1. In this lesson we are examining the information presented in 1 John 2:7-11. 2. In his letter John wrote at length about having fellowship with God. a. John began his letter (1:1-3) by showing that Jesus came in the flesh as the Son of God so we can have fellowship with Him and the Father. b. This is good news -- John wrote it so our "joy may be full" (1:4). c. John continued by showing that having fellowship with God is conditional. 1) (1:5-7) We must walk in the light as God is in the light. 2) (1:8-10) We must confess our sins. 3) Thankfully, Jesus makes it possible for us to remain in fellowship with God. a) (2:1) He is our advocate with the Father. b) (2:2) He is the propitiation for our sins. 4) (2:3-6) We must keep the Lord's commandments and walk as Christ walked. 3. (2:7-11) John dealt with one command that we must obey to have fellowship with God.
Discussion:
I. (vs.7-8) JOHN IDENTIFIED THE COMMANDMENT UNDER CONSIDERATION
A. He first identified it in vs.7 as "an old commandment." 1. It is "old" in that: a. God's people have had it "from the beginning" b. God's people have heard it "from the beginning." 2. We learn what this "old commandment" is in 3:11 and 2 John 5. 3. God had commanded His people to love each other for many years (Leviticus 19:17-18). B. John continued in vs.8 by identifying this command as "a new commandment." 1. This is the love taught by Christ (John 13:34-35; 15:12-13). 2. This love is described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. C. Remember the conditions for having fellowship with God. 1. We must walk in the light as God is in the light. 2. We must confess our sins. 3. We must keep the Lord's commandments. 4. We must walk as Christ walked. D. On the basis of these conditions, John continued by pointing out that . . .
II. OUR RESPONSE TO THIS NEW COMMANDMENT DETERMINES WHETHER WE HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD (vs.9-11)
A. (vs.10) John said that one who loves his brother "abides in the light." 1. This is another way of saying that he has fellowship with God (1:7a). a. He is obeying the Lord's command (2:3). b. He is walking as Christ walked (2:6; Ephesians 5:2). 2. John stated that there is no "occasion of stumbling" in such a person. a. He won't stumble himself. b. He won't cause others to stumble. B. John also said that one who hates his brother is "in darkness" (vs.9, 11). 1. This is another way of saying that he has no fellowship with God. a. (1:5) There is no darkness at all in God. b. (1:6) It is not possible to have fellowship with God and walk in darkness. 2. One who hates his brother is disobeying the Lord's command, and he is not walking as Christ walked. 3. Hatred is associated with non-Christians (Titus 3:3). 4. Notice how serious hatred for a brother or sister is (3:15; 4:20). C. To have fellowship with God we must love our brothers and sisters. D. We cannot have fellowship with God and hate a brother or sister.
