Rev. James Petersen - The Fellowship of the Forgiven

STUDY GUIDE #1

The Authentic Christian Life                                                                                                                       “Fellowship and Forgiveness”

Prepare for Sunday, February 5, 2012                                                                                                                                     I John 1:1-10 

Getting Ready:

 What comes to mind when you hear the word fellowship?

 What does it mean to have fellowship with others?

 John begins this first letter with what scholars call a prologue (1:1-4), in which he presents the readers the basis for fellowship with God and each other. He then goes on to present the first series of tests by which we can determine if we have fellowship with God (1:5-10).

 Pray, Read, and Observe:

 Take a moment to ask God to speak to you from this passage and then read I John 1:1-10 out loud before continuing.

 Did anything stand out to you? Did any key words or ideas surface? Jot them down before continuing.

 Digging in to the passage:

 1.     John begins his letter with a big announcement. What is the essence of this announcement? (1:1-2)

 2.     What might it have been like to be the one writing such an announcement?

 3.     What are John’s reasons for announcing this message? (1:3-4)

 4.     In light of the message, what is the foundation of our fellowship with other Christians?

 5.     Why is this message so important to the authentic Christian life?

 6.     Describe the test John is using toe determine if we have fellowship with God. (1:5-10)

 7.     The basis for this test is God’s character (1:5). What specifically do light and darkness symbolize? (1:5-7 and John 3:19-21)

 8.     The first part of John’s test concerns the way we live or walk. (1:6-7) What type of person is John describing here?

 9.     The second part of John’s test concerns our attitude toward sin (1:8-10). What does our denial of confession of sin reveal about he reality of our relationship with God?

 10.   What attitudes in your own heart and life does this text bring to light?

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

 12.   Does John’s test strengthen or weaken your assurance of fellowship with God?

 Action Step:

  Based on your study, write down what God might be asking  you do to enjoy greater fellowship with other Christians…

…at home?

 …in your local church?

 …in the church of Albert Lea and beyond?