In these verses, the apostle John shares the purpose of his declaration and writing to the believers. He testifies to what he has personally seen and heard concerning Jesus and desires that the recipients enter into fellowship with him and others. Furthermore, he emphasizes that this fellowship extends to the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ. By sharing these truths, John aims to bring forth a fulfillment of joy among them.
John begins by affirming that what he and the other apostles have seen and heard concerning Jesus, they declare to the believers. Their eyewitness testimony carries weight and authority, and they faithfully proclaim it to the recipients of the letter. This declaration serves as a foundation of truth upon which the believers can build their faith.
The purpose of John's declaration is twofold: first, that the recipients may have fellowship with the apostles and other believers, and second, that this fellowship extends to the Father and the Son. The apostles desire to share in a meaningful relationship with the believers, inviting them to participate in the same faith, experiences, and spiritual realities. It is an invitation to unity, communion, and shared life in Christ.
This fellowship goes beyond mere human connection. It includes a profound spiritual communion with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Through their union with Christ, believers are invited into a deep, intimate relationship with the triune God. It is a fellowship characterized by love, grace, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
John emphasizes that he writes these things to the believers with a specific intention: that their joy may be fulfilled. The apostles desire to bring about a fullness of joy in the lives of the recipients. By sharing the truth about Jesus and inviting them into fellowship, they anticipate a deep, abiding joy that comes from knowing and experiencing God's presence and love.
The invitation to fellowship and the fulfillment of joy have significant implications for believers. It is a call to relationship and community, urging us to embrace a shared life in Christ. We are invited to participate in the fellowship of believers, walking in unity and love, supporting and encouraging one another in the faith.
Furthermore, this fellowship extends to our relationship with God. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are welcomed into a profound communion with the Father and the Son. We have access to God's presence, His love, and His transforming power. It is in this fellowship that our joy finds its fullness and completion.
John's words also highlight the inseparable connection between fellowship with one another and fellowship with God. We cannot fully experience the richness of our relationship with God without actively participating in the fellowship of believers. Our love for God is demonstrated through our love for one another, and our unity in Christ testifies to the reality of our faith.
In conclusion, 1 John 1:3-4 emphasizes the apostles' testimony concerning Jesus and their invitation to fellowship with believers. It speaks of a shared participation in the truth, love, and life of God. The apostles desire for the recipients to enter into a deep, intimate relationship not only with them but also with the Father and the Son. Through this fellowship, believers experience the fullness of joy that comes from knowing God and walking in unity with one another. May we embrace this invitation to fellowship, cultivating relationships grounded in truth, love, and the presence of God, so that our joy may be fulfilled in Christ.
1 John 1:3-4. Our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ. And we write these things to you, that our joy may be fulfilled.