TruthfellowshipLIVE - Bismarck, N.D.

Walking in the Light
1 John 1:5–2:2 Part 2
Introduction
Without Christ, we are sinners eternally separated from God destined to face judgment from God for our works. But with Christ, we are at peace with God destined for eternal life in the presence of God. God’s desire has always been to regain fellowship with His creation. His standards are high. Only Christ could pay the penalty for the sins of mankind. Through His sacrifice on the cross, all people became savable. To receive this salvation, we must believe that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is sufficient to give us eternal life. Once we have believed in the Son, God wants us to remain in fellowship with Him. How do we do that?
The Basis for Fellowship – v. 1:5
The Light of Fellowship — vv. 1:6-7
The Requirements for Fellowship — vv. 1:8-10
We are not truthful when we claim to have no sin.
Even when we are in fellowship with God — in His light — we are sinners, but we can deceive ourselves.
When we confess our sins, our faithful and just Father will forgive us the sins we confess, and even our unknown failures.
When we deny what God reveals to us, we make God a liar.
The Advocate for Fellowship — vv. 2:1-2
Though we try to avoid sin so much as possible, sin does occur in the lives of believers.
Jesus defends us before the Father, praying for us that our faith should not fail.
Only Jesus meets the standard set by the holy and righteous God regarding sin.
It’s all about faith in Christ! Works don’t work!
Timeless Truth
The message to us is simple! God is light, perfect purity. To fellowship with Him, believers must share the light where He is. To share the light is to be in it, to be exposed to it, to refuse to hide in the dark from any reality it discloses. If our sin is revealed, we must confess it, then our fellowship continues. If we deny our sin, our fellowship ends. We are never perfect, even while we are in the light. Yet, even if we do sin, we can remain in fellowship with God because we have an Advocate. God’s holy standard is met only through Jesus, the Christ.
Living Lesson
You can have fellowship with God! Be open and honest with God. Our relationship with God involves prayer and His Word. Pray that God reveals any sin in your life. Then take ownership of that sin and confess it to God. He will forgive you. Through prayer, give praise and thanksgiving to God. Open your heart to Him. Then devote yourself to God’s Word so you can know Him personally. Study and even memorize His Word so it becomes your guide through life. Your task is to remain in the light!