1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we to you, that you also may have fellowship with us… I. Fellowship with God implies CONVERSE WITH HIM. Who does not feel the charm of those hours which are spent in the society of a friend? Of our converse with God, a prominent example is the ordinance of prayer. II. The fellowship implies in it RESEMBLANCE TO GOD. In confidential intercourse there must be agreement on the great principles of human conduct. The fellowship also which we have with God implies, as indispensable for its first formation, a desire to resemble Him. The perfections of the Divine nature are offered to our imitation with softened glory in the character of Jesus Christ. III. This fellowship implies a PARTICIPATION IN ALL THE FULNESS OF THE DIVINE BOUNTY. Every noble purpose, every generous resolution that man can form, is given by the inspiration of the Highest. If, then, He hath enabled human friendship to think thus disinterestedly, and to act thus nobly, much more will He manifest the riches of His own love toward those whom He honours in fellowship with Himself. "We are filled," saith the apostle, "with all the fulness of God." (A. Brunton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. |
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