Lesson 2: Pursuing Joy in Fellowship, Part 2 (1 John 1:1-4)

What is it that joins the church together? What are the members to unite in? John makes very clear from the beginning of his letter that being in fellowship with other believers is far more robust than simply being in close proximity to others in the body or just getting along with others in the pews. John and the other apostles passed along their knowledge about the truth of their Savior, and in that truth everyone who believed was united. Pastor Daniel emphasizes this reality when he states, “Common confession fuels joyful fellowship.” He provides three principles for application for believers to consider. 1) True Christian fellowship is marked by the common confession that Christ is Lord. 2) True Christian fellowship is marked by deep relational commitment. 3) True Christian fellowship is marked by joy.

Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff