Sermons on 1 John 1:3

1 John 1:3 Interpretation:

Proclaiming the Truth: The Essence of 1 John (Solid Rock Community) offers a detailed linguistic and contextual analysis of 1 John 1:3, focusing on the Greek word "koinonia" (fellowship). The sermon argues that "fellowship" is an inadequate translation, as "koinonia" encompasses partnership, unity, and a shared life, not just social interaction. The preacher also distinguishes between the different uses of "beginning" in John's writings, asserting that here it refers to the earthly ministry of Jesus, not the cosmic or pre-creation beginning. The sermon uses the analogy of authentic currency to explain how knowing the true Christ (as opposed to syncretistic or Gnostic versions) is the only way to discern counterfeits, emphasizing the importance of apostolic eyewitness testimony. The progression from hearing, to experiencing, to proclaiming is highlighted as a spiritual journey for every believer.

Building a Christ-Centered Community in a Distracted World (Arrows Church) provides a unique analogy comparing "koinonia" to a shared banner at a sports stadium, where thousands are united not by personal acquaintance but by a common allegiance. The sermon also draws a sharp distinction between socializing and true fellowship, likening socializing to "nibbling on hors d'oeuvres" while true fellowship is "diving into a t-bone steak." The preacher stresses that "koinonia" is not a church-invented word but an everyday Greek term for deep partnership, and that Christian fellowship is a supernatural fulfillment of a universal human longing for community, rooted in the image of God as Trinity.

Fellowship with God: The Essence of True Relationships (David Guzik) interprets 1 John 1:3 as a radical invitation to relationship with the eternal God, emphasizing the Greek word "koinonia" as a living, breathing, sharing relationship. The preacher uses the metaphor of a missing puzzle piece to illustrate the innate human longing for divine fellowship, and argues that the apostolic testimony is not myth but eyewitness reality. The sermon also notes the order of the verse—fellowship with believers precedes fellowship with God in the text—suggesting that many come to God through relationships with other Christians.

Walking in the Light: Unity and Identity in Christ (Alistair Begg) interprets 1 John 1:3 in the context of communal identity and perseverance. The sermon emphasizes that Christian unity is not something to be created but cultivated and displayed, as all believers are already one in Christ. Begg draws on the language of "abiding" and "keeping" to show that true fellowship is both a gift and a responsibility, and he uses the analogy of a family or body to stress the communal, not merely individual, nature of Christian identity. The sermon also highlights the tension between assurance and warning, noting that perseverance in fellowship is both evidence of and means to security in Christ.

Steadfast Fellowship: Embracing True Koinonia in Community (SermonIndex.net) offers a detailed linguistic and conceptual analysis of the Greek word "koinonia," which is central to 1 John 1:3. The sermon uniquely unpacks the word by conducting a word study, noting that "koinonia" appears 20 times in the New Testament and is translated as fellowship, communion, communication, distribution, and contribution. The preacher provides four nuanced definitions: participation (being caught up in something bigger than oneself, entering into a pre-existing divine fellowship), partnership (a business or task-oriented relationship, likened to first-century fishing partnerships), sharing (a common life, mutual giving and receiving, not just socializing), and intimate fellowship (deep, open-hearted communion, not mere surface-level interaction). The sermon also distinguishes between true and counterfeit koinonia, warning that the word and concept can be abused, and that real fellowship must be guarded and pursued with diligence.

Embracing the Power of Cherished Fellowship (SermonIndex.net) interprets 1 John 1:3 by emphasizing that fellowship is not merely social but is fundamentally spiritual, intimate, and deliberate. The preacher draws attention to the Greek meaning of "fellowship" as "community" or "having things in common," and asserts that true fellowship is a community built on the reality that Christ has come. The sermon further interprets the passage by highlighting that the purpose of apostolic proclamation is to create fellowship, not power structures or social clubs. The preacher uses the Hebrew phrase "panim al panim" (face to face) to deepen the understanding of intimacy in fellowship, connecting it to Moses' relationship with God and applying it to Christian community. The sermon also insists that fellowship must be actively pursued and maintained, not left to chance.

Embracing Genuine Fellowship in Spiritual Growth (SermonIndex.net) interprets 1 John 1:3 by contrasting three types of gatherings: congregation (unconnected individuals), club (connected but without spiritual life), and church (connected to Christ, the head, and to each other by the Holy Spirit). The preacher uses the analogy of the body from Ezekiel 37 and the functioning of a pianist's body parts to illustrate that true fellowship is not just being together, but being vitally connected to Christ and, through Him, to one another. The sermon insists that fellowship with God (vertical) and with one another (horizontal) are both essential, as depicted in 1 John 1:3, and that mere socializing or organizational connection is not sufficient for biblical fellowship.

Embracing Divine Fellowship in the New Covenant (SermonIndex.net) interprets 1 John 1:3 as a radical invitation to participate in the very nature of God, emphasizing that the word "fellowship" (koinonia) is not merely social interaction but a profound unity and communion with the divine nature itself. The sermon draws a sharp distinction between the Old and New Covenants, noting that such fellowship was unknown in the Old Testament and is the supreme benefit of the New Covenant—greater even than the promise of heaven. The preacher uses the analogy of a worker who glories in free water at work but ignores the far greater benefit of a paycheck, illustrating how Christians often miss the true privilege of union with God. The sermon further unpacks the Greek term for fellowship, equating it with "unity," and insists that the same unity believers have with the Father and the Son must be mirrored in their relationships with one another. The preacher stresses that this unity is not generic human solidarity or even mere association with all who call themselves Christians, but a specific, Spirit-enabled unity among those who are themselves united with God. The sermon also introduces a unique interpretive journey: believers begin with the "unity of the Spirit" (shared by all who have the Holy Spirit) and are called to grow into the "unity of the faith," where all personal ego is set aside and God becomes everything. This is illustrated with the metaphor of being "nothing" so that God can be "everything," both in relationship with God and with fellow believers, and is described as the true essence of Christian fellowship.

1 John 1:3 Theological Themes:

Proclaiming the Truth: The Essence of 1 John (Solid Rock Community) introduces the theme of anti-syncretism, warning against blending secular or alternative spiritual philosophies with Christianity. The sermon uniquely ties the necessity of Christ's incarnation to the possibility of true fellowship and salvation, arguing that if Christ did not come in the flesh, there is no basis for koinonia or atonement. The preacher also explores the idea that joy is only complete when it is shared, making proclamation of the gospel an overflow of experienced fellowship.

Building a Christ-Centered Community in a Distracted World (Arrows Church) presents the theological theme that the longing for community is a reflection of the imago Dei (image of God), rooted in the eternal fellowship of the Trinity. The sermon adds the facet that all human attempts at community are mere "shadows" of the true fellowship found in Christ, and that only the indwelling Holy Spirit enables genuine koinonia. The preacher also distinguishes between socializing and spiritual fellowship, arguing that only the latter is "life-sustaining."

Fellowship with God: The Essence of True Relationships (David Guzik) highlights the theme that relationship with God is not only possible but intended, and that the order of fellowship (with believers, then with God) reflects the evangelistic and communal nature of Christian faith. The sermon also explores the transformative aspect of fellowship, asserting that true koinonia with Christ results in becoming more like Him, and that joy is the natural result of this relationship.

Walking in the Light: Unity and Identity in Christ (Alistair Begg) develops the theme of perseverance and assurance within the context of fellowship. The sermon uniquely stresses that Christian unity is an ontological reality to be displayed, not manufactured, and that abiding in the word and in community is both a sign and safeguard of true faith. Begg also addresses the danger of apostasy and the necessity of remaining in the truth as a communal discipline.

Steadfast Fellowship: Embracing True Koinonia in Community (SermonIndex.net) introduces the theme that koinonia is a multi-dimensional reality encompassing participation, partnership, sharing, and intimate communion. The sermon stresses that this fellowship is not man-made but divinely created, ancient, and something believers are brought into by the Spirit. It also warns of the dangers of counterfeit fellowship, where the form is present but the substance is lacking, and emphasizes the need for doctrinal and prayerful boundaries to protect true fellowship.

Embracing the Power of Cherished Fellowship (SermonIndex.net) presents the distinct theme that fellowship is a spiritual reality rooted in the shared experience of Christ's coming, and that it must be intentionally cultivated. The sermon uniquely applies the Hebrew concept of "face to face" (panim al panim) to Christian fellowship, suggesting that true joy and fullness come from intimate, personal engagement within the body. It also challenges the congregation to break through natural barriers (such as personality differences) and to see fellowship as a deliberate act of love and obedience, not just a byproduct of shared interests.

Embracing Genuine Fellowship in Spiritual Growth (SermonIndex.net) develops the theme that true fellowship is only possible when each member is directly connected to Christ, the head. The sermon warns against mistaking organizational or social connection for spiritual fellowship, and insists that only those who maintain a clear conscience and walk with God can experience genuine fellowship with others. The analogy of the pianist's body parts underscores the necessity of both vertical (with God) and horizontal (with others) connections for the church to function as intended.

Embracing Divine Fellowship in the New Covenant (SermonIndex.net) presents the distinctive theological theme that the greatest benefit of the New Covenant is not simply forgiveness or future hope, but actual participation in the divine nature—a concept rooted in 2 Peter 1:4 and directly linked to 1 John 1:3. The sermon develops the idea that true Christian unity is not organizational or superficial but organic and spiritual, based on shared participation in God's own life. It further argues that the unity described in 1 John 1:3 is both vertical (with God) and horizontal (with other believers), but that the horizontal unity is only possible when both parties are united with God in the same way. The preacher adds a fresh angle by insisting that the unity of the faith is achieved when all parties come with the attitude "I am nothing, God is everything," and that this is the only context in which true fellowship can exist. The sermon also provocatively claims that fellowship within the church is more important than evangelism, because only a church marked by this kind of unity is fit to receive new believers. This is a notable departure from common evangelical emphases and is supported by a nuanced reading of Luke 15:7.

1 John 1:3 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Proclaiming the Truth: The Essence of 1 John (Solid Rock Community) provides extensive historical context, explaining that 1 John was written two generations after Jesus, in a time when false teachings (such as Docetism and syncretism) were threatening the church. The sermon details the cultural background of Ephesus as a cosmopolitan port city and the rise of philosophies that denied the incarnation or minimized the importance of bodily existence. The preacher also explains the significance of apostolic authority in an era when eyewitnesses to Jesus were nearly gone, making John's testimony uniquely authoritative.

Building a Christ-Centered Community in a Distracted World (Arrows Church) offers the insight that "koinonia" was not a religious word but a common Greek term used in business, marriage, and contracts, indicating that the early church's use of the term would have resonated with everyday experiences of partnership and shared life. The sermon also notes the American cultural context of individualism and contrasts it with the biblical call to communal life.

Fellowship with God: The Essence of True Relationships (David Guzik) explains that in the ancient world, "koinonia" denoted a deep, participatory relationship, not just casual association. The sermon also references the Jewish and Greek philosophical backgrounds: Jews used "the Word" (logos) as a reverent circumlocution for God, while Greeks saw the logos as the rational principle behind the universe. John’s use of "logos" thus bridges both audiences, presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of both traditions.

Steadfast Fellowship: Embracing True Koinonia in Community (SermonIndex.net) provides historical context by explaining the use of "koinonia" in first-century Greek, noting its application to business partnerships such as fishing enterprises (e.g., Peter and his brothers). The sermon also situates the Acts 2 Pentecost event in the context of the Jewish Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), highlighting the diversity of the early church (Jews from every nation) and the miraculous unity created by the Spirit, which transcended cultural and linguistic barriers.

Embracing Genuine Fellowship in Spiritual Growth (SermonIndex.net) offers historical insight by referencing Ezekiel 37's vision of dry bones as a metaphor for different types of gatherings in Israel's history and in the church. The preacher contrasts the Old Testament congregation (unconnected individuals) with the New Testament church, which is uniquely characterized by the indwelling Holy Spirit and vital connection to Christ as head. The sermon also references the development of clubs and societies (e.g., Freemasons, Hindu clubs) to illustrate the difference between mere social connection and spiritual fellowship.

