Day 1

Fellowship with God

from the 1, 2 & 3 John reading plan


1 John 1:1-10, Numbers 14:18-19, Matthew 28:18-20, John 1:1-5

BY Raechel Myers

Ever doubt your salvation?

I think I’ve got it right, but what if I’m wrong?
I know the gospel story, but do I really understand it?
I believe Jesus was who He said He was, but what does it mean for my life today?

If you and I are asking these questions now, imagine how early Christendom must have wrestled with the newness of the gospel message—a message that stood contrary to any attempt to earn salvation through the accumulation of knowledge and wisdom.

John wrote three relatively short letters to assure the world then, and us now, that salvation is from God: the gospel is true. John’s Gospel is the historical, theological record of Christ’s life on earth, and his letters are the pastoral communication of the significance of Christ’s life. They build on what we already know. John begins by using four words we honestly need to hear from him:

Heard. Seen. Observed. Touched.

We need to hear them because they are sensory, tangible. They communicate real events that were physically witnessed by many, including John himself. In short, they are “proofs” of the gospel.

You see, John was actually there for the Sermon on the Mount. He was there to hear Jesus’s own voice tell the parable of the prodigal son, and declare, “Before Abraham was, I Am” (John 8:58). John could still remember the sting of Christ’s rebuke about who should sit at His side in the coming kingdom. And “Here is your mother,” are words John would likely never forget hearing Jesus breathe out to him from the cross (John 19:27). John watched Jesus walk across the Sea of Galilee, and he was on the scene to partake in the institution of the Lord’s Supper.

Heard. Seen. Observed. Touched.

John begins by assuring us that his Gospel account (the book of John) is true. Then, he invites us down a path of holy concern to examine whether the message of the gospel has actually changed our lives.

Do you say you have fellowship with Christ, but walk in darkness? Or do you have real, in-the-light fellowship with the Savior of the world?

Do you say you have no sin? Or do you actively confess your sin, believing Christ is able and sufficient to cleanse you and bring you into the light?

Do you fear the light? Prefer the darkness? Or do you live a life that combats darkness, seeking and shining?

These aren’t rhetorical questions. Let’s actually take some time today—real time—to ask ourselves and the Lord if we are actively struggling with darkness. The struggle itself is not sin. Ask any seasoned believer and they will testify to this truth: the Lord is always working in our hearts to bring light (Philippians 1:6). As long as we are on earth, there will always be darkness to drive out. And as long as we have breath in our lungs, the process of sanctification will be present. If we are not actively struggling with darkness, it isn’t because there is no darkness in our lives. It is because that darkness has become comfortable. The Christian life—the life of salvation through the gospel of Christ Jesus—is a life that will constantly battle the darkness until Perfection comes.

John’s letters are written to assure us of our faith. But like any excellent pastor, he writes both to comfort the afflicted, and to afflict the comfortable. He delivers the healing balm of the gospel message, but that message calls for an ongoing death to self that is anything but comfortable (1Peter 2:24).

Are you comfortable today, when perhaps there is darkness in and around you that you need to see? Let the Word of God bring about holy affliction, a conviction of sin and complacency that draws you closer to Him.

Lord, afflict us with your Truth, that we may be comforted. Shine light in our dark places. Let us never stop pursuing holiness.

Post Comments (200)

200 thoughts on "Fellowship with God"

  1. Britney Tourni says:

    I get upset in life when I feel nothing in my life works out in my favour, when will I know when gods test is over. Or does his test continue till we die.

    1. Andrea Sandre says:

      Hey Britney, I feel what you’re going through right now and I want to encourage you ❤️ God’s plan is not always our plan. Even if we can’t see it, He’s working and teaching us through all situations. Sometimes I feel like things don’t go my way, but through those tough times I learn how to help others also struggle through them. And that is a great way to show and share the gospel to others. The bible new said it would be easy, but it will be worth it!

    2. Sara JanePohlman says:

      God does not test us or our faith in Him. The world may test us, Satan might, sin or other people might. God will not. He has no need to test you. He knows who you are.

  2. Megan Krivsky says:

    Wow, love the bold, gentle, reality of this. I know in American Southern culture people often feel looked down on by Christians and it’s easy for Christians to come off as having “their life together.” When truly, we all struggle with darkness—believer or non believer. It’s just a matter of the response to that darkness and then seeing the fruit of the light overcoming the dark. Such good stuff!

  3. Maggi Ogunshuyi says:

    I don’t think that I have ever really studied this book in depth. Its a real reminder not to get complacent.

  4. Tom Catlin says:

    I’m new to She Reads Truth – just discovered it recently – sometimes I need someone to talk to and listen to.

  5. Patricia Burdukov says:

    I’ve been in darkness thinking I was in the light. It took evil thoughts finding there way to me to finally cry out for forgiveness because I became comfortable in my sin. That was when I began my journey back to God. It was not comfortable but I felt like I was getting closer to the light each step of the way. Thank God for never giving up on us, when we give up on ourselves. God’s love is so much more than any of us imagine! I love you all ♥️

  6. Leslie Johnson says:

    Jesus , remind me to not be comfortable in this world , but to
    keep my eyes fixed on Your Word so that it shines on every part of my heart and life .

  7. Katie Campbell says:

    Father, let me never stop pursuing holiness, even when I want to. Even when community is hard and staying pure is hard. The easier way out in the moment is to continue down a road of darkness. The road of light in uncomfortable and sacrificial, but in the long run it’s more joy filled, bears fruit and points to the love you have for us. Thank you that you offer a hard life of light rather than a dark life of ease. Please help me to choose the hard life of light rather than one of ease. I feel that I have been so accustomed to a life is darkened. Convict me and help me see. In Jesus name AMEN!!

  8. Denise Cain says:

    My Heavenly Father God, you know how, where, and when the words that are set before my eyes are needed. Your Will is done through everything that you put before me. Thank you for giving me this word to meditate upon and to apply to my heart. Thank you for reminding me that there is no room for darkness in your light, and that I am your light.

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