Message Outline:
1 John 1:1-4
Koinonia (fellowship) means partnership; sharing in participation together.
What does REAL FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS look like?
When we spend time with God, we get the real treasure: God himself!
What does REAL FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHERS look like?
MY joy can’t be complete without you. And OUR joy can’t be complete without each other.
Challenge 1 find time each day to spend with Jesus just to get to know him better.
Challenge 2 get yourself in a place where you are engaged in REAL FELLOWSHIP with other believers in this church on a regular basis.
Follow Up Questions:
Starter/Icebreaker Question: Have there been any times where something “fake” (IE a post, picture or video on the web) has really fooled you? How did it affect you? What are the implications of people believing in or following an inauthentic version of Jesus?
Read/Review 1 John 1:1-4 1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
Verses 1-2 John emphasizes that he heard, saw, and touched Jesus.
How does the eyewitness nature of his testimony affect your confidence in the gospel message, knowing he experienced Jesus first-hand?
Verse 3 emphasizes fellowship (koinonia) which mean partnership, sharing in participation, and having a common bond.
What does it mean to have real fellowship and connection with Jesus? Do you believe you are fully known and fully loved by Him? Are there past or present sins, failures and struggles that make you doubt that? If so, please share them.
What does it mean to have real fellowship and connection with others? What are the things you don’t want other people to know about you for fear they won’t love you (or even like you) anymore?
What does your fellowship (devotional life) in relationship/fellowship with Jesus look like? When and how much time are you spending with him personally on your own? In a small group context? In an accountability relationship with a friend?
Verse 4 John refers to our joy being complete when we have fellowship in Christ with others.
Who are those you feel like you are experiencing that with right now?
In the message you were encouraged to think of a few people you are close with that don’t know Jesus. How does their separation from Christ make you feel? What does it stir up in you?
Prayer: Pray for a deeper personal connection (fellowship) with Jesus, and for courage to get real and go deeper with one another. Pray for the Portico community to grow in this as well.