Embracing Divine Fellowship in the New Covenant (SermonIndex.net) provides historical context by highlighting that the concept of "fellowship" as described in 1 John 1:3 was not present in the Old Covenant; instead, Old Testament figures like David, Jeremiah, and Elijah operated as isolated individuals rather than as part of a unified, Spirit-filled community. The sermon notes that Jesus' sending of disciples two by two and Paul's insistence on ministry partnership (even after conflict with Barnabas) reflect a New Covenant shift toward communal unity and mutual dependence, contrasting sharply with the lone-prophet model of the Old Testament.

1 John 1:3 Cross-References in the Bible:

Proclaiming the Truth: The Essence of 1 John (Solid Rock Community) references Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1 to distinguish the different "beginnings" in Scripture, clarifying that 1 John 1:3 refers to the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry. The sermon also cites 1 John 4:2-3 as a test for true belief in the incarnation, and 1 Timothy 3:16 and 1 Peter 2:24 (which quotes Isaiah 53) to support the necessity of Christ's bodily suffering for atonement. The preacher uses these passages to argue that denial of the incarnation undermines the gospel and the possibility of true fellowship.

Building a Christ-Centered Community in a Distracted World (Arrows Church) cross-references Acts 2:42-47 to illustrate the lived reality of koinonia in the early church, highlighting their unity, shared mission, and practical support for one another. The sermon also alludes to the Great Commandment (love God and love others) and the Great Commission as the foundation for Christian community.

Fellowship with God: The Essence of True Relationships (David Guzik) references Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1 to establish the eternal nature of Christ, and the Lord’s Prayer ("Our Father") to illustrate the radical intimacy Jesus offers. The sermon also alludes to the story of the Grand Canyon as a metaphor for the separation between God and humanity, bridged by the cross.

Walking in the Light: Unity and Identity in Christ (Alistair Begg) references John 17 (Jesus’ high priestly prayer) to connect the themes of unity, perseverance, and being kept in the Father’s name. The sermon also cites John 6 (the response to Jesus’ hard teachings), 1 John 2 (warnings against loving the world and antichrist), Hebrews 3 (warning against unbelief), Philippians 1:6 (assurance of perseverance), and Ephesians 2 (conversion from the world). Begg uses these passages to show the biblical pattern of communal identity, perseverance, and the dangers of apostasy.

Steadfast Fellowship: Embracing True Koinonia in Community (SermonIndex.net) references multiple passages to expand on the meaning of koinonia, including Acts 2:42-46 (the steadfastness of the early church in fellowship), Ephesians (the calling of every believer), and examples of counterfeit fellowship such as Judas (referencing Psalms and the Gospels), Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5), and Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8). The sermon also cites Jude 11 to warn against false movements (Cain, Balaam, Korah) that mimic true fellowship but are spiritually destructive. The preacher uses these references to show both the beauty and the dangers surrounding Christian fellowship.

Embracing the Power of Cherished Fellowship (SermonIndex.net) cross-references 2 John 12 and 3 John 13-14 to reinforce the themes of intimacy and deliberateness in fellowship. The preacher also alludes to the Old Testament story of Moses meeting God "face to face" (Exodus 33:11) to illustrate the depth of relationship that should characterize Christian community. Additionally, the sermon references Acts 16 (Lydia and the women's prayer meeting) and Titus 2 (women's ministry) as models for practical fellowship.

Embracing Genuine Fellowship in Spiritual Growth (SermonIndex.net) references Ezekiel 37 to illustrate the difference between congregation, club, and church, and 1 John 1:3 to emphasize the dual nature of fellowship (with God and with one another). The preacher also alludes to Revelation 2-3 to highlight the spiritual decline of churches even in the apostolic era, and to 1 Timothy 2 regarding the qualifications for church leadership and the importance of family life as foundational to church fellowship.

