[469 words]
The first chapter of 1 John is full of exceptional teachings. John confirms that Christ truly came in the flesh, and as intended, his words should make our joy full (vs. 1-4). Second, he establishes the fact that in God there is no darkness, and as Christians there is no place for darkness in our lives (vs. 5-6). Finally, he gives the criteria for one finding and maintaining a saved relationship and fellowship both with God, Christ, and fellow Christians (vs. 7-10). In this lesson we want to consider reasons why Christians need to maintain their fellowship with other Christians.
Believers should maintain fellowship with one another because they are born of the same Father. John writes in 1 John 3:1: ”Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.” I believe it is the nature of healthy families to take care of one another and to want to be with one another. God had a reason for placing the saved in the church (Acts 2:47). Christians are part of the “household of God” (Eph. 2:19) and as such should strive to meet one another’s needs (Gal. 6:10).
Fellowship should be maintained because Christians were bought with the same price (1 Cor. 6:20). Peter said the price paid was the precious blood of Jesus Christ (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 1:18). When people have a common bond that unites them, they should be able to benefit from associating with one another.
Fellowship needs to be maintained between Christians because they are walking the same path in life. This path is one that can be a lonely path (Matt. 7:13-14). Those who walk in this path are often misunderstood by the “world” and even hated because they are not of the world (Jn. 15:19; 17:15,16; 1 Jn. 3:13). This path is also one walked by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7).
Fellowship should be maintained between Christians because they serve the same teacher or master (Matt. 23:8,10). Matthew 28:18 declares that Jesus has all power and authority. Revelation 19:16 calls Jesus “King of kings and Lord of lords.” Christ also taught that a person could not serve two masters (Lk. 16:13).
Finally, fellowship should be maintained between Christians because they are all heirs of the same inheritance reserved in heaven (Rom. 8:15-17; Acts 26:18; Col. 3:24). This inheritance is reserved for Christians in heaven (1 Pet. 1:4).
Christians need other Christians, and fellowship should be a common thread in the lives of those Christians. Without it, children of God cannot make it in this world alone.
Billy Cline
Southside church of Christ
Southside, AR