1. In Genesis 5:21-24 we read about Enoch. a. According to vs.21, he was the father of Methuselah [he was also the grandfather of Lamech, and the great-grandfather of Noah -- vs.25-29]. b. It is stated twice in vs.22 & 24 that Enoch "walked with God." c. We learn from vs.23-24 that "God took him" at the age of 365 years [Enoch "was translated that he should not see death" -- Hebrews 11:5]. d. By walking with God, Enoch had close fellowship with God, and God blessed him. 2. In our lesson we are studying a number of passages that teach us what we need to know about "having fellowship with God." 3. Let us first examine . . .
Discussion:
I. PASSAGES THAT TEACH US HOW TO BE IN FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD
A. Ephesians 2:11-19 1. (vs.11-12) Without Christ, there is no fellowship with God. 2. (vs.13-19) Christ has made it possible for us to be reconciled to God so we can be in fellowship with Him. a. (vs.13) The Lord's blood brings us near. b. (vs.16) The Lord's cross allows us to be reconciled in the one body. c. When we are reconciled to God we enjoy tremendous blessings. 1) (vs.18) We have access to the Father. 2) (vs.19) We become members of God's household. B. 1 Corinthians 1:9 1. God has made it possible for us to be called unto the fellowship of His Son. 2. The Bible teaches us how and when the Corinthians were called unto this fellowship (Acts 18:8b; 1 Corinthians 12:13). C. Summarize: 1. Before we become Christians we have no fellowship with Christ or the Father. 2. However,: a. Christ has made it possible for us to have fellowship with the Father. b. The Father has made it possible for us to have fellowship with Christ. c. We know from the Scriptures how to have fellowship with the Father and Christ. D. Let us turn our attention to . . .
II. PASSAGES THAT TEACH US HOW TO STAY IN FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD
A. John 14:23 1. Jesus said that we must keep His words. 2. Love for the Lord will motivate us to keep His words (see vs.15). 3. Jesus said that He and the Father will make their abode with those who keep His words. B. 1 John 1:1-10 1. (vs.3) John mentioned being in fellowship with the Father and Christ. 2. (vs.6) We cannot walk in darkness and have fellowship with God because there is no darkness at all in God (vs.5). 3. However (vs.7), if we walk in the light as God is in the light we have fellowship with Him. 4. (vs.7b) The Lord's blood continues to cleanse us. a. (vs.8, 10) Those who claim to have no sin commit a grievous error. b. (vs.9) If we confess our sins, God will cleanse us (Proverbs 28:13). C. Having fellowship with God is conditional. 1. Jesus said that keeping His words is a condition (John 14:23). 2. According to 1 John 1:5-7, walking in the light is another condition.
Conclusion:
1. Enoch had close fellowship with God, and God blessed him. 2. Let us follow the Scriptures that teach us how to have fellowship with God.