Embracing Divine Fellowship in the New Covenant (SermonIndex.net) references several passages to expand on 1 John 1:3. 2 Peter 1:4 is cited to show that believers are given "magnificent promises" to partake in the divine nature, equating this with the fellowship described in 1 John 1:3. Ephesians 4:1-6 is used to define the "unity of the Spirit" as the foundation for Christian fellowship, while Ephesians 4:13 describes the goal as the "unity of the faith," where believers are nothing and God is everything. Matthew 11:29 is referenced to highlight the virtues of humility and gentleness as essential for preserving unity. Luke 24 is mentioned as an example of how Jesus reduced the disciples to "nothing" so they could see that God is everything. Finally, Luke 15:7 is used to argue that God values a flock of "nothings" (those who constantly judge themselves and walk in repentance) more than evangelistic success, suggesting that true fellowship is the precondition for effective outreach.

1 John 1:3 Christian References outside the Bible:

Building a Christ-Centered Community in a Distracted World (Arrows Church) explicitly quotes Donald Whitney, a contemporary pastor and author, who says: "Man-made, human-centered associations and brotherhoods merely moisten the parched longing that our master means to saturate in another way." The preacher uses this quote to argue that only Christ-centered fellowship can truly satisfy the human longing for community, and that all other forms are mere shadows.

Embracing Genuine Fellowship in Spiritual Growth (SermonIndex.net) explicitly references a Christian booklet titled "The Congregation, the Club, and the Church," which is used to frame the distinctions between different types of gatherings and to encourage readers to seek true spiritual fellowship. The preacher also mentions his own and a colleague's books as resources for understanding and practicing biblical fellowship, emphasizing the value of learning from the accumulated wisdom of Christian teachers.

Embracing Divine Fellowship in the New Covenant (SermonIndex.net) explicitly references the preacher's father as a primary source for the teaching on fellowship, noting that much of the message is "almost word-for-word" taken from him. The father is credited with the insight that fellowship is more important than evangelism, a view he has published in a book called "One Body in Christ" and in various articles. The sermon quotes the father's argument that God will only bring new believers into a church where the existing members are marked by humility and repentance, rather than ego and division.

1 John 1:3 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Building a Christ-Centered Community in a Distracted World (Arrows Church) uses the analogy of 90,000+ people at a Nebraska football game, united under a common banner (the red "N"), to illustrate how Christians are united under the banner of Jesus. The preacher notes that, like fans who high-five strangers because of shared allegiance, Christians can have instant fellowship with other believers worldwide. The sermon also uses food metaphors—comparing socializing to "nibbling on hors d'oeuvres" and true fellowship to "diving into a t-bone steak" or a "seven-course meal"—to highlight the difference between superficial and deep community. Additionally, the preacher references the experience of men bonding over sports or hobbies without ever discussing anything significant, to illustrate the danger of mistaking socializing for true fellowship.

Fellowship with God: The Essence of True Relationships (David Guzik) uses the metaphor of a missing jigsaw puzzle piece to describe the innate human longing for divine fellowship, arguing that only relationship with God can complete the puzzle of our lives. The sermon also references the movie "Men in Black" and its memory-wiping device as a way to imagine hearing the gospel with fresh ears, and uses the analogy of a Grand Canyon to describe the separation between God and humanity, bridged by the cross. The preacher also describes the fleeting happiness of watching a funny movie in a crowded theater, contrasting it with the abiding joy found in Christ.

Steadfast Fellowship: Embracing True Koinonia in Community (SermonIndex.net) uses the secular example of first-century Greek business partnerships, specifically fishing enterprises, to illustrate the meaning of "koinonia" as partnership. The preacher also references the Old Testament Feast of Weeks (Shavuot) and the influx of people from many nations into Jerusalem as a historical backdrop for the miraculous unity of the early church.

Embracing Genuine Fellowship in Spiritual Growth (SermonIndex.net) employs the analogy of a pianist's body parts working in harmony, controlled by the brain, to illustrate the necessity of each church member being connected to Christ, the head, for true fellowship to occur. The sermon also references modern clubs and societies (Freemasons, Hindu clubs, tennis clubs) as examples of organizations that provide social connection and mutual aid but lack the spiritual life that characterizes the church. Additionally, the preacher critiques the use of social media platforms like Facebook as distractions from genuine fellowship and spiritual growth, warning that they can foster pride and jealousy rather than edification.