many have trouble with the particularity of that claim. They may find it plausible to think of JESUS an expression of spiritual or ethical ideals, but have difficulty with the particulars of His life, crucifixion, and resurrection. So 1 John focuses on the embodied Word of GOD, and calls for an embodied faith.
The opening line of the gospel spoke of “the Word” that created all things in “the beginning,” and the epistle shifts the focus to the “Word of life” as the Christian message, which finds its “beginning” in the incarnation. The point of that message is to create fellowship or “koinonia” between GOD and people, and among people themselves. Fellowship with the FATHER and His Son JESUS CHRIST should daily characterize the life of a believer whether alone or with other fellow believers.
The Word reminds us in Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” What motivates us in our fellowship with others? It should be our mutual love for the FATHER and His Son JESUS CHRIST! Prayer, Bible study, and Worship are opportunities for us to express our love for ABBA FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Prayer:
ABBA FATHER, thank You that through Your Son JESUS, we can have an enjoyable experience of Your Presence and Power in our lives. Thank You that You’ve given us the HOLY SPIRIT whose presence in our lives reminds us of the importance and significance of not forsaking having fellowship with other believers especially because of Your promised presence and active involvement in our lives. Thank You, in the great and majestic Name of JESUS, Amen.
Sending Our Love & Prayers,
Pastor Wally & Sister Mattie