Fellowship & Forgiveness 1 John 1:11:1-10 People everywhere are interested in fellowship.

They gather for dinners and participate in activities with others, whether it is a concert, a movie, or other activity. But what about fellowship among Christians? What do Christians do when they have fellowship? A meal together at Church? Coffee or tea? A movie or a concert? The verses in 1 John tell us about what true fellowship should look like, how it can be enjoyed and experienced by all Christians. More importantly, they show us how to understand how we can have fellowship with God. 1. Read 1 John 1:1-10. John begins this chapter by announcing his message. Can you give a summary of what he is saying (1 John 1:1-2)? 2. Why is John giving us this message (1 John 1:3-4)?

3. In light of this message, what is the basic reason for our fellowship as Christians?

4. John gives a test so that we can know if we have fellowship with God (1 John 1:5-10). What is the test?

5. This test is based on God's character (1 John 1:5), on who he is and how he acts. John uses two symbols of

Light and Darkness. What is the meaning of the symbols of light and darkness (1 John 1:5-7; see John 3:1921)? 6. The first part of John's test concerns the way we live our lives or "walk" (1 John 1:6-7). What is the relationship between our how we live our lives and our claim to have fellowship with God? 7. The second part of John's test concerns our attitude toward sin (1 John 1:8-10). What does John mean by the word Sin? in We can deny that we have sin or we can confess our sin. What would you say the word Confess means? 8. If we confess our sins, or if we deny that he have sinned, what does this tell us about our relationship with God?

8. Based on your study of this passage, what does it mean to have fellowship with God and each other?

9. Does John's test strengthen or weaken your assurance of fellowship with God? Explain.

10. How can fellowship with God help us to have fellowship with those who know the Father and the Son